Happy Birthday to me! 10 years ago, if you asked me where I saw myself at 25, I would’ve said married to the love of my life with 2 kids and 1 on the way (yes…I was always the ultimate planner). Well, I was half right, and now that I am 25, I see that the other part can wait. I have so much life left to live and I’ll never again be as young as I am right now. With a college degree, a wonderful husband, an almost completed master’s degree, a non-profit organization, and an up and coming blog, I’m pretty happy with where I am at this point in my live and all that I’ve accomplished, and I look forward to what’s to come.
As I sit here in Paris, France, I realize how blessed I am to be celebrating my quarter century in a way that I always dreamed of – in the chicest city in the world surrounded by some of my closest friends. There are people who I thought would be here that aren’t, and there are people in my life who I never would’ve imagined would become such key players. I’ve come to a point where I’ve accepted that and instead of dwelling on those that aren’t here, I will focus more of my attention on how thankful I am for those that are.
The past 25 years have been filled with ups and downs…the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and I’m thankful for the good and the bad times because they have helped shape me into the woman I am today. As I celebrate what is arguable the last milestone of my 20s, I realize that I’ve been blessed with so many good times with great people. Today, I want to take a walk down memory lane and reflect on the 25 best moments (or days/periods) in my 25 years of life.
Last April’s mother-daughter trip to Singapore
Honestly all the mother-daughter trips my mommy and I have taken belong on this list. She is truly my best friend and I love experiencing new things with her by my side. If I had to pick one to include, this trip to Singapore takes the cake because it’s probably my favorite place that we’ve been just the two of us.
Our “Does This Ring Make Me Look Engaged?!” themed engagement party
Getting engaged was one of the best moments of my life. Knowing that we had the support of our families and friends made it even better.
Attending Ryan Cameron’s Father-Daughter Dance with my daddy
I had so much fun laughing, dancing, and being silly with my daddy at this dance! The memory of this night has even more meaning now that memories of our time together are all I have.
The day I met my husband (to-be) at the Coca-Cola Building
Some mornings you just wake up and know that your life will change for the better. This day was one of those days. That night, after DeQuan and I met at the University of Miami’s Atlanta Summer Send-Off Party, we talked on the phone until the wee hours of the morning and I remember thinking, “he could really be the one.”
My niece’s elementary school graduation
Everyone that knows me knows how much Korie means to me. I was only 10 when she was born, so we really have grown up together. I was so proud of her on this day that I cried like a baby. Seeing her grow up and mature has been such a joy.
My first trip to Rome with my husband
The amount of history in Rome is truly amazing! Getting to experience it with the person I love most made it an ever better experience. It was just the two of us in a city we had never been to enjoying our time together as newlyweds.
Enjoying breakfast in bed with my mom on the morning of my Sweet 16
Before the cameras started rolling and the hustle and bustle of the day began, my mom brought me breakfast-in-bed and the two of us sat and talked as we often do. As small as it sounds, that was actually my favorite moment of my 16th birthday.
Running my first (and last) 5k with some of my closest friends
I hate running (which is why my first 5k was also my last). Actually finishing this race reinforced that I can do anything I set my mind to.
Throwing my husband a surprise party for his 25th birthday
I’ve never seen my husband as happy as he was on this day (besides probably on our wedding day) and I was so glad I could bring him such joy.
The day LiveLifeWell hit 10,000 views
This blog is my baby. Knowing that people out there in cyber space enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it means so much.
My first visit to Europe
My mom and I had been talking about visiting Europe since I was a child. Our first trip was such an eye opening experience and it was when the travel bug set in. Ever since, I haven’t been able to sit still and have a constant urge to explore new places.
The time my entire family surprised me for Family Weekend my freshman year in college
The hardest thing about being away for college was being away from my family. I was so glad to see them and it really gave me the push I needed to get through that first semester of school.
My high school graduation
I attended Paideia from the time I was 5 years old until I graduated high school. Leaving was bittersweet, but this was my first major accomplishment. What made the day extra special was seeing how proud by parents were of me. We celebrated with a party in my honor.
The last time my dad visited me in Miami before his passing
On my dad’s last visit to Miami, he met my friends and me at Ra for happy hour and treated us to sushi and drinks. Something about the day seemed so important and I now see why. We had so much fun together and this is the memory of him I choose to keep with me.
The launch of our non-profit, the JetJones Foundation
This was the first “real” goal my husband and I accomplished after we became man and wife. It’s so special because we had been planning to start a foundation for so long and it’s something that we truly did together that will not only leave a legacy for our family, but also help better the community.
The day I got accepted to the Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling Program at Liberty University
The day that I recognized that I wanted to be a counselor was life changing for me. The day that I began the journey was one that I will always hold with me. Every time I get frustrated or overwhelmed with school, I remember why I started and how I felt on that day.
Our (pre-wedding) honeymoon in St. Lucia
I will never forget the experience that my husband and I had in St. Lucia. It was the most romantic trip I have ever been on and, although we were forced to take our honeymoon before the wedding (we had to leave to go overseas for basketball season 2 days after we got married), DeQuan made it so special. I learned from this trip that rolling with the punches can sometimes be a great thing.
My 20th birthday dinner
At my 20th birthday dinner, my husband jokingly told my dad that he wanted to marry me and asked his permission. My daddy responded by telling him that he could marry me if he just waited until after we graduated college. Knowing that my dad loved and approved of my husband is something that now means so much to me.
The day that I became a member of the most elite and illustrious sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, INCORPORATED
I looked up to the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha so much during college. Becoming one of those women that I had admired for so long and gaining 17 lifelong sisters was a great feeling.
Officially becoming a homeowner
Owning something of your own is a huge accomplishment and it felt amazing to know that at only 22 years old, I made an investment, not only for my future, but also for my family’s.
The day my husband and I got our dog, Nas
I’ve always wanted to be a mom, but this day and the days directly following it showed me that, one day, my husband and I will make incredible parents. I never thought a dog could mean so much to us…but he truly does.
My husband’s proposal during our trip to Aruba
I will always love Aruba because it’s where my husband popped the question! It was our first trip out of the country together and he made an already special trip even more special.
My college graduation
This is arguable my biggest accomplishment to date and I was so proud of myself on the day I graduated from the University of Miami. My college best friend and I had brunch alone together that morning and I vividly remember knowing at that moment that no matter what happened, we would be friends forever. What made the day extra special was that, although my dad wasn’t there physically, I could feel his presence.
DeQuan’s first NBA game
I have never been so proud of another individual as I was on this day. Seeing him live his dream right in front of my eyes was an experience I will never forget.
Our wedding day
This goes down as the best day of my life thus far. There was no greater feeling than marrying the love of my life while surrounded by our family and closest friends.
I can’t wait to look back and reflect on these as time goes on and I’m curious as to which moments will still make the list in 5 or even 10 years. Although some may seem small and insignificant, all of these moments are moments that I’m sure I will never forget.
What have been some of the best moments of your life? I’d love to hear from you.
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