28 Things to Know Before Turning 28

Hi there, we meet again – only this time, I'm not 27 anymore. Yep, I just turned 28.

Early twenties me would've been screaming and begging time to stop right about now. But here I am, in this strange yet oddly comforting era of my late twenties, where aging doesn't bother me as much anymore. Well, except for the occasional "Wait, school was over a decade ago?!" moments that feel like a punch to the gut.

Part of the reason might be that I don't look 28. People still ask my age and then gasp dramatically when I say it. "You look like you just graduated!" they tell me, which, sure, is flattering... but also mildly terrifying. 

Anyway, that's enough about the whole aging thing. Every year, I love doing these birthday posts. It's my little tradition – a way to reflect on life, lessons, and the chaotic beauty of it all. Turning 28 has been no different. There's been growth, mistakes, healing, and a whole lot of learning. But most importantly, the older I get, the more I feel like me. It's kind of magical.

So, here’s 28 things to know before turning 28:

1. Don't wait until you have "more money" or you're in that relationship. Life isn't going to pause until everything's perfect, and honestly, perfection is overrated. Embrace the chaos and make memories now.

2. "No." is a complete sentence. Sometimes "no" is all you need to say.

3. If you don't know what to pursue in life right now, pursue yourself. Focus on becoming the happiest, healthiest, most confident version of yourself. This kind of glow-up is priceless.

4. Learn to do things alone. Going to a café solo or exploring a museum by yourself is oddly empowering.

5. Not everyone has the same heart as you, and that's okay. Some people won't reciprocate your kindness, but that's their issue, not yours.

6. Missing out on temporary fun to build lasting stability isn't a loss. Skipping a night out or a trendy splurge for your long-term goals doesn't make you boring – it makes you smart. 

7. It's not your job to fix insecure people. Focus on your own peace instead.

8. Life doesn't end when someone doesn't like you. Spoiler: not everyone will, and honestly, that's on them.

9. It's okay to start fresh. Be it a new city, a new career, or even a new haircut – starting over isn't a failure, it's a reset. And reset is a good thing.

10. Putting yourself first isn't selfish, it's necessary.

11. Never stop changing your hair color. Life's too short to settle for just one shade when you can embrace a new look whenever you feel like it.

12. There's something beautiful about taking risks, even when they scare you. Some of my best decisions began as big, intimidating leaps. Like when I left my 9-to-5 to start my own business. Terrifying at first, but so worth it.

13. When things feel like too much, check in with yourself. Have you had enough to eat? Drunk enough water? Taken a breath of fresh air? If not, start there.

14. The way you talk about yourself matters. Affirmations might sound cringey, but they work.

15. Money will always find its way back to you. It comes and goes, but when you have it, spend it on the things that bring you joy.

16. What others think of you really isn't your concern. Just live your life and let them believe whatever they choose.

17. Go on a date more often. Even if it's just with yourself. Romanticizing your life is key.

18. Love is effortless. When it's right, it won't feel like a chore. My relationship with Adan taught me this – it just flows.

19. Set your boundaries before someone else sets unhealthy ones for you. Boundaries protect your peace.

20. Dreams and goals don't have limits. Whatever you want in life, go after it. It's yours for the taking.

21. Shop small whenever you can. Supporting small businesses makes a big difference. Plus, it feels so good knowing where your money goes.

22. The best things to spend your extra cash on are experiences. I've been taking more day trips and short getaways to places I've never been. Honestly, it's been amazing.

23. External validation won't fulfill you. It's just a temporary fix.

24. A good night's sleep does wonders. No explanation needed. Just sleep.

25. The older you get, the more "you" you feel. It's one of the best parts of growing up – you truly start owning who you are.

26. Worrying can consume you. Worrying is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do but gets you nowhere.

27. It's okay to get married and choose not to have children. Your life, your choice. Don't let anyone guilt you into thinking otherwise.

28. If it doesn't fit, don't force it. Whether it's clothes, relationships, or plans – if it's not working, let it go. Letting go makes room for what's truly right.

Your 20s can feel like a rollercoaster. As I approach the end of mine, it's still a ride full of highs and lows. But I hope this brings a little comfort as you navigate yours. Here's to being 28! 

What's one thing you've learned so far that you wish you'd known earlier?