Woohoo! I'm 25! So what now?

Approaching my golden year couldn't be less exciting or terrifying--- so what comes next?

I turned 25 last month. #scorpiogang #quarterlife

I enjoy aging. I remember how vividly it was to be 22 or 17 without ever wanting to be those ages again, respectfully. I do still feel really youthful despite the stigma of becoming this age or older. I'm grateful for all the wisdom and experiences I've gained over the years. It's definitely changed me for the better.

In my 25 years, I've learned:

Speak your mind, live your truth

Being who you are is the key to happiness and your greatest superpower. Don't ever be afraid to live an authentic life. Be an advocate for yourself, stand your ground, and you'll never regret it.

Live on the other side of fear

There's no growth in the comfort zone--get up, be uncomfortable, and baby steps keep moving you forward.

Trust your gut, seriously

Your intuition is your greatest advisor. If your gut is telling you something, don't ignore it. Trust the feeling because you've felt it for a reason. Analyze it and move accordingly. Gut health is also very important for women so please take vitamin B12!

Be selfish-- yes, that's right!

This is your life, make decisions that are best for YOU, and YOU only. Yes, this means being selfish if necessary. Youth is fleeting, take advantage of the opportunities in front of you now!

Community is priceless

Yes, it does take a village--even in adulthood. Building strong connections and interpersonal relationships is extremely important for maintaining love, support, belonging, acceptance, and sisterhood. I'm so grateful to have built a community of loved ones who support and accept me at every stage of my life. The people that check in on you are precious, hold them dear, and check in on them too!

Health is wealth

Mental, Physical, Emotional, etc... get active, and get your mind right. Therapy is essential.

Your body is the only vessel you'll get in this lifetime. Treat it well and watch how it keeps working for you. It is true, if you don't move it, you'll lose it. Establish one active routine in your 20's now whether that be walks in the morning, rollerskating, dance classes, yoga, etc. It doesn't have to be your standard working out in the gym time but get into a hobby that will keep you happy and moving. I know you'll probably hear this often too but fruits and veggies, hella water is also KEY!

Skincare is the fountain of youth

Have you ever seen an older celebrity and thought about how they look so young??

SKINCARE. Taking proper care of your skin daily will save you years of aging. A good light facial cleanser, a toner (witch hazel or rose water), and a great moisturizer for your face will do wonders if you adopt this into your daily routine.

BODY--- PLEASE Wash with a washcloth, a loofa, or an African net sponge, which helps with exfoliation and removing dead skin cells, and MOISTURIZE. A butter, an oil, or mousse is much better for covering, protecting, and repairing the skin than a lotion. (Ex: Cocoa butter, Shea Butter, Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, etc)

Honor Your Inner Child

All those things you loved as a child or teen, indulge in them in adulthood the way you weren't able to as a kid. Speak kindly to yourself with affirmations. Identify your triggers and work on them through self-reflection and therapy. Make the promise to heal for your sake and mental rest, nobody else's.

YOLO

FUCK IT! Please do what you want. You Only Live Once. Take the risks because there will always be a reward.

Where I'm at: No Quarter Life Crisis?

I'm so grateful for the life I live. I'm grateful for the people in my life.

I love who I am and who I'm becoming. I am worthy of everything I desire.

There have been challenges on my path but there's nothing I can't overcome.

I feel reassured in my journey and so happy I've decided to bet on myself and go after everything I've ever wanted to do. (Photography, Styling, DJ-ing, Content Creation, Sports Media)

I do feel things usually get better with time.

This is just the beginning.

I am open to receiving new blessings. I am open to new abundant opportunities and new positive connections.

Themes for this new chapter:

Big Leaps of Faith

Gratitude

Career

Power

2022 has been a great year for me. My themes for 24 included Passion, Adventure, Fun, Love, and Wanderlust. In 2022, I've been able to make substantial strides in my career, travel through work opportunities and fun vacations, learn new skills, pursue my passions, party my ass off, and be surrounded by so much love the whole way.

For my 25 and Fine Era, I've decided to step more into my power, prowess, and sex appeal as a woman. I intend on taking bigger leaps of faith and trusting my guides and the Universe. I intend on showing my gratitude more and enjoy all I have while striving for significant positive changes. Lastly, I intend on pursuing my passions expeditiously. I'm grateful for all the immense opportunities I've had this year however I'm ready to create more opportunities for myself in all my endeavors.

Thank you for reading. What themes would you like to follow in the new year? How will you define this next era for yourself?

Stay bold, stay YOU!

As always,

Bria Nicole Wood