Twenty-six has already started off better than I can imagine. I went back and re-read last year’s blog post and I was pleasantly surprised at how much has remained the same, yet this year is starting with major life changes. Unlike last year, I had no idea what I was going to do with life. I had never felt more confused, heartbroken and insecure before.

Turning 25 felt like a milestone and it was the year to truly get to know and love myself. I spent the year living at home; yes with my parents, yes as a college graduate and yes it wasn’t what I wanted or imagined at all. Reflecting on this last year, I could not be happier with how everything happened. It felt like I had hit rock bottom in every way and I had no idea how to pick up the pieces and start over. Thankfully, in large part to my family, friends (and John Green), I started a new job, worked with wonderful people and grew as a person and I formed relationships that I will always be thankful for.

At 25, I also realized how different people can be, and how it is fine to not be on the same path or have the same plan or timeline as anyone else. Things have not worked out for a reason, and I am continuing to rely on hope every single day.
This year, I still have no idea what I am going to do with my life, but I am finally starting off how I always wanted to and entering a new world I’ve always wanted to a be part of, but never knew how.

I woke up today, feeling 26, and was so surrounded by love and positivity that I can’t imagine a better way to spend an entire day. I know a lot of this isn’t because of my birthday, and mostly due to the fact that I am moving to Tennessee in THREE days, but instead of dreading turning older and dreading trying to map my entire life out at once, I’ve accepted that I still don’t have answers to everything, no matter how desperately I want something, it still won’t always work out, but I am confident and so excited for this next adventure, and everything will still be fine.

Steal my look today: Forever 21 pant: Forever 21, Bozzolo top: T.J. Maxx, Maroon booties: Old Navy