As I bid adieu to 26, I close out a year of learning and growth, probably the most significant year of my life’s journey thus far. The lessons from the year are numerous, and are nothing I like what I learned in my 17 years of formal education which resulted in several years of perfect attendance awards, honor roll lists, two bachelor’s degrees and a minor in business.
I didn’t make a fuss out of my birthday; in fact, I preferred to spend it much more quietly than last year. Just a few friends, doing just what I wanted to do.
That’s one lesson I learned the past year—to say no to things that I could say no to. Things I didn’t want to do. Things that would make me unnecessarily uncomfortable or stressed out. Saying no is empowering. It’s calming. It brings peace of mind.
On the opposite end, this year I also spent challenging myself. I said yes to things outside of my comfort zone that would stimulate personal growth and help make me a better person. I gave things a shot, rid my thinking of prejudices and biases.
I was truly on my own- no parents nearby, no boyfriend, no emotional crutch. For the first time in my life, I lived further than 45 minutes away from my parents (that’s what happens when you have a top public university basically in your backyard). I was single, truly single, for an entire year and counting. The last time that happened, I was in high school. I learned to enjoy my own company, laugh hysterically at my own jokes, and rely on myself for nearly everything. For the things I couldn’t do by myself, I learned how to be my own advocate, championing for what I needed.
I became my own best friend, and I treated myself like I would a friend – limiting the amount I judged myself, was too self-critical, etc.
Basically, 26 was the year that I learned to accept and love myself.
On the way home from the day spent exactly how I wanted (Star Wars, Starbucks, and laughing in between), I caught myself smiling with a giant, cheesy grin, spread cheek to cheek. I savored that moment of happiness and peace. Those moments of joy, that used to be difficult to find, are no longer few and far between. I am at one with myself, and it is a beautiful feeling.
Thank you 26, you were a good year.
Brittany McGee 