28 Things Life Has Taught Me by 28
Every birthday brings up a lot of emotions. I feel gratitude for still living, mixed with survivor’s guilt of “Why did I have 8 more years and others didn’t?” I tried to end my life when I was 20, and here I am, having blown out the candles another year.
I’ve learned a lot throughout my life, primarily over the past eight years. I think I might even finally be getting the hang of life—and not because I have everything figured out (I definitely don’t!!). I think what I’ve really learned is that everything, both the perceived good and the bad, has included a hidden lesson within. Some came through heartbreak and healing. Some I have learned through people who entered my life for a reason, even if it was just for a season. And, numerous through moments I wish I could relive and others I wish I could skip.
I thought I would take today to really reflect on what I’ve learned (and in many ways, still learning how to apply in my life).
Since life doesn’t hand us wisdom all at once, I thought I’d give you the 28 lessons, piece by piece.
Healing isn’t linear, and that’s okay.
Your worth isn’t determined by your productivity.
Not everyone is meant to understand your journey.
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Comparison steals joy faster than almost anything else.
Boundaries protect relationships—they don’t destroy them.
Some friendships are meant for a season, not a lifetime.
The people who celebrate your wins are worth holding onto.
You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to.
Saying “no” creates space for the right “yes.”
Success without peace isn’t success.
Rest isn’t something you earn. It’s something you need.
Small, consistent choices matter more than perfect ones.
It’s okay to change your mind when you’ve grown.
Your past explains you. It doesn’t define you.
Joy is usually found in ordinary moments, not extraordinary ones.
The conversations we avoid often become the ones we need most.
Being vulnerable creates deeper connection than pretending you’re okay.
Confidence comes from keeping promises to yourself.
You can’t pour into others if you’ve ignored yourself for too long.
Some doors closing are actually protecting you.
Progress is often quieter than we expect.
Celebrate the milestones that no one else sees.
You don’t need everyone’s approval to move forward.
The question “Why?” is one of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself.
Your life doesn’t have to look like someone else’s to be meaningful.
People rarely remember what you achieved. They remember how you made them feel.
The goal isn’t to become a perfect version of yourself. It’s to become a more honest one.
As I step into another year, I know there will be lessons I can’t see yet. How exciting! (and how terrifying!)
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this list, it’s this: You don’t have to have your whole life figured out today. You just have to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep giving yourself the permission to grow.
And maybe today is a good day to ask yourself a simple question: What’s one lesson life has been trying to teach me lately?
I’d encourage you to write down your own list. Whether it’s 18 lessons, 28 lessons, or 58 lessons, you’ll probably realize you’ve grown more than you’ve been giving yourself credit for.
Grab your journal, and if you don’t have one yet, I have one on my website that I personally use and love!
A 150-page journal for reflection, expression, and connection with yourself as you play Pieces of You. Perfect for individual use or for the journal prompt section in the board editions.
