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Someone told me the other day that being 23 is basically the equivalent of freshman year but for ‘adulthood’. Just let that soak in for a second. 

Weird right? But it actually makes sense, because for my birthday I asked for gift cards to Anthropologie so I could buy a headboard. #adulting. 

Anyway, now that I’m officially being hazed into adulthood, I figured I’d touch base with you all through a serendipity post, and share five things I learned this year! 

For anyone new around here, “Serendipity’ posts are where I recap the latest happenings, on the blog and in my life. Think of it as a way for us to sit down and get the details on what’s going on in our lives. 

Anyway, let’s jump in! 

GO ALL IN: 

Shortly after turning 22, I decided I would go ALL in on blogging. I knew I always wanted to blog full-time but actually doing it was another story. I just went for it, blindly to be honest with you all.  Trust me when I say, it wasn’t always easy, and it was often stressful when it came to budgeting a brand, living on my own and figuring out how to finance certain projects’ but looking back my brand has 100% grown the most this year. It’s one of those make it work or your screwed situations, and let’s all admit working under pressure is a sure fire way to get things done (plus or minus a few meltdowns). 

POSITIVE MINDSETS ARE EVERYTHING: 

This past year I’ve been all about ‘karma’ and keeping a positive mindset. Working on your own brand can be stressful, so why focus on the negative. I wake up every day and try to make the best out of the worst because making the worst out of the worst and wallowing is just for LOSERS. If Kim K can keep a positive mindset on her robbery in Paris, you can keep a positive mindset when you get stuck in traffic or someone shows up late for a meeting.

 By keeping a clean, positive, upward and onward mindset, I’ve been able to accomplish so much more. I’m still trying to convert Negative Nancy, aka Matt into a positive mindset mood, because no one likes a hater. 

EVERYONE DESERVES A BIRTHDAY WEEK: 

 If you follow me on snap chat then you know, I celebrate Birthday Week. What does that mean, you might ask? It means a whole week of checking off that good old fashion bucket list. My birthday falls 6 months after New Years so it’s a great time to reevaluate those New Year goals and check some off the list. For instance, Matt and I are headed to San Antonio this birthday week. Take the week and make time for you, even if it’s trying a new recipe, restaurant or workout routine. 

PUTTING YOUR FOOT DOWN, IS OKAY: 

I really mean this one! Blogging full time meant this was my full-time job and I had to learn how to put my foot down, especially when it came to working with brands. Remember your time is valuable, and don’t let anyone push you around. A lot of the time I would spend several hours working on content for a brand only to find out they all of a sudden ‘didn’t have the budget’ or had to cancel the campaign. It’s sad that people and brands aren’t always transparent but it’s important to hold your ground. 

Stick to your guns, put your foot down and own your business. This was something I really struggled with because I really don’t love the finance side of this business, but the number of times people have tried to ‘con’ or ripe me off has taught me to be clear, professional and put my foot down when it comes to contracts, expectations, and salaries. 

HELP THE NEXT ONE IN LINE:  

This line is from the song Humble and Kind but one of my favorite experiences this year has been expanding The TCC Crew and working with aspiring bloggers, entrepreneurs and savvy ladies. It’s really important to share the tips and tricks you know with others, and by expanding my team I’ve been able to share my New England dream with so many others passionate about our community. 

So whether you’re a student, older sister, hustler or super health nut; spend time helping others eager to learn or looking for guidance, it’s the biggest motivator and even inspires the content I create here. 

Anway, it’s my birthday so I’m clocking out for the rest of the night! Off to chow down on some BBQ, West Texas style. xx Aubrey 

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