26 Things in 26 Years: Life Lessons You Need to Know

26 Things in 26 Years: Life Lessons You Need to Know [Updated for 2025]

If you’d have told teenage me I’d be here now, happy, a mum, and proud of my life, I really wouldn’t have believed you…

Well, it’s official, I’m 26 now!!

And honestly, I don’t feel different at all.

When I was younger, birthdays always felt like fresh starts.

I’d get excited about the year ahead.
I’d feel… something.

This year though, life’s been so busy that I’ve barely had time to think about turning another year older.

26 Things in 26 Years

Lately though, I have been thinking back to my life over the years and taking stock of everything that’s shaped me.

It’s really made me grateful for my family and the love we share.

I honestly feel such a real sense of belonging now, and that’s something I don’t take for granted.

So, here are the 26 things I’ve learned in my 26 years that I’m thankful I’ve learned.

26 Things in 26 Years: Life Lessons

With every birthday, I swear the years fly by fastera and I’ve realised that not everyone who calls themselves a friend, truly is. Ive also learned that family isn’t always the people you share blood with either.

A bit of a silly one, but there are more films out there than I could ever watch in my lifetime, and I’m fine with that, life’s too short to tick them all off. Ok, it makes me a bit sad because I adore movies!

Additionally, I’ve learned that it’s perfectly fine not to have life completely figured out in your 20s.

Honestly, I really don’t think anyone does.

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

We’re all just trying to make it through, learning as we go, so I like to remind myself that kindness costs nothing.

It’s also okay, no, more than okay, to stand up for yourself. No one has the right to put you down.

Blogging still brings me so much joy, and becoming a mum after wishing for it for years, has been worth it all.

*2025 me here, I’m now a mum to two gorgeous boys, it’s more than I could have ever hoped for.

Of course, some things never change though, baby poop will always make me gag.

Moving on, not everyone has your best interests at heart, but that’s their problem, not mine.

Money isn’t everything, peace of mind and love mean far, far more.

I’ve also learned I can overcome my anxiety, even when it feels absolutely impossible.

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” — Albert Einstein

My gran’s lessons are priceless, and her sense of humour never fails to make me laugh until I cry. Cherish your loved ones.

Life is short, so I make time for the people I love and tell them exactly how much they mean to me.

Go on, give your loved one a text or a call right now.

I try to treat others the way I’d want to be treated, because it matters. People come and go, but the ones who are true and good will always stay.

Midnight hunger is just part of who I am and cats will always be my favourite, but I adored my girl Poppy too (she’s a dog).

“You are enough just as you are.” — Meghan Markle

Being my real self is non-negotiable. I’m not changing to please anyone, and I’ve learned it’s completely okay to say no.

When I’m sick, all I want is my mum. *And it’s still like that in 2025 at age 33.

Fresh nails give me a confidence boost like nothing else. And maybe the biggest surprise of all, getting older isn’t as scary as I once thought.

*I’m now 33 and don’t know if I still agree with younge me’s statement lol!

TLDR: List Version 26 Things in 26 Years

• With every birthday, the years go faster
• Not everyone who says they’re your friend really is
• Family isn’t always blood
• There are more films than I’ll ever watch
• It’s fine not to have life figured out in your 20s
• Everyone’s just trying to get through life, learning as they go
• Kindness costs nothing
• Standing up for yourself is allowed
• Blogging still makes me so happy
• Years of wishing to be a mum were worth it
• Baby poop will always make me gag
• Not everyone has your best interests at heart

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” — Vivian Greene

• Money isn’t everything
• I can overcome anxiety
• My gran’s teachings are priceless
• I’ll always laugh until I cry when my gran makes a joke
• Make time for loved ones and tell them how much they mean
• Treat people how you’d want to be treated
• People come and go, but the true ones stay
• I will always be hungry at midnight
• Cats are my favourite, but I’ll always want a puppy
• Being my true self matters. I shouldn’t change for anyone
• It’s okay to say no
• When I’m sick, I’ll always want my mum
• Fresh nails make me feel more confident
• Getting older isn’t as scary as I thought

Final Thoughts on 26 Things in 26 Years: Life Lessons

And that’s my list, all 26 life lessons that I’m thankful for.

I’m genuinly proud of where I am today. I’ve been through more than I ever could have imagined.

Losing my mum at 15 shattered me. Reading her goodbye letter felt like a punch to the chest. My gran once worried my partying would ruin me and so much more

But I turned things around.

I became a mum and found strength I didn’t know I had.

I’m here, I’m happy, and I’m building a life I love.

Here’s to another year of doing more, loving harder, and never giving up.

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