Because Why Not Me? The Story of 27

It’s now a somewhat running joke on the blog that I am absolutely obsessed with my birthday and also terrified of them until the moment before I get a year older. I have had this freak out every year since I was 24. I had my quarter-life crisis at 24 which made way for one of the absolute best years of my life at 25. 26 was good as well and oh man, the weeks leading up to 27 were SOB-INFESTED. So now, 10 months into being 27, I am happy to say that 27 has been the absolute best year of my life and NOW… I’m not sure that 28 can get any better.

But one of the things about 27 that I’ve loved has been this. I’ve asked myself this question, “Why not me?” over and over again. It’s such a simple question. Flippant, almost. But when you really ask yourself, “WHY NOT ME?” it changes how you go after things. I’ve always struggled with lots of ideas but not the confidence to execute them. Then 27 happened. 

27 has been one of the most amazing years and I wish I could bottle it up. I’ve always said that 22 and 25 were my favorite ages. We’re going to have to make room for one more.

The Late 20’s Shift

I’m not super thrilled to say late-twenties, but man, its been incredible. I feel like SUCH a different person, in all the right ways. There’s just been a shift in my mindset about everything. Experiences are more valuable than items. I’m not as active on social media because I want to be more present. Little things that have felt like a mental shift. Suddenly, while still respecting that I have a lot to learn, I know enough to be a little dangerous in life, work and I’m not as afraid to say that I have thoughts. Sometimes at work I surprise myself because I’ve finally gotten to the point where I can speak in a professional tone, give respected input and also not take it personal when maybe things don’t go according to what I’d like. I’m finally realizing that wok is work and while I do find SO much of my identity is wrapped up in it, it’s okay if I need to take some time off or I have a “not as perfect” day.

I am very lucky that I LOVE so much about my job. I absolutely love the people I work with and for. There are definite days where I feel like, eh, it wasn’t like an amazing day. What’s INSANE to me now is that I used to beat myself up when I wasn’t IN LOVE every day with what I do. I wasn’t allowing myself to have a perfectly average day. Perfectly average days happen and they NEED to happen. We have so many crazy days (remember when I was buying Versace ties and Burberry scarves in Vegas)

Pursing what makes you happy

I’m also making time for a lot more of what makes me happy. October has always been my jam and this month, I took not only a true vacation with the boyfriend, but I am making weekend trips to visit out of town friends so we can do fall things. I’ve felt so connected to people I don’t get to see often and it refuels me. I’m relentlessly and unapologetically pursing that which makes me feel good in my season.

27 has been the age that I not only feel like I have ideas, but I know how to put action into them. Whether that is at work, entertaining or the blog. It’s taken a few years, but slowly all that grunt work has shown me how it’s shaping what I do. I know what I am good at and what I want to do. I don’t know exactly how to get to the end result, but I know how to put into action to keep moving.

So… why not me?

This question has shaped so much of the above. The confidence. The making time to do what fuels me. I’m working on many, many creative projects that have all been from that burning question. WHY NOT ME? Why NOT you? I know that I am in my season and that I’m here for a reason. I did not come this far to come this far.

Those thoughts that don’t leave you, the nagging feeling of your creative idea. Those are not random, they are calling to you. So why not you? Why shouldn’t you be that person that goes for it?