25 Lessons

By Aaliyah Moore

I feel like year 25 taught me more lessons than any other year of my life up to this point. As it’s coming to an end, I’ve reflected on what I’ve learned, my missteps, and essentially how I’ve grown this past year. From that reflection, I’ve developed a list of my most pertinent takeaways, and I share them with you in hopes that my lessons may be a light to you.

1. I don’t have to be perfect to be worthy and deserving of love.
2. Crying is okay, and it doesn’t make me weak.
3. I’m not my best self in relationships when I have internal struggles that need to be worked through.
4. Sometimes things are my fault, and not the other person’s.
5. It’s okay and absolutely necessary to pause and take breaks.
6. I need to be more trusting of who I am as a person, and listen to my inner voice. 
7. People can only meet me as deeply as they’ve met themselves.
8. People are always allowed to do what’s best for them, even if that means leave.
9. Things do get better, storms do pass.
10. I should never lose sight of my passions, dreams, and goals.
11. Everybody has a part in their story that they don’t read aloud.
12. It’s important to make things right with people.
13. I should always apologize when I’m wrong.
14. God does hear me when I pray.
15. Being still is good.
16. God works best in my uncertainty.
17. Love family and mend relationships. None of us came here to stay.
18. Old ways won’t open new doors.
19. I can heal and make progress at the same time.
20. Solitude is necessary for personal development.
21. I can have flaws and still be a good person.
22. I can find joy in right now.
23. My accomplishments are not a remedy for a broken spirit.
24. Learning to trust God is a daily process.
25. RIP UP MY LIST because God is more committed to my destiny than my desires. 

As 25 comes to an end, I embrace 26 with open arms. I cried soooo much last year, but I really feel like I’m about to reap the joy from every tear sown. I don’t know what 26 will bring, but I have a feeling it’s going to be really good.

 “Entrances into new seasons, must be preceded by exits from old ones.”

Aaliyah Moore is a contributing writer for the Pedestal Project, LLC. Aaliyah enjoys spending time with her family and is a lover of food, writing, and Quartet Gospel music. She is a higher education professional and loves the impact she gets to make in the lives of college students, every day. You can follow her on Instagram @aaliyah.m.moore.