Today is my birthday…
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and for some reason I am not at all excited.
Maybe because I realize that more adulting (by numbers) = more responsibility… ugh.
OR
Maybe because the last few birthdays have been kind of anti-climactic…
OR
because I love being in my twenties so much that I really hate that they keep passing by (I am turning 27 and accidentally forget and tell people I am still 25… Whoops, my bad! )
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Seriously, my twenties have been a complete roller coaster of unforeseen changes and lessons, but I have absolutely loved it. I have graduated with both my Bachelors and Master’s degrees, I have excelled in a career only to blow it up and start my own business, I met my fiancee and am getting married in a few months, and I have really learned just so much about myself as a person.
But today I reflect on this past year and the lessons I learned… while there are way more than 5 these are the most prominent and dominant 5:
1) Self care is top priority. This year has been beyond stressful in every area of my life, family, housing, business, friends… and my body and health have definitely experienced some negative consequences as a result of the stress. I am so grateful that Drops of Joy Jewelry sent me their oil diffuser necklace to try.
I get chronic headaches as some of you know, and with this necklace I can add a few drops of essential oil on the disc, put it in the locket, and let it diffuse into the air and clear up my tension headaches. How cool is that? Plus they have some adorable designs! I also got super nervous that I may eventually develop Fibromyalgia because my body is constantly tense (is that even how it works? Because that’s how I think it works and I keep freaking myself out), so I started getting regular massages and will get back into yoga this year.
2) The Facebook effect is much broader than just Facebook. I remember reading this article a couple of years ago about why Gen Y is unhappy and the American Psychology Association released their Annual Stress In America Survey for this year, which dubbed millennials as the most stressed generation. When I read the original article referenced in this point, I realized I was one of those entitle Gen Y “Yuppies” it talks about… I actually started teaching this article having groups read it while working as a counselor I found it to be so true…. But then I forgot about it.
While I’ve definitely lowered my expectations of life, I seem to have forgotten that the carefully crafted Facebook life, spans to a much broader reach than just Facebook…. It spreads to on-line personalities newsletters, website, webinars, testimonials, and their real life. This year I’ve had the pleasure to interact with high level coaches and realized they are living in fear that this carefully crafted persona will come crashing down… and that although they’ve built their businesses on hard work… they are now settling on entitlement to carry them through. I realize I don’t ever want to rest on my entitlement or “Facebook Effect” persona. I want people to know the struggle and hiccups, so they can connect and learn too… even if it means it takes a little longer to build my business and be seen as an expert. #Integrity4theWIN!
3) You can choose your family. Okay well I already knew this one and learned this lesson a long time ago, but to me, family is the person or people who show up, without strings attached, no matter what. They are the people that can respect where you are at and don’t punish you for taking care of yourself or being your own person. I am so grateful for the friends who have become family and my soon to be family (what?!? Am I really getting married in less than 4 months? This is starting to feel real!)
4) Just because someone writes about helping and supporting others doesn’t mean its true. My mind was blown when I learned that most testimonials on sites are people’s friends or family… Better yet… apparently it’s industry standards to blur the lines of those “praise” sections… Who knew?!? Maybe I am naive, but I really believed them when they had their picture, city, and name on there! Only after I learned this, I noticed if I read closely enough they are really a testimonial about the persons character, not services, seriously go read them. Even some of mine on rachelritlop.com fall into this… I really should update those.
5) Netflix isn’t the most important thing in my day. Last year, I think if you asked me how I spent my day, at least 8 hours of it was spent watching TV, literally, I am not exaggerating. This year, I buckled down and got way more serious about my business and nurturing relationships… proudly I can say Netflix is still my BFF, but we are only seeing each other 3-4 hours a day now.
Let’s get social! Join the Instagram Photo A Day Challenge
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How do you guys celebrate birthdays? What lessons are you learning?
tcmdisqus 
June 21, 2016 at 12:57 pm
Today is my birthday too! Happy Birthday!
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June 21, 2016 at 2:27 pm
That’s awesome!! Happy Birthday to you too!!
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June 21, 2016 at 2:32 pm
I love these! especially the first one, self care is so important! I always have to remind myself to be careful and make sure I’m doing enough self care, because I always forget it as a mom.
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June 21, 2016 at 5:58 pm
Thanks Lauren! I always forget it period hahaha I can’t imagine what its like as a mom! Props to you!
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June 21, 2016 at 4:48 pm
Happy Birthday Rachel!
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June 21, 2016 at 5:59 pm
Thank you Scott!
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June 21, 2016 at 5:36 pm
So many great lessons! It is so important to take care of yourself. If you’re not well then you can’t help others!
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June 21, 2016 at 5:59 pm
So true Michaela!
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June 21, 2016 at 10:37 pm
Happy Birthday to you! I hope you have a wonderful upcoming year. Your life lessons were great and wise.
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June 22, 2016 at 12:15 am
Awe thank you Trish!
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June 21, 2016 at 11:02 pm
Fabulous lessons! I turned 27 back in November (oh god… 28 is approaching…) and I’ve definitely learned a lot of these myself…
Netflix and I are SERIOUSLY tight… I blame over stimulation from advertising in my youth 😉
xxoxLaura @ http://www.cookwineandthinker.com
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June 21, 2016 at 11:03 pm
Another lesson: save your money like freaking crazy! Start as soon as you can.
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June 22, 2016 at 12:16 am
OMG YES! To the overstimulation of advertising at young age haha!
Yeah I’ve never had a problem saving thankfully! I’ve been saving since I started working at 14 haha but it’s a great lesson! I am such a jew and use so many money hacks to constantly reach my savings goals!
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June 22, 2016 at 12:40 am
I definitely feel you when you say that birthdays aren’t exciting anymore. For me, it’s more of learning self care, like you also mentioned, and that it should be top priority every single day. With each birthday, I learn that every day should be your birthday, so to speak, and that every day should be a celebration. You shouldn’t leave your happiness and wellbeing up to one single day a year. Thank you for sharing this, Rachel!
Sockwun | ExtraExtravagant.com
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June 22, 2016 at 2:35 pm
Haha I love that way of thinking! Thank you for sharing Sockwun! I’m going to celebrate today!
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June 22, 2016 at 3:24 am
I love this! Super cute post idea. I totally still think I’m 25, and I turn 27 in like a month ha! So I feel you there. Cheers to 27!
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June 22, 2016 at 2:36 pm
Haha I totally forgot last night when someone asked how old I was… I was like "Uh….?" Glad I am not alone! Cheers!
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June 22, 2016 at 6:06 am
Great post. Netflix is definitely my s/o right now haha :)XO Amanda | http://www.glitterandspice.com
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June 22, 2016 at 2:36 pm
HAHA LOVE IT!
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June 22, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Great post – my 25th is coming up in less than two weeks and it’s helpful to see someone who’s a couple years ahead still learning the ins and outs of life! I especially like your note about the social media persona. I definitely want to be real on social media, and unfortunately that does mean that blog growth can move a little slower, but yay for integrity and authenticity! Keep it up – and happy birthday!!
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June 22, 2016 at 2:36 pm
Thanks Lydia!
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June 23, 2016 at 5:36 pm
Such a great post!! I also recently turned 27, so found this extremely relatable! I totally agree with self care… I’ve recently come to realize how truly important it is!
xo Ashley
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July 14, 2016 at 7:58 pm
Awe happy belated birthday Ashley!!
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June 24, 2016 at 1:42 am
Family doesn’t always mean bloodline. So important through all the stages of life.
Also getting rid of cable and having just basic has cut my tv watching time down drastically. I see myself outdoors or reading a book quicker then turning on the TV.
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July 14, 2016 at 7:57 pm
Hell YES! I still love my TV too much to cut down on it haha but try to get outside everyday!
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June 26, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Happy belated birthday! #1 is so important – the older I get and the more personal and professional responsibilities heaped onto my plate, the more crucial self-care is. Thanks for highlighting this lesson!
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July 14, 2016 at 7:57 pm
Awe thank you!!
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June 28, 2016 at 4:02 am
What a good post! I love that it’s the perfect mix of light heartedness and seriousness.
xo,<a href="http://www.sarakatestyling.blogspot.com">Sara Kate Styling</a>
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July 14, 2016 at 7:57 pm
Thanks Kate!
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