In what feels like the blink of an eye, another year has passed.

For most people, the year starts on January 1, but for me, I always find myself marking memories, accomplishments and lessons learned by my birthday.

Today, on my 28th birthday, instead of fearing becoming another year older, I’m embracing Jessica Version 28.0 and all of the possibilities that lie ahead.

I’m looking back on Jessica Version 27.0 and reflecting on the amazing memories, the heartaches, the uncomfortable situations, the laugh until you cry moments and the many, many lessons learned.

Here are seven lessons I learned from my 27th year.

1. Stop settling. Settling sucks. Don’t do it. Life is too short for toxic friendships, unfulfilling jobs, bad kisses, crappy conversation, sleepless nights and people who can’t appreciate and understand you exactly as you are. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s probably not right. Your instincts are correct almost 100 percent of the time, so listen to the voice inside you and expect more from yourself and from everyone around you. Settling is comfortable, and we all know that nothing spectacular comes from staying in your comfort zone.

2. Take risks. Why not? Take a risk. Do something wild and crazy. What’s the worst thing that could happen? You’ll figure it out. Because you’re savvy, smart and resourceful. In my 27th year, I took lots of different risks, some that turned out wonderfully, others that resulted in wonderful lessons I’ll carry forward with me.

3. A couple of true friendships trumps a lot of so-so friendships. I used to think it was important to have a lot of friends. I thought having a lot of friends meant you would never be lonely.  However, at age 27, I learned that it’s way more important to have just a couple of true friends. Friends you can laugh with and cry with. Friends you can count on to remember the important stuff. Friends who will tell you the truth even when it’s not what you want to hear. I’ve found those people and now I know the true meaning of friendship.

4. Shine. You have a special gift. You have something unique to offer the world. You have a story to share. And it’s up to YOU to have the courage to SHINE. As Marianne Williamson famously said, “your playing small does not serve the world.” So quit playing small. In fact, by shining our own light, we give others permission and confidence to shine, too. Share your journey. Be vulnerable and open. The best things in life come to us when we aren’t afraid to share our stories.

5. Say what you need to say. You know that terrible sinking feeling you get when you have something you’re dying to say to someone, but you don’t want to stir the pot or cause drama? Yeah, I got sick of that feeling at the age of 27 and decided it was way more important for me to make myself feel better rather than silently stewing and being the “nice girl.” You are in control of your own feelings, so do what you need to do (and say whatever it is you need to say) to make yourself feel whole again.

6. Focus on the good. You can’t make everyone happy. You can’t be all things to all people. Knowing this, forget all of that. Forget about those you can’t convince to love you and instead focus on those who do. Don’t let yourself get sidetracked by those who don’t understand your journey- instead, surround yourself with those who will only support and lift you higher.

7. Be unapologetic about who you are and what you want. At age 27, I realized something amazing: I really like myself. I love who I am now and I love who I am becoming. Don’t ever apologize for being yourself, and don’t ever apologize for going after what you want. Knowing who you are and standing tall in your beliefs and expectations is sexy. It’s cool to be confident. If you’re passionate about something, shout it from the rooftops. If anyone makes you feel anything less than that, walk away.

“Here’s to the end of this chapter. To all the late nights, early mornings, learnings gained and experiences shared. Here’s to love. Here’s to loss. Here’s to honoring, letting go and transcending. Here’s to growth. Here’s to expanding. Here’s to a life filled with other heartbeats that would stop their world to celebrate your magic. Here’s to you, and your blank canvas. Here’s to filling it with nothing less than vibrant aliveness.”

Every year, I truly feel I become a better version of myself. Luckily, I also feel that every year is better than the last. Here’s to Jessica Version 28.0!

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