Well, today marks the day that I have made it to a quarter of a century on this floating blue ball in the sky! I must admit, I never thought I would orbit the sun 24 times and on the 25th I would be celebrating on a quaint farm in Northern Thailand, but here we are. As I sit and reflect on the past 24 years and step into this new season, I decided to jot down a few of the lessons I have learned thus far on this journey we call “life”.
Hope you enjoy.
1. This world is full of unfathomable beauty and heart wrenching pain, all at the same time.
2. There is a distinct difference between knowledge and wisdom.
3. Sometimes, the people closest to you will be the ones who hurt you the most.
4. You can learn something from every single person you meet, no matter their age, color, or background.
5. Vulnerability is crucial to giving and receiving love well.
6. A person’s joy should not depend on outward circumstances.
7. Money complicates things. Plane tickets however… pretty simple.
8. Do not give up what you want most, for what you want now.
9. You have a story. One that is unique and unlike any other human that has ever existed. There is power in that.
10. Healthy communication is a game changer. (Still learning this one)
11. Science and the Bible are not mutually exclusive. Do your research.
12. Heartbreak, of various degrees, has the potential to spur you into seasons of growth in ways you wouldn’t have been able to experience otherwise.
13. One of the few forces in this life that is truly constant… is change.
14. A smile is universal in all languages.
15. Most people enjoy a lighthearted joke, even if they roll their eyes and you look silly telling it.
16. Kindness makes you the most beautiful person in the world, no matter what you look like.
17. It is wise to surround yourself with people who call you higher.
18. There is purpose to your pain. Figure out how to use it.
19. Traveling outside of the location you were born in can teach you more than any textbook can.
20. Some people come into your life for just a season and that’s okay.
21. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. The moment you step out of your comfort zone is the moment exponential growth is readily accessible.
22. You’re going to fail. If you can help it, fail forward.
23. Use your story. It could have the power to change someone else’s.
24. People all over the world crave to be seen and to be loved.
Lastly…
25. The number one reason you were born on this planet was to be loved by God and to love others. Stop trying to love God if you don’t know that He loves you.
(1 John 4:19)
And…. there you have it! 25 life lessons. I am thankful for those I have learned thus far & eager to experience what the next 25 has in store. Today I celebrate the past, present & the future and the mystery & beauty that which we call human existence.
So…bring it on, 25!
I am ready for you.
Your friend,
Bri
