The One With The 25 Things About Turning 25 in 20 Days

This year has been hard. I've had more meltdowns, breakdowns and spontaneously bursting into tears than all my 24 years and 11 months combined. Right at the beginning of the year tragedy struck our family as I lost one of my closest cousins. Life has never been the same since. Then 3 months ago I lost one of my first furry friends, Koda and once again life was seemingly punching me harder than a Rousey-knockout. If these losses have taught me anything it's to love with all you have to give, don't half-arse anything and most importantly, regret sucks.

Note to be completely morbid this post also serves as a sort of declaration. I refuse to "die at 25 and only be buried at 75". There's so much more to see, to be and to do, and I'm still waiting for the real "quarter-life-crisis"to hit me. Let's hope it's not the same as the "Freshman 15" that hit me with an extra 20kg in 3 years. And even if there's no grand epiphany that's okay too, I will take this next part of the journey and enjoy the ride... and then there's these other 20-odd things that go with 25 to deal with...

1)   Stop asking when I’m getting married; all you’re getting is an eye-roll & you’re not invited – family or not.

2)      Stop asking when I’m having a baby; again *insert above reaction*.

3)      I might live at home; but bills & laundry are still a part of my life.

4)I’m nowhere near as mature as I thought I’d be at 25. I remember how “old” 25 seemed 15 years ago.

5)  But I can’t be in the company of 18 year olds too long before I have no idea what they are talking about?! (Since when was doe anything but a female deer??)

6)  Mom will always, always be your biggest fan; but she’ll never stop wanting to smack your sarcastic butt.

7)  I’m now listening to radio stations I complained about 5 years ago. (CapeTalk is sooo informative!)

8)      Everyone around me is attending atleast 2-7 weddings between September & March.

9)      Or a babyshower.

10)I’m magically expected to qualify for a bond on an atrocious salary, have enough to retire at 55 AND “benefits” don’t mean the same as when you’re 19.

11)   Interns are in better positions after 3 months than I was after a year internship.

12)   Hangovers need formal sick leave of 2 days minimal.

13)   But hey, I love myself a lot more now that I’m pretty sure I’m awesome; so self-esteem has improved!

14)   The value of true friends and genuine family far outweighs the need to constantly be meeting new “acquaintances”.

15)   You “let go” a lot sooner; disappoints, upsets, grudges don’t mean that much anymore.

16)   You appreciate “alone” time.

17)   Tiredness really does become part of your personality.

18)   Still. You’re only 25, so you KNOW life has so much more to offer.

19)   Your parents are so much cooler now than they were 10 years ago.

20)   You know when to discard of things that no longer make you happy.

21)   If you can, let your passion drive your career choice, rather than titles and status.

22)   You wish you could just lie in the sun the way your dog does in the ultimate feeling of content.

23)   You wish you thought about doing medicine, rather than the BA, just on Tuesdays though.

24)   Friends has new meaning once you’ve watched season 5 for the 8^th time. In bed, with a bowl of Nutella.

25)   That “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” question makes you realise you’ll be 30. 30. 30!!!