27 Things I'm Glad I Did Before Turning 27
Last year for my birthday, I wrote a blog post called 26 Things I Learned Before Turning 26. I had so much fun writing that post, because it gave me the chance to look back on my life and reflect on what I’d learned and how I’d grown. So I thought, why not do something similar again this year? So since I turned 27 last week (yes, I’m officially in my late twenties now…insert crying emoji), here is a list of 27 things I’m glad I did before turning 27.
Learned to listen to my parents
There’s a reason this one is first on the list. It’s amazing how much smarter your parents seem by the time you’re in your twenties. I ask for my parents’ advice so much more now than I did 10-15 years ago. I know that’s pretty normal, but boy do I wish I had listened to them more growing up. Whether I need advice on relationships, finances, work, or decision making, they always have something wise and helpful to say. Plus, they’re also super helpful when I need help doing my taxes or cooking something new.
Went to Israel
If you’re a follower of Jesus and you ever get the chance to go to Israel, take it! Your life will never be the same. Being able to see places I’ve read about in the Bible for decades was one of the must surreal experiences I’ve ever had. My faith will never be the same because of that trip.
Took a leap of faith
Growing up, my parents would tell me, “Kristen, if you ever feel like the Lord is calling you to do something, even if it doesn’t make sense to anyone else, you should do it.” I found myself in that exact position when I was 25 years old. I had no doubt the Lord was leading me down a different path in my career, but that meant quitting my job without another one. It was a decision that probably looked foolish and irresponsible from a distance, but I knew without a shadow of the doubt that it was the Lord’s doing. So I took the leap of faith. And because I did, I saw God show up and provide in new and exciting ways.
Improved the way I handle confrontation
I’ve always HATED confrontation. Whenever there was any sort of argument happening around me growing up, I would leave the room. Thankfully, my parents taught me that avoiding confrontation was not a good strategy. Instead, I learned to handle it with confidence, kindness, and honesty. I’m still not perfect in these kinds of situations, but I’m grateful I was taught how to handle tough situations the right way, because you can’t avoid confrontation forever (as much as I wish that were possible.)
Made a list of big goals
When I turned 25, I wrote down five things I wanted to do before I turned 30. Knowing I have these five things to work towards is super motivating, and it’s keeping me on track when it comes to working on what’s most important. If you don’t already write down your goals, try it! It's more helpful than you think.
Bought my dream car
I’ve wanted to drive a mustang since I was 14. But when I found myself out of college, financially stable, and with a paid off car, I figured I’d just stay on the practical route in life and keep my Hyundai Elantra. Then one day, my mom looked at me and said, “If you don’t do this now, you probably never will.” Once again, she was right. Less than a month later, I bought my mustang, and I haven’t regretted it for a second. In buying that car, I learned if you have a dream, and you have the means to pursue it, then you should go for it. Going the safe or easy route might not always be the best way to go.
Stopped wearing makeup all the time
Trust me, it’s so freeing. It takes the pressure off. And your skin feels amazing. Just try it.
Asked more questions
It’s human nature to want to share your opinion. Everyone wants to contribute their thoughts and feelings to a conversation. But I’ve learned that you add so much more value to a conversation and to a relationship when you ask questions. When you do this, you’re showing the other person you’re truly interested in what they’re saying and that you want to know more. And isn’t that what we’re called to do in Scripture, to not focus on our own interests (opinions) but to focus on the interests of others?
Faced rejection
You learn to appreciate hearing the word, “Yes” after you’ve been told “No” over and over again. Whether it’s in the context of dating or job-hunting, I’ve faced my fair share of rejection, particularly over the last couple of years. And even though it was tough and painful to walk through, I’ve grown so much because of it.
Chose to be vulnerable when it wasn’t easy
Vulnerability fosters vulnerability. Even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to speak up. You never know what could come from that moment of courage.
Found true friends
Friends are important in any stage of life, but I think they’re particularly vital when you’re in your twenties. I know for a fact that my life would not be nearly as wonderful without my friends! Whether it be my best friend Melanie that I’ve known for nearly 15 years, or my friends I’ve met at church in the last couple of years, true friends have added so much value to my life, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.
Learned the difference between good and great
Sure, there are relationships, opportunities, and jobs that have come along that were good, but there is definitely a difference between good and great. Don’t settle for the good you could have right now when you could wait for something great down the road.
Let go of my plans
I’d like to say I did this of my own free will, but that would not be true. God basically had to pry my plans out of my death grip until I let go. However, even though the letting go part wasn’t easy, I’ve seen and experienced more blessings that I never could have imagined on my own because my plans didn’t work out. And if God can do that for me, He can do the same for you.
Kept a prayer journal
I know I say this all the time, but keeping a prayer journey is like writing down God’s record of faithfulness in your life. And when you go through tough times, you have something to go back and read to remind you of all that God is capable of doing, even in the toughest of circumstances. So, if you’re not already keeping a prayer journal, start today.
Started a podcast
This was never on my list of plans or goals, but it’s been such a fun addition to my life! Helping women all over the world date with confidence and find joy and contentment in different seasons has given me so much purpose. If you haven’t already, check out the podcast and give it a listen: Looking For The Middle: The Christian Girl’s Guide To Modern Dating
Prioritized self-awareness
Learning who you are, how you’re wired, and where your blindspots are is one of the best things we can do if we want to grow and mature as humans. We all have room to get better, so why not prioritize becoming self-aware so we can improve ourselves and therefore become more like Christ?
Moved out
As much as I love my family and spending time with them, moving out was a great decision. Not only did it increase my level of responsibility and independence, but it also taught me some important, practical things about living on your own…things like working with utility companies, fixing the flusher on a toilet, and fanning the air with a cookie sheet while you’re cooking so the smoke detector doesn’t go off.
Took a road trip
If you’ve never taken a road trip, I would highly recommend you start planning one now. Whether it’s a quick one over the weekend, or a two-week trek like the one I took, they are so much fun! They’re laid back. You make your own schedule. You can pack as much as you can fit in your car, and you don’t have to deal with airport security (can I get an amen?).
Re-decorated my room
I had the same set of IKEA furniture for over 10 years. Enough said.
Spoke kindly to myself
For the longest time, I’ve had the bad habit of criticizing something about myself every time I look in the mirror. Then one day, I read a quote that said, “Never say something to yourself that you wouldn’t say to your best friend.” I immediately thought of all the negative things I say and think about myself, and I’d never say those to anyone else. I’m still not perfect when it comes to my self-talk, but I’m working on. I want to be kind with my words, and I know that starts with the words I say to myself.
Learned to play an instrument
This is a simple but fun thing I’m glad I learned before I turned 27. It’s especially fun right now when no one can really leave their homes. So if you’ve never learned how to play an instrument, now’s your chance! I personally have a keyboard piano on its way from Amazon that I’ll be learning how to play as soon as it gets here in a couple days.
Created a budgeting system
Have I mastered this? Absolutely not. But is it helpful as I’m getting the hang of it? Definitely. As Dave Ramsey says, you should be telling your money where to go, not wondering where it went.
Worked jobs I didn’t love
I’m very grateful that I love my current job, but I’ve had plenty of jobs that were not my favorite. Whether or not I liked them, I learned from them. I developed marketable skills. I learned how to deal with coworkers and customers in a positive, helpful way. And I learned that there’s more to life than what you do for a living.
Started drinking coffee
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. All I can say is that I’m beyond grateful that my Nanny got me to try her mocha frappuccino from Starbucks when I was 17 years old. I can’t thank her enough.
Found mentors
This is another talking point I harp on quite a bit, but my life would not be the same without my mentors. They’ve given me guidance and wisdom in some of the toughest, most pivotal moments of my life. So if you don’t have mentors, trust me, you’re going to want to get some sooner rather than later.
Walked through tough seasons
As my pastor said recently, “We learn virtually nothing in the wrinkle-free moments.” You don’t grow, mature, develop, or learn when everything is peachy 24/7. It’s the tough seasons that God uses to prune us more than anything.
Learned to see the good in the present moment
Just yesterday, I caught myself wishing for something I wanted but didn’t have. But as soon as I did, I felt the Holy Spirit reminding me to see the good in my present circumstances. So I listed all of the things I love about my life right now. It’s hard to be envious and dissatisfied when you’re practicing contentment and gratitude.