my 21st birthday

I turn 21 today. yikes I can’t believe it=)

This is the 21st birthday on the 21st of August…this will only happen once. thus the reason for this post=)

The picture is of me and my brother Jonathan. His birthday is on the 19th of August. He’s 10 years older than me and for this reason we’ve always been favorite siblings=) He’s amazing and I could go on and on about all the things he’s taught me in life. Growing up he loved green beans…so I learned to love them as well. He’s the reason I do 50-100 crunches every day. He’s the reason I ran the mini marathon (check it out). Okay I’ll stop=) But let me add, he’s the best brother any girl could have =)

I’m 21 now…hard to believe. As a kid this seemed so far away and old. I still feel like the same person I was, but I know I’ve changed (my family reminds me that I have) 

My life seems so full already. But I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store for me. Honestly looking back I don’t see a lot of  “I wish I had done that differently” moments. But I do see mistakes,  I wouldn’t change any of those because I learned so much about life and myself going through them. They’ve made me into the person I am. Since my high school graduation I’ve learned so much. Here are three of the most important things.

1st:  Family is most important. They are the only people who will always have your best interest at heart.

2nd:  Learn to love yourself no matter your insecurities. Don't let them define how you feel about yourself.

3rd:  Stay true to your beliefs. People will admire you for choosing to do what’s right and what makes you happy, and not just following along with what people and your friends think is cool.

I've come to realize that both success and loss make you the person you are, but it's not so much who you used to be, but who you want to become. I would love for this next year of my life to be one of mostly success, but I know that I will be able to overcome the difficulties it has to offer as well. And how do I know this? I've survived 20 years filled with ups and downs and twist and turns. And I’ve had a fabulous time doing it=)  21 better be ready for me!

I’m starting off my 21st year with a trip to North Carolina. First trip by myself…flying and all! I can’t wait.