26 things I’ve learned by 26

This is a pretty vulnerable post

I debated on whether I wanted to do another list this year or not. I just honestly wasn’t too thrilled about turning 26 when I felt like I wasted 25 not feeling good, spending most days at home, going to doctors, spending so much time getting medical tests, and just being sick both physically and mentally. It wasn’t until I sat down and really started reflecting, that I was able to see all the amazing things God truly did for me last year.

Though I saw 25 as a “waste” or “loss,” initially, God took my reflection time to show me how everything I experienced was a gain! 26 is a new chapter in my story. One that I know is going to be good because God is writing it!

I wanted to challenge you, every year before your birthday, journal out what you learned that year. You might be surprised at all you truly accomplish in a year!

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I’m going to be honest, turning 26 was a scary number for me. It’s so close to 30, and I’m not anywhere near where I thought I would be by this age. As a teenager, I assumed I would be a lawyer, living in a new city, married, maybe with a kid, a house, and pretty much every single thing a teenager dreams about. This, as you know, was not God’s plan for me!

At 26, I am still in school, I’ve gotten my master’s and am working on my Ph.D., I’ve been writing a book, I’ve started a career in the social media world, I have a blog, and I’m now using my talents to further God’s kingdom! Definitely not what teenage Tayler thought would happen. I might not be a lawyer, live in a new city, be married, have a kid, or a house, but I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world. So, all that said, here are 26 things I’ve learned by 26!

1. God’s plan is way better than your own!

2. Spend as much time with your family as you can.

3. My mom is the best person I know.

4. In the blink of an eye, your health can change drastically.

5. Speaking of health, when you feel something off with your body, go to a doctor!

6. See that therapist!! They will change your life.

7. You are not “behind.” God’s timeline is perfect.

8. You are not the numbers on the scale.

9. Stop holding on to the friendships that God is trying to remove from your life. He will send you your group all in His perfect timing!

10. You matter to God. A LOT. Don’t allow other people to make you feel any less!

11. Don’t focus on the things out of your control. Focus on what you can control!

12. Aging is a beautiful thing. Don’t let aging scare you. God is writing a beautiful story as you age!

13. You can be happy alone. Just because you don’t have that huge group of friends doesn’t mean you matter any less. Be alone with God.

14. Just do it scared! Stop letting anxiety drive every decision. Got that from Cassidy!

15. Stop trying to be perfect. You’re going to mess up, that’s life. That’s what makes you beautiful!

16. Stop comparing yourself to those girls you see on Instagram. They’re only posting a highlight reel.

17. Stand up for yourself. While it’s important to be kind, you cannot be a walking doormat.

18. Set boundaries if you need to. You can still be kind and loving by setting them.

19. Not everyone is going to like you. Sadly, there are people that you will meet that just won’t like you. They will get one idea of you and stick to it. Let them.

20. That brings me to the “Let Them Theory!” LET THEM. It literally doesn’t matter what they do because their actions are showing you who they are. You cannot control how someone else acts and speaks, but you can control how you react and speak. Let them, and let yourself. Shout out to Mel Robbins!

21. People are going to gossip. Even in places you wouldn’t expect them to. Don’t let their words disrupt your mental health.

22. Sometimes you have to walk away from environments that are harming you mentally and physically. That’s okay! God has something else planned for you.

23. When God calls you out of something, you have to move. Don’t continue in a place, friendship, etc., that He has so obviously told you to leave.

24. Give yourself grace. You have so much life to live! Stop trying to achieve every single goal you have for yourself before you’re 30.

25. Take care of yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually. It’s so easy to get run dry by pouring out into everyone but yourself. Make time for you!

26. Do not let the opinions of others control what you do. If you feel a calling to pursue a career, friendship, relationship, mentorship, etc., do it, regardless of what you think those people from high school or college will say! WHO CARES!

God took 25 to teach me some very valuable lessons. He slowed down my life, placed me in a new career, took me out of that career, brought me through some very trying health issues, and most importantly, He did this to answer a prayer I’ve been praying since 2019. 25 taught me that all things are done on purpose and for a purpose. God never placed me in a situation He did not want me to be in! Every trial this year was about growth and understanding His good plan.

God’s plan is not always our plan. Just because our life isn’t where we envisioned it, doesn’t mean we aren’t exactly where we’re supposed to be.

I don’t know what 26 will have in store, but I do know that it will be GOOD! Everything from God is GOOD regardless of if it feels that way. I am so blessed for the lessons He taught me last year and I am grateful that He is not done with me yet!