Last week I fell in love with this article shared by a friend to me on Facebook. It really got me thinking and then inspired me to write my own list of what I’ve learned in the past twenty five years (soon to be twenty six..whoot whoot!).
1. You really aren’t helping yourself any by cramming all night for an exam.
2. Everything tastes better when your mom makes it.
3. Money will never make you happy.
4. Being skinny will never make you happy.
5. Always wear your sunscreen.
6. If a guy really wants to be with you, he will make a way for it to happen.
7. Chocolate cake won’t fix a broken heart, but it sure tastes delicious.
8. Nothing in the world is more important than having faith.
9. You can never have too much under-eye concealer.
10. Don’t drastically change your hair color on Valentine’s Day.
11. Life’s too short to always eat your vegetables.
12. Shots of gin out of a turkey baster are just a bad idea (don’t ask).
13. Never change yourself for anyone else.
14. Take time to pray every single day, no matter what.
15. If a guy shows up drunk to your sorority formal then proceeds to throw up everywhere…he’s not worth your time (again, don’t ask)
16. Always pack a change of clothes and a toothbrush in your carry-on.
17. There’s nothing better than completely losing yourself in a good book.
18. Bubble baths make everything better.
19. Always do what is right for you and no one else, and that involves what you eat, how you exercise and how you choose to live your life.
20. Keep a journal.
21. Don’t spend money you don’t have…even if it’s for the cutest outfit ever.
22. Travel whenever you can.
23. Invest time in keeping up with your girlfriends through calls, emails and letters.
24. Don’t carry barbecue sauce in your purse.
25. I’d rather make less money and do what I love than make bank and be miserable every day.
Moni'sMeals
May 4, 2011 at 1:36 pmI love it Jenna! We see eye to eye that is for sure.
I wanted to tell you what #’s are my favorite, but heck, I love them all!
I want that shirt so bad, I will have to remember to keep my eye out for one. 🙂
Jessie
May 5, 2011 at 4:30 amThey are at Amazon.com
The Teenage Taste
May 4, 2011 at 1:45 pmI LOVE this post! #1, 2, 13, 17, 19, 23, 25 are my favorites! 😀
Megan
May 4, 2011 at 1:45 pmI LOVE your list! I feel like I would have listed nearly everything you did! Thanks for the bright spot in my afternoon.
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
May 4, 2011 at 1:46 pmJenna this is a great list!
Chocolate cake making things better, guys making it happen if they really want to be with you, not spending money you dont have…it’s ALL so true.
GREAT LIST, I love posts like this. And chai lattes, too 🙂
Brittanie
May 4, 2011 at 1:48 pmJenna, this is amazing! I wish we weren’t so far apart because I think we were meant to be amigas! I love this post 🙂
Kelly
May 4, 2011 at 1:48 pmThis was perfect! I love it!
Angharad
May 4, 2011 at 1:48 pmThese all had me saying “yes!”
2. Everything tastes better when your mom makes it.
6. If a guy really wants to be with you, he will make a way for it to happen.
17. There’s nothing better than completely losing yourself in a good book.
22. Travel whenever you can.
Awesome 🙂
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin
May 4, 2011 at 1:49 pmLOVE this list Jenna!
My favorite one: Always pack a change of clothes and a toothbrush in your carry-on.
SO TRUE!
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing
May 4, 2011 at 1:50 pmTrue dat.
jenna
May 4, 2011 at 1:51 pmcute cute cute!!
btw did you ever get your purse clean?
jenna
May 4, 2011 at 1:53 pmno 🙁 I had to throw it away.
sarah (the SHU box)
May 4, 2011 at 6:12 pmoh no! i loved that bag (i have an orla obsession). she does have a few really cute patterns out now, though 🙂
Sana
May 4, 2011 at 1:53 pm🙂 I am glad to hear that you are happy!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat)
May 4, 2011 at 1:58 pmYes! Just what I needed to read today.
becca (bellebottoms)
May 4, 2011 at 2:00 pmLove this! I think I want to write my own list now!
I would also add to #24 that you should never carry ANY bottled condiments in your purse (mine was honey….and cleaning it was anything but sweet! 🙁 )
Shari @ Chicago Cuisine Critique
May 4, 2011 at 2:00 pmGreat post. I am turning 25 on Monday. You may have just given me a birthday post idea. Thanks! 🙂
Lisa
May 4, 2011 at 2:02 pmIt’s a good list. I needed an uplifting list today!
Michelle @ Turning Over a New Leaf
May 4, 2011 at 2:03 pmA-freakin-men.
Especially the last one, and how it relates to #3. In fact, that’s something I’m working on right now.
Mama Pea
May 4, 2011 at 2:03 pmA to the MEN.
kate
May 4, 2011 at 2:03 pmGreat post!
lindsay
May 4, 2011 at 2:04 pmlove this. so well said. Makes me wonder about your bbq sauce and sorority formal stories though 😉
Lauren @ Sassy Molassy
May 4, 2011 at 2:04 pmAwesome list! I love it. It’s so true that the little things are much more important than some of the things we think are major (What dress am I going to wear to a wedding? When am I going to make a lot of $$?, etc).
Errign
May 4, 2011 at 2:09 pmthis post is AWESOME. love it. gonna try to think up my own 23 for my 23rd birthday!
Elena @ GagaForGrapefruit
May 4, 2011 at 2:11 pmLOVE this list! except i’m currently cramming for exams 🙁 whoops!
Ann @ Running With Chopstix
May 4, 2011 at 9:01 pmHahaha reading blogs was a study break from my all-nighter. She’s caught us both red-handed! *blush*
Caroline
May 4, 2011 at 2:14 pmi freaking love you. i hope that doesn’t sound creepy. i’ve been following your blog and making your recipes for about 9 months now and you’re the best!!
Kayla
May 4, 2011 at 2:18 pmLove this! And that article is great–I’ve really been enjoying a lot of Relevant’s articles lately!
p.s. I really liked your hair dark!
Laura
May 4, 2011 at 2:25 pmI LOVE this post! Many of these ring so true in my life, too! And, yes, I still have yet to learn #1…
Em (The Lady Pastor)
May 4, 2011 at 2:29 pmBeautiful list. So sweet. And true. And hilarious.
I would use these words to describe you & your blog: beautiful, sweet, true, hilarious. 🙂
Kelli H
May 4, 2011 at 2:31 pmI love posts like these!
Jo
May 4, 2011 at 2:37 pmInteresting takes on money. When I was younger I always thought money can’t make you happy but… If you don’t have enough money you can’t actually things to make yourself happy.
Baking 'n' Books
May 4, 2011 at 4:40 pmYeah, I have to agree. Bottom line, money does alleviate stress (when you need it to survive that is, not talking about being a millionaire here!).
#6 and #19 – yes.
Sarah
May 4, 2011 at 2:40 pmI give a huge “Amen” to #25.
Jenn from Much to My Delight
May 4, 2011 at 2:42 pmOh man! I LOVE posts like this. You know a lot of good stuff girl. I especially agree with #25. Life’s too short too be miserable every day and no amount of money can assauge away the pain of a terrible work life.
Theodora
May 4, 2011 at 2:44 pmSo true–especially #25.
Cait @ Beyond Bananas
May 4, 2011 at 2:50 pmThis is great.. humorous, yet also brings things into perspective!
Laura
May 4, 2011 at 2:53 pmYou are so wise, so much life experience in this list! I loved all the points!
kaila @ healthy helper!
May 4, 2011 at 2:59 pmLove this Jenna! Words to live by for sure and so true.
Amber K
May 4, 2011 at 3:00 pmI loved this! They are all so true 🙂
Jil @ Big City, Lil Kitchen
May 4, 2011 at 3:02 pmLOVE THIS! Agreed 100%
Lisa
May 4, 2011 at 3:03 pmAmen sista!!!
Kristi
May 4, 2011 at 3:05 pmGreat list! I need to remember #6.
Cyndi
May 4, 2011 at 3:08 pmEverything DOES taste better when your mom makes it!
polly
May 4, 2011 at 3:09 pmditto what momma Pea said!! 🙂
XOXO
Mary @ stylefyles
May 4, 2011 at 3:10 pmawesome list….was laughing at some of them…and totally agreeing for a lot of them!
gina g
May 4, 2011 at 3:11 pmLove, Love, Love!!!
Molly
May 4, 2011 at 3:16 pmNote to self: pack toothbrush and change of clothes in carry on for my CA vaca. Thank you.
Tamar
May 4, 2011 at 3:22 pmYou are one wise 25 year old, Jenna!
Jen
May 4, 2011 at 3:23 pmI agree with every point! This just lightened up my day.
Kelsey
May 4, 2011 at 3:32 pmLove all of these!!! I can totally relate to #4 the most… my eating disorder during middle school made up the worst years of my life!!! so glad to have made a full recovery before it got too dangerous! Thankful for my loving parents! check out my blog sometime … http://fitnessfanatic007.blogspot.com 🙂
staceyhealthylife
May 4, 2011 at 3:44 pmI love that list and its all so true.
A Teenage Gourmet (Sami)
May 4, 2011 at 3:52 pm1, 3, and 4.
HELL YES. Thank you . . . AP Tests, here I come. 🙂
Arianna @ Laughter & Linguini
May 4, 2011 at 3:53 pmI love this! I couldn’t agree more with numbers… well all of them! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Heather at Heather's Dish
May 4, 2011 at 4:02 pmBig fat amen to all of it, but definitely am letting the last one sink in. Those pesky bills sure do get in the way but it would be so worth it to finally see a change Goethe better in my own career!
Christine
May 4, 2011 at 4:13 pmI LOVE this post soooo much. I’ve been an ELR reader for a while now and reading your blog really is a daily ritual for me – I love your optimism and positive point of view 🙂 You’ve also been a big inspiration to me to keep blogging myself (www.epicureanbliss.com).
Number 13, number 6, and number 25 I especially love. I finally decided to follow my heart and go to culinary school so I could make a career out of my passion for food, and I’ve never looked back. Every day is an adventure, but I’m doing what I love!! Thanks for the reminder of how important it is to stay true to yourself 🙂
Joelle
May 4, 2011 at 4:18 pm#14 and #23 are the only really important ones in life. They are the only things that make any of it worth it.
Kelly @ Laughter, Strength, and Food
May 4, 2011 at 4:32 pmWhat a great list! They are all SO true!! 🙂
Lauryn
May 4, 2011 at 4:36 pm#1, #4, #6, #8, #14, #19. WORD. For freaking shizzle.
I had to find out all this stuff on my own too. Wish I’d known it years ago… er, I wish I’d listened to my parents!
R @ Learning As I Chop
May 4, 2011 at 4:50 pmDefinitely some words to live by!
Karen
May 4, 2011 at 4:53 pmOnce again, you’ve proven that you have the most adorable personality ever and are wise beyond your 25+ years! Terrific list, Jenna…thanks for brightening my day!
linda
May 4, 2011 at 4:53 pmHi Jenna,
I never comment, but thanks for this post! I loved 3-6, because they are so true but really all of the advice is great!
~linda
amy walters, aDESIGNdock
May 4, 2011 at 5:04 pmLove them 😉 I concur!
AliG
May 4, 2011 at 5:11 pmAll true!
Paige @Running Around Normal
May 4, 2011 at 5:20 pmThat is some grade A advice right there 🙂
Chelsa
May 4, 2011 at 5:21 pmI love them all… so true!
Ash Bear
May 4, 2011 at 5:21 pmI rarely comment but posts like this ALWAYS make me smile! 🙂
Allison
May 4, 2011 at 5:32 pmThis could be one of the best posts you have done—-ever!
I love this. I am going to do this right now!
Rebecca
May 4, 2011 at 5:59 pmGreat list! I think #21 is the most important! Student loans for an education is one thing, but the one thing I always stress to young people is not to have debt!
Baking 'n' Books
May 4, 2011 at 6:01 pmYep. Honestly, I wish I had never gotten an “education” knowing the misery I’m in now.
Amen to that.
Grace
May 4, 2011 at 6:05 pmSuch a fantastic post!! I can relate to some of those….. 🙂
You seem like such a fun person Jenna, and your blog truly brightens my day and makes me smile. Thank You!
Kait
May 4, 2011 at 6:15 pmI LOVE this…thanks for sharing
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
May 4, 2011 at 6:18 pmabsolutely BEAUTIFUL post!!
Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out
May 4, 2011 at 6:19 pmI need to beat #25 into my brain and then figure out a way to make it happen. Cheers.
Ellen
May 4, 2011 at 6:19 pmThanks so much for sharing this with us Jenna! I was reminded of things we should all remember and learn! Let’s all live life to the fullest!
Julie
May 4, 2011 at 6:28 pmJenna. I love your posts. I find myself re-reading them multiple times a day. Thank you! By the way, my husband and I are planning our 1 year trip (whoot!) to San Fran and Napa, Sonoma….and are doing it all by your recommendations under “Wine Country” Thanks for being our travel guide. We’ll be in your end of the world come September! (All the way from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.)
jenna
May 4, 2011 at 6:45 pmawesome!! September is the best month to visit the Bay Area—it will be gorgeous then!
AshleyH
May 4, 2011 at 6:28 pmtotally true Jenna. Love it!
RunEatRepeat
May 4, 2011 at 8:27 pmAmen Lady!
Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet
May 4, 2011 at 9:09 pmThanks for sharing this list 🙂 Amen to not spending money you don’t have, especially when borrowing from a friend…
I can’t even list 19 things I’ve learned in my 19 years off the top of my head!
VeggieGirl
May 4, 2011 at 9:10 pmThis is my new favorite post of yours. No lie.
French Heart
May 4, 2011 at 9:12 pmI agree with all that think can be summed up with ‘be true to yourself’. Think that is ALL important. And if anyone in life isn’t affirming—get rid of them. Life is too short for people that bring you down.
BTW Jenna. Today in Carmel was AMAZING!! The Mission was BANKED with Casablanca Lilies—unreal & totally MAGIC. I met a jazz LEGEND in a coffee shop visiting here with his wife—both SO cool (when I say LEGEND I mean LEGEND) he speaks fluent French & travels all over Europe constantly. An honor to meet them. (Reminded me that ‘A Great Day in Harlem’ is one of my all time fave films). And had dinner at Casablanca Sat night w/a winemaker. FAB night!!
Then ran in somewhere for something to go & they were playing Dallas Green’s ‘The Girl’….reminded me of you & Adam. The girl (in the official video) even looks like you.
A person at 25 who knows being their own person, true to themselves, is someone who really gets it. That is a real gift. I remember when Goldie Hawn said she’d rather ‘pick dog-doo off the street for 25 cents an hour’ than compromise herself. I didn’t understand it at the time. Now I do. I think never be attached to money or things…only your own eternal soul.
You’re such a great girl!!! Love the post!!!
Jenny @ Fitness Health and Food
May 4, 2011 at 9:12 pmI love this list!! I think the ones that I most identify with are:
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 25
25 I always find that so many people who work 60-80 hour weeks in jobs they hate are doing so because they want to be able to travel on the weekends and have an amazing retirement. Well my dad worked for over 30 years in a job he didn’t like and he died a couple years into his retirement. You have to love what you do NOW, the future isn’t guaranteed!
Jodi
May 6, 2011 at 1:05 pmThat is SO true 🙂
Lu @ A Mix of it All
May 4, 2011 at 9:17 pmIt is true that anything mom makes tastes better. I love your list. It’s great.
Megan@Dirty Dishes Daily
May 4, 2011 at 9:25 pmNumber 16 should just be a rule of thumb for life. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been stranded somewhere on this planet and having a toothbrush made all the difference.
Christie {Nourishing Circle}
May 5, 2011 at 2:59 amLovely list, Jenna. Very inspiring – you are wise beyond your years.
Lisa
May 5, 2011 at 3:22 amI love this list! Definitely inspired to make my own, now.
Kristin @Wounded Fawn
May 5, 2011 at 3:48 amIm surprised by the gin comment. You seem more like a whiskey girl! Maybe that was the problem?
Sarah@The Flying ONION
May 5, 2011 at 3:52 am+1 to everything you said! 😀
Beautiful list! You’ve inspired me to make my own. 😀
Jessy
May 5, 2011 at 4:03 amLove this!
pawsitivelife
May 5, 2011 at 4:51 amAwesome advice. I very much agree with money not making you happy (nor being skinny). I often (or too often) loose myself in a good book. My life advice is to live and let live. not to let others dictate your choices in life and not to judge others for their choices
Aileen @ Happy Little Southern Nest
May 5, 2011 at 5:58 amLove this list Jenna! I just love reading your blog every day. Thanks for all of your writings 🙂
mindy
May 5, 2011 at 6:27 amI love Shauna! Her husband, Aaron, used to be the worship leader at my church before they moved back to Chicago. Her books (Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet) are raw and honest and inspiring. I think you’d really like them!
Laura-Ashley
May 5, 2011 at 7:11 amThanks for the fabulous list!! Made my day! I keep reminding myself of #6 🙂
Amelia
May 5, 2011 at 7:14 amI think that each one of these #’s speaks to me. It is definitely what I needed to read this morning. 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Carissa
May 5, 2011 at 7:46 am#25 is my favorite. So many people think money will solve everything but you really can’t buy happiness!
Khushboo
May 5, 2011 at 9:14 amLove love this and agree with them all!
Joanna@ Drizzle of Sunshine
May 5, 2011 at 9:37 amI was going to name off the ones that I agree with, but then I’d rewrite the whole list practically! Good calls on all of them! #25 is what I’m dealing with now…
Curly J
May 5, 2011 at 9:51 amGreat post! Some of them are SO TRUE!
Kelsey
May 5, 2011 at 11:20 amLOVE This List!!
Been there on the Gin and Turkey Baster situation….it helps when the gin is mixed with Fresca 🙂
Katherine: Unemployed
May 5, 2011 at 11:49 amwhat a great shirt! too funny. I’ve never heard of relevant magazine before!
Ashley
May 5, 2011 at 2:52 pmGreat list. In regards to #9, do you have an under-eye concealer you recommend? I’m in the market for a new one…they discontinued mine! Thanks! 🙂
jenna
May 5, 2011 at 3:35 pmI love Almay!
Trish
May 5, 2011 at 3:13 pmYou’re awesome. This is a great list.
Happy When Not Hungry
May 5, 2011 at 3:14 pmLove this especially #9 and #14!!!
Joy
May 6, 2011 at 1:33 amThis list is exactly why I come here every day!
Morgan
May 6, 2011 at 9:22 amI love this list!
Mellie
May 6, 2011 at 3:19 pmBeing skinny might not make you completely happy but i don’t think any of the overweight people i know are happy with their weights, either. Otherwise I agree with these!
elise
May 7, 2011 at 11:30 ami shoved a bottle of wine in my massive purse/bag the other day and thought of your bbq sauce disaster. i figured the glass was a bit stronger. but still, it was my fave coach bag and i was nervous the entire time.
great advice 🙂
Katina
May 8, 2011 at 4:01 amLove this post. I really love your blog, I have been following for a couple weeks now, but I haven’t had time to comment. I especially loved # 3, 4, 8, 14, 21, 23, 25 in this post. Thanks for the inspiration, I love blogging about food and I am pretty sure that yours is the best food blog ever! God Bless.
Katie
May 8, 2011 at 8:00 amLove this post, lots of good ones!
gia
May 9, 2011 at 10:25 amLove it!! I think I’m going to make my own list too. I love especially the idea of being yourself, and not letting anyone distract you from that. Amen sister.
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Alex
May 9, 2011 at 8:51 pmI really enjoyed reading your post! I’m only in high school but I definitely know number 1 is true, I should probably think about changing my study habits before college. LOL! As for number 2, I’m not so sure it pertains to me. My mom has attempted cooking for the last 17 years of my life and still can only make toast! At least she tries and that’s why I love her!
Danica
May 10, 2011 at 10:33 amI think this is by far one of my favorite posts you have ever done 🙂 LOVE this list and I am totally adding a few of these to my list of “quotes” that I keep whenever I need to remember what is important in life 😉
Have fun with you Mom! I think it’s awesome you surprised her.
Jennifer
May 10, 2011 at 11:51 am#25 is something I need to remember and something I wish more and more people would keep in mind.
Bess
May 11, 2011 at 7:04 amLove this list! So true.
I do have a quick question for you…are you at Folly Beach in that picture? It looks so much like one of the stores we have down here?
Amy
May 11, 2011 at 6:00 pmI love this article – what a brilliant way to reflect on the years past and appreciate all those bumps in the road that you hated at the time but you actually learnt something from.
By the way, you have a beautiful blog. Simple enjoyment and celebration.
Great job for surprising you Mom too 🙂
Shelley
May 17, 2011 at 12:40 pmwell said 🙂
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Elena
May 26, 2011 at 10:05 amWhat a fabulous list. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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