Birthday Reflections

In tradition of celebrating my birthday for an entire week (as opposed to the normal day-long celebrations of the rest of society), I have begun to reflect on what I have learned in my 26 years on earth, on this, the first day of my birthday week. I feel like I should have been jotting down thoughts all year long, so there may be gaps in this list. I gave it my best shot. I give you "The Top 10 Life Lessons I Have Learned in the Last Year."

1. It's okay to be 26 and single in Salt Lake Valley.

2. Sometimes things don't work out. It's a fact of life. We need to pick up the pieces and carry them to the next phase of our life - which, hopefully, is more exciting anyway.

3. A girl can never have too many shoes.

4. Sometimes spending money on things you don't really need can be very fulfilling.

5. Working for a cause and uniting with other people in a similar goal is always fulfilling. The relationships that are formed along the way are priceless.

6. Lyrics have different meanings at different times in our lives - the song was good the first time you heard it, but now it has new meaning, and you love it all the more.

7. The number on the scale is the worst indication of how healthy you are.

8. Reuniting with friends from the past helps you remember what it was like to be young and foolish. Keeping those friends as time progresses helps you grow together and still remember what it was like to be young and foolish, but only in reflection.

9. Sometimes "Oscar Movies" aren't really the best movies.

10. Family relationships really are one of your greatest assets in life. They are your best link to your past and those most likely to stand by you in the future.

I hope that as I embark upon my 27th year, the lessons I learn will be equally as important. And I hope the venues for learning them will be equally as fascinating.