This is 22 – Facts About Me & What I’ve Learned So Far

Happy August 16th (feel free to use my birthday as an excuse to eat some cake and throw a party today)!! For my birthday post, I thought I’d share 22 facts that you may not know about me, as well as 22 things that I’ve learned in life so far. Sit back, grab a latte (or a margarita…it’s my birthday, who cares?!) and enjoy the post! CHEERS 😉

22 FACTS ABOUT ME

1. I’m an INFJ on the Myers-Briggs, and a 2w1 on the Enneagram. What that means in a nutshell is this: I’m a fixer and a helper, I don’t do small talk, I’m sensitive and emotional, I’m a perfectionist, and I believe in quality over quantity (friends, clothes, anything). Just look up facts about an INFJ, and I will fit every single description.
2. I have two tattoos. One is on my arm, and it says “Proverbs 31:25” with an arrow beneath it. It has such a personal and deep meaning to me (which would take forever to explain lol…maybe I’ll do a blog post on it sometime). My other one is on my ankle, and it says “steadfast” in Hebrew.
3. I played the clarinet in high school band. We actually got to march in a parade in Disneyland during my Sophomore year! I also played piano for jazz band for about a year, which was so fun! I honestly wish I stuck with the piano…maybe I’ll try teaching myself again!
4. I used to own horses and do competitions when I was younger! I absolutely LOVED it!! Barrel racing was my favorite!
5. My #1 love language is gifts. It’s not about the gift itself, it’s about the thought behind it! I love giving little gifts to people on random occasions, and it’s easy for me to go overboard on birthdays and Christmas…oops!
6. I keep up with the Kardashian’s more than anyone I know. They’re my guilty pleasure for sure!!
7. I’m a huge planner! Spontaneity is not at all easy for me. I plan outfits in advance, what I’m going to do each day on vacation, what I’m going to eat…all the things!
8. I was co-captain of the girls golf team in high school. Go Golden Eagles!
9. I’m OBSESSED with the Jonas Brothers! I always said that if they ever did a reunion tour, I would pay whatever it took to get pit tickets and meet & greets. 56 DAYS PEOPLE!!! I also love the fact that Joe’s birthday is the day before mine 😉
10. I have horrible eyesight. I wanted glasses so bad as a kid, but now I hate the inconvenience of glasses/contacts!
11. I don’t have a favorite season. I love so many things about each of them, I can’t decide! I love the cozy snow days in Winter, the Fall fashion, floating on the lake in the Summer, and seeing all the beautiful blooms in Spring. How does anyone pick a favorite??
12. I have to sleep in a cold room. I’m that person that will leave their windows open during the Winter, and pile on 12 blankets when it’s time to go to sleep. Judge all you want, but it’s amazing!
13. I could eat Mexican or Thai food every day and not get sick of it! Also Chick-fil-A…can’t forget Chick-fil-A.
14. I’m a huge notetaker! I probably have 6-8 journals/notebooks that I’m currently using. One for church notes, one for blog ideas, one for work, a personal journal, a prayer journal, a miscellaneous one, etc. I’m always writing things down!
15. I’d rather binge watch a tv show than watch a movie. I’m just not a big movie person! It has to really catch my attention in order for me to take the time to watch an entire film. But give me alllll the Office and Gossip Girl reruns!
16. I love going to bed early! Once 9pm hits, I hop in the shower then head straight for bed! I try to make sure I’m ready for bed at a decent hour, because I have to spend some time unwinding before I can actually fall sleep.
17. I don’t feel very “put together” unless my hair and nails are done. I just feel gross if my nails are ratty and my hair is a greasy mess!
18. I would love to spend a couple months exploring Europe! England, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Switzerland…I want to see it all! I really just love to travel. Take me anywhere!!
19. I wear sandals all year round. Keep in mind, I live in Washington, where wearing socks with Birkenstocks is pretty much considered wearing close-toed shoes. I just hate having my feet feel restricted by clunky shoes that make them ache and sweat…is that weird??
20. I’m a total plant lady (thanks for that, Mary)! My house is slowly turning into a jungle, and I LOVE it (sorry mom & dad). I just bought a huuuuuge Ficus Elastica, and it’s the most beautiful plant I’ve ever seen!
21. I love having candles burning at all times. My two favorites are the Capri Blue Volcano and the Chesapeake Bay Blood Orange! I also picked up a set of Voluspa candles from the NSale, which I’ve been loving!
22. I’m a very visual person. It may be the Millennial (or the OCD) in me, but everything has to be aesthetically pleasing!

22 THINGS I’VE LEARNED BY 22

1. It’s ok to say “no.” I’m still learning this myself, but it’s healthy to be able to set boundaries and not say “yes” to every single thing. Don’t feel like you have to give a reason if you say “no” either. You shouldn’t always have to give an explanation!
2. Comparison really is the thief of joy. This is something huge that I’ve learned this past year. The truth is, God has everyone on their own specific journey for a reason. My journey may not look like yours, and that’s ok! I am right where God wants me to be at this point in my life, and so are you! Don’t compare your “behind the scenes” with someone else’s “highlight reel.’
3. Travel travel travel!! I’ve explored so many new places this year, and I have loved every second of it! It’s such a blessing to be able to see new parts of the world. I love getting to experience so many aspects of God’s creation!
4. Listen to people. Really take the time to hear what people have to say, rather than thinking of how you’re going to respond. Sometimes the only thing that someone wants is to be listened to. You’ll be surprised at what you can learn about someone if you keep your ears open and your mouth closed.
5. Don’t put your identity in other people. This is something that I really struggled with when I was in middle/high school, and even before. You are who GOD says you are, and that’s it. You’re fully known and fully loved by the Creator of the universe.
6. Think before you speak. During my quiet time this morning, I came across Colossians 4:6, and it really stuck out to me. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Our words our so powerful. Why not use them to lift people up?
7. Quality over quantity. This has really been a theme in a lot of areas in my life over the past few years. Friendships, clothing, anything!
8. Community is so important! Having a close group of people that you can do life with and confide in will make your life so much sweeter! Before I was a part of a small group, I was in such a dark season of loneliness. I prayed for so long, asking God to intervene in this area of my life and put a solid group of people around me. I’m so thankful that He is always faithful!
9. Live fully in the season you are in. I know so many people who spend their lives either anxious about what’s ahead, or living with the regret of their past, that they don’t appreciate where God has them right now. I love being able to live my life with the knowledge that Jesus is in control. Make the most of the situations you’re in now!
10. Rest. This quote from Morgan Harper Nichols is one of my favorites – “You are not weak for needing time for rest.” In a world that is so “go-go-go” and tends to relate success with busyness, it’s important to remember that it’s ok to slow down. It’s ok to take time for yourself and not say “yes” to everything.
11. Don’t focus on the opinions of others. If you’re passionate about something, don’t let someone else’s opinion talk you out of it. You only get one life – don’t spend it trying to please everyone!
12. Make time. I’m super passionate about this one. “I don’t have time” has got to be the worst excuse in the book. There’s ALWAYS time if something is important enough to you.
13. Forgive. I’m still working on this myself, and it’s so much easier said than done. Especially if you don’t receive an apology that you think you deserve. But I think it’s important to learn to accept an apology you never received. To be honest, I don’t believe in forgiving and forgetting, but I do believe in forgiving and moving forward. You don’t have to forget about the hurt that someone has caused you. But by forgiving them, you’re not only releasing them of their mistakes and pain, but you’re releasing yourself too.
14. Life’s too short – drink the margarita (and eat the donut). Two of my favorite things! Enjoy both for me today, k?!
15. Spend money on experiences, rather than things. Like I said earlier, I LOVE to travel! I’ve been so blessed with my travel opportunities this year, and I’m so glad I spent that money on fun memories rather than more items that I don’t need. Also, never say “no” to going to a concert. Some of my favorite memories are from going to concerts!
16. Learn how to cook. Even just knowing some basics will help you create so many yummy meals (and help you save money)!
17. Don’t do anything halfway. One of my favorite quotes from Parks and Rec is, “Never half-ass two things. Whole ass one thing.” I’ll just leave it at that 😉
18. Don’t settle. I love this quote by Mark Groves – “You’re worthy of being chosen, fought for, and loved. Remember that.” In a world full of instant gratification, it’s so easy to want to settle for less than what we deserve. But it’s always worth it to wait for God’s best (in any area of your life)!
19. See the light in the little things. I see so much of God’s heart in the simplest things, and I think He created them knowing they would make us smile. Like the first sip of coffee in the morning or being able to see shapes in the clouds. I love  how God is so simple…He loves seeing us light up when we find joy in His little creations.
20. Your story matters. Sometimes it’s easy to feel like my testimony isn’t as interesting or exciting as I’d like it to be (hello, comparison), but I’ve learned that the things I’ve gone through could be used to help somebody else that may be going through the same things. Don’t be afraid to share your story!
21. Learn proper grammar. If you take one thing away from these life lessons, PLEASE let it be this one lol! Learn the difference between “your,” and “you’re.” Learn the difference between “there,” “their,” and “they’re.” Learn the difference between “too” and “to.” This may seem like such a small thing, but trust me on this one – it’s worth it to learn proper grammar!
22. Take pictures. I’ve never once regretted taking a photo. If anything, I regret not taking more! I love looking back on photos from fun memories I’ve had and being able to relive that moment. Take pictures of the big moments and the simple ones – you’ll be so glad you did!

21 has been my most favorite year yet, and I’m SO excited to see what 22 brings! Thank you guys so much for following along on this journey with me. I can’t wait to make this year even better than the last!