// Photos by Jennifer Kathryn Photography

I’m turning 27 on Sunday which blows my mind – it truly feels like I was 22 yesterday and I blinked and the past five years of my life have just flown by. I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately (big changes like moving across the country tend to do that to you) and man, has a lot happened since I graduated college and even since I started this blog of mine. It’s been a crazy and incredible ride and I am so grateful for every single opportunity that has come my way – if you would have asked 18 year old Cait what she thought she’d be doing at 27, there’s not a chance I’d guess that I would be where I am at the moment. I could have never predicted that I’d live in two new cities, have a lifestyle blog or that I would find such fulfillment from my career.

In my thinking of the time that has flown by, I wanted to pull together a little list of some of the life lessons I have learned through the crazy and exploratory years that are your early and mid twenties. And while these may not all be super deep and philosophic, they’re all part of that “figuring yourself out” process we all go through.

1. “Things” aren’t really what are most important.
2. Early in your career it’s critical to work hard, ask questions and not complain. Don’t be afraid to ask for more work and always over deliver. Hustle gets noticed.
3. Money in your savings account > that new handbag you need.
4. The best things really are outside your comfort zone.
5. Being brave always pays off. It’s okay to jump without knowing exactly where you’ll land.
6. There is absolutely nothing better than coming home to a dog at the end of the day.
7. Saying no is incredibly important for both your sanity and your happiness.
8. Always, always, always wash your face before bed. And makeup remover wipes don’t count.
9. Nothing cures stress as well an intense cardio sweat sesh.
10. Your parents are actually pretty cool people. And it’s okay to think this.
11. Never underestimate the impact that a handwritten note and never hesitate to tell someone you’re proud of them.
12. Don’t feel pressured by the trends. If you don’t like green juice, don’t drink green juice. It’s okay to not looooove something that everyone else seems to be obsessed with.
13. Comparison is the thief of joy. Set your own goals, have your own plan and don’t worry about anyone else.
14. You’re never actually too busy for anything. It’s all in your head. If you really want to do it, you can make it work. Don’t lean on the busy crutch!
15. It’s okay to be selfish sometimes. You’ve gotta take care of yourself and make sure you are making you happy.
16. Authenticity is the cornerstone of every good relationship. Be honest, be open and be your true self and stick with the people whose true self you enjoy.
17. It’s okay for your favorite food to be ice cream. Own it.
18. Don’t be afraid to do something other than your full time job. The passion and fulfillment that comes with a side hustle is worth the time commitment.
19. Never get too caught up in your own little world and forget about all that’s happening outside of it. Stay informed and aware.
20. Gratitude is the true secret to happiness.
21. Amazing things can happen when you’re confident in yourself. Own your ideas and fight for them. Confidence is infectious and is what makes shit happen.
22. Love someone who is your best friend and who brings out your best self. Make sure your partner treats you as an equal and gets as excited about your dreams and wins as you do.
23. Let go of grudges. Don’t hold in your feelings. Forgive easily.
24. Other women are not the enemy. Empower each other, support each other, be quick to help each other. Being jealous or competitive when it comes to other women is dumb. Get over it.
25. A night of delivery sushi, sweatpants and binge watching Netflix is good for the soul. Think of it as a mental reset.
26. Time flies by really, really quickly. Realize this and go after what you want. Don’t put off those “someday” things for too long or it’ll end up being too late.
27. Relax a little. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, even when things seem really awful. Stressing solves nothing. Focus on a solution, not just the problem.