
1) You have a job: I do, and it is great. I work in digital advertising and every day presents new and interesting challenges and I work with a great client. You can read more about how I ended up in digital advertising here.
2) You can turn your lights on: That is very true, they go on every time I flick the switch. This is something I would have never considered as a point of pride but yes, I can turn the lights on and high speed internet is waiting for me any time I want it.
3) You’ve been through some shit: You can say that again. Shit with friends, boys, roommates, work, and family. But as the article said “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”. #truestory
4) You have hobbies: This blog is definitely my biggest hobby and to say love it is an understatement. I would also call brunching a hobby and it is one I can never get enough of.
5) You eat fresh food: I learned how to properly cook vegetables after college and I now try to add green to every meal I make. I have also figured out how to make a few go to dishes like this salmon and I never say no fresh fruit.
6) You have your own space: Again, yes. For the past year I have lived alone in my studio apartment and absolutely love it. It may only be one room but it is my one room and I can do anything I want with it.
7) You can travel: yes, I can! Being financially responsible has allowed me to save for little trips, like long weekends away to friend’s weddings and for bigger travels like the Eastern European trip I am taking in September.
8) People listen to you: Of the 12 points on this list this item is the one I am the most dubious about. Do people really listen to me? Hmm. I make recommendations of beauty products, recipes, and clothes here on the blog that people then act upon so I guess that counts.
9) You’re wiser: Well, I would like to think so! In every aspect of my life I would argue that my decisions are much more well informed than what they would have been five years ago. Moving on up!
10) You can take care of yourself: I do indeed. I may call my mom a handful of times a week for advice or her opinion but I can definitely fly solo on almost every aspect of my life. As the article stated so succinctly, “you’ve learned to think twice about your actions and have started to look out for number one.”
11) You have a goal: I have lots of goals; immediate, short term, and long term. Some of them I share with friends, family, and even the blogging world but others will never be vocalized. I am extremely competitive and I set goals for myself that I always try to beat.
12) You’ve chilled out: Don’t sweat the small stuff and it is mostly all small stuff. This is something I have been trying to repeat over and over. I have been making a conserted effort to not worry about things if I have no ability to change the outcome and I can acknowledge that things that would have definitely gotten under my skin a few years ago now roll right off my back.

Angela says
I always try to remember a quote I once read.. ‘Don’t compare your behind the scenes with someone else’s highlight reel’ it’s so true especially in this world of social media. You only see what people want you to see. It’s not about what you have achieved its about how happy you are xo
Janna Renee says
I loved this article when I read it! Everybody does it differently, but as long as we meet these criteria we are crushing it!
Danie says
I always felt that timelines are SO STRESSFUL and never a good way to live your life. I got married almost a decade after most of my friends (I was almost 30 and I still wasn’t in any kind of a rush) and my husband was 37. We are planning on buying a house in the next year and maybe we’ll have kids, maybe we’ll adopt, but whatever. We aren’t rushing. I was originally engaged (to someone else) when I was 21 because IT WAS THE THING TO DO (I’m from the midwest). He was a D-bag and my upcoming wedding felt like an execution, so I said “screw this” and moved to NY. I didn’t even plan to get married. Ultimately, I learned that trying to force myself onto someone else’s timeline or do it because “it’s the next stage” would have RUINED my life. It’s about doing what’s right for you! It sounds like you got your ish together and are happy. That’s what really matters! You go girl! Be proud of your life! 🙂
Way to crush your 20’s!
Danie
Caitlin says
Ahh this post makes me feel so much better about my life! Thank you for sharing !
-a single gal who is about to turn 29 in a few weeks 😉
ellesees.blogspot.com says
i def think brunching should become a hobby! 😉
Mademoiselle Coconath says
Great post!!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
Kaylee says
I love this! I’m a couple months away from turning 25 and I am married, but I got to do lots of things before I got married (travel, study abroad, work some cool jobs, graduate from college, etc.) and I think living as a single person and having those experiences makes you a better spouse and really just a more well-rounded person. Love the blog!
http://www.kayleecoles.com
Amanda Robbins says
I can totally relate! It’s hard when you compare yourself to other people, but remembering all of the things you DO have can totally change your perspective.
xo
Amanda
http://www.fashionablyclearance.com
Lauren says
This is so great! I love it!
xx
Lauren Elizabeth
Petite in Pearls
Liz says
This is a great article! I definitely find myself comparing myself to others, it’s easy enough in the social media age. Thanks for sharing!
xo, Liz
http://lipstickandconfetti.com
Jess says
Hi, nice article! Check out my blog, I update it with a new look and I also wrote a new post about Kylie Jenner!
http://jessrwardrobe.blogspot.it/
Samantha says
Great article! I agree with all these points, and it’s important to not compare to others as everyone’s life is different!
~Samantha
Blue Eyed Adventurer