Twenty Seven- The Oldest I've Been So Far

I have been living in VA for almost three years. I moved in at the end of September 2023, a few months after my 24th birthday. Three years have gone by in the blink of an eye. VA has become my home, in more ways than one. I am comfortable walking and driving around town and love to show off my ‘new’ neighborhood to family and friends when they visit. Living here has given me a new sense of confidence and independence. I know what I’m capable of and that I achieve whatever I put my mind to. I remember when I first moved in, living off unemployment since I was let go before moving, how anxiously excited I was. Anxious, to not have a clear plan for the first time, but excited to be in a new space where new memories were waiting to be made. 

I met my roommate Lydia on Facebook, but we happen to have a mutual friend who I went to college with and she grew up with. We clicked instantly, which was a relief since I’ve had my fair share of roommate horror stories from the past. Living with a friend has been nothing short of amazing. I am so grateful for the memories we made, the laughs we had and the time spent in our beautiful home of apartment 1902. Love you Lyd, smooches!

Leaving the comfort of living with a friend, to live with a partner feels like the end of an era. I’m so grateful to have a partner like Ryan, who I want to come home and see each day. I’m excited for this next chapter for us, but it’s bittersweet. An end of an era and the beginning of one. 

In a few short weeks, I will be 27, which is truly insane to even type out. My mom reminded me sweetly on the phone,that I am closer to 30 than 20. How is that possible? I blinked and here I am. Nearly 27. I used to think I would have it all figured out by now. I don’t know what “it” is, but all the main characters in every rom-com seemed to know and they had it down to a science. I was convinced that by this time I would be living in the big city ( NYC), be a journalist, and have bangs. When I envisioned myself older, I also thought I would have bangs. So none of those things fully come to fruition. However, I do live close to DC, which is an amazing city. I still write when I can, though it’s not being read by thousands of people that can change! No, I still don’t have bangs, that part probably won’t change anytime soon (sorry younger Shelby). Even though my life doesn’t look exactly or at all like the younger me thought it would, I like to think she would be proud of me and would think I’m cool. 

I wanted to share a few things in my 26th year of life, some lessons and tips that I’m ready to bring along with me for my next trip around the sun. Getting older is always a weird feeling, but I’m proud of how far I have grown and feel as if I’m becoming the person I am meant to be with each passing year. 

26 things I learned from being 26

1. Treat yourself with kindness, and remember that inside you is still the young, vibrant, and curious child you once were, speak to her kindly.

2. Get second opinions for anything that might be wrong with your car or you’re gonna spend a lot more money than you want to

3. Matcha is quite yummy! I especially like the ones at Blank Street and the strawberry matcha from Spot of Tea.

4. Give yourself more time in the morning so getting ready to commute is less stressful.

5. Therapy and medication are fucking fantastic! Very thankful for them!

6. I love using my Kindle for travel since it’s able to hold multiple books at a time, but I still do prefer holding a physical book.

7. Doing hot yoga a few times a week does wonders for your mental health and you get pretty strong while you’re at it.

8. Give yourself grace. You are allowed to make mistakes, you’re only human. 

9. Still sleeping with the same stuffed animal that I have had since I was born, is very cool and chic. 

10. I feel at home with the friendships that I have made and I’m so so grateful for the amazing women in my life. 

11. A healthy sense of nostalgia can do wonders for your imagination. 

12. Call your family often!! 

13. Taylor Swift is and will always be my favorite artist. We are so lucky to live at the same time as her.

14. Being able to write how you are feeling is truly cathartic, I highly recommend 

15. Coloring and paint by numbers are great ways to keep your mind busy, while not feeling the urge to scroll on your phone. 

16. I’m so proud of myself for how far I have come, I feel stronger in my sense of self than ever before 

17. So much of what you stress out about is completely out of your control, focus on what you can change.

18. New Girl, parks & rec, and Criminal Minds are my favorite shows to continuously re-watch

19. Wear the short little skirt, who cares!! You will only be this young once.

20. It’s ok to not have a set plan for your future. To be honest, who truly does?

21. Comparison is the thief of joy. Your life is precious, don’t spend it comparing it to how others live theirs.

22. Be courageous in the face of fear. You can do hard things.

23. A spritz on a warm day is truly a gift from god.

24. A healthy relationship is hard work, but with the right person, there is nothing more special. 

25. Wearing a silk bonnet and eye mask to sleep is quite nice, even if your sister thinks you look weird wearing it. 

26. Be grateful each and every day.

Cheers to the next chapter! End of an era, but the beginning of a new book. Here’s to 27! I’m excited to see what the next 365 days have in store :)

All my love,

Shelby