Living in the Now: A Reflection on Turning 27 and Embracing the Journey

Life is an interesting thing, isn’t it?

When I was 16, I dreamed of being 18, imagining the independence and freedom that awaited me. At 18, I longed to be 21, eager to embrace adulthood and the opportunities I thought it would bring. At 21, I wished to be 23, convinced that by then, I’d have life figured out.

But now, at 27, I don’t wish to be any other age. For the first time, I’ve stopped looking ahead. I’ve stopped rushing through moments to reach some imagined milestone or ideal future. Instead, I’m learning to find joy, purpose, and fulfillment in the here and now.

When I was 23, I had a vision for how my life would look by this age. I thought I’d be married, have children by 28, and own a home by 30. Those dreams felt so clear, so attainable. But life has a way of surprising us. While those milestones might still happen, I no longer feel the urgency to tick them off a checklist.

Instead, I want to savor the journey. I want to give myself the space to breathe, to grow, to live at my own pace. I’ve spent so much of my life wishing to be one step ahead, always striving for the next chapter. But now, I realize there’s beauty in lingering on this page, in embracing exactly where I am.

Reflecting on the Year of 26

The year I was 26 was a transformative one, full of challenges, healing, and growth. It began with me still carrying the weight of a relationship I ended at 24. That heartbreak had left me guarded, afraid to trust, and reluctant to accept love. I spent much of the early part of 26 closing myself off—romantically and emotionally—out of fear. Fear that love wouldn’t be returned in the way I needed. Fear that it would be taken away.

I let people in only halfway, allowing connections that felt safe but not fulfilling. I avoided the kind of love that required me to be vulnerable, to risk being hurt again. I settled for less because I wasn’t ready to believe I deserved more.

But somewhere along the way, 26 taught me to open my heart again.

As I leave this chapter behind, I am no longer that guarded version of myself. I am learning to love freely and to accept love in return. I’ve surrounded myself with people who lift me up, who bring light and joy into my life, and I’ve realized how important it is to tell them what they mean to me.

I am leaving 26 wiser and softer, more attuned to the things that truly bring me happiness. I’ve reconnected with parts of myself that I thought I had lost—the girl who loved books, nature, and the quiet charm of small towns. I’m becoming the person I’ve always wanted to be: someone who is authentic, grounded, and deeply in love with life.

This year, I also worked on healing my relationship with my body. For years, I battled an eating disorder that made me focus on where I thought my body should be rather than appreciating where it is. Running a half marathon this year was a pivotal moment. It wasn’t just about completing the race; it was about reclaiming my strength, my health, and my gratitude for all that my body can do.

I am leaving 26 with adventures both behind me and ahead of me. This year, I checked off goals that once felt impossible and made plans for new ones. I am leaving 26 feeling fulfilled, whole, and ready for what’s next.

Embracing the Present

At 27, I’m choosing to live differently. For so long, I lived with one foot in the future, always reaching for the next big thing. But now, I see how much I was missing by not being fully present.

This year, I want to stay grounded in the moment. I want to cherish the little joys, celebrate the progress I’ve made, and continue growing into myself. I don’t want to rush through life anymore.

Turning 27 feels like a gift—a chance to slow down, to savor the beauty of where I am, and to trust that life will unfold as it’s meant to. The dreams I had at 23 may still come true, but I’m no longer in a hurry for them. I trust they’ll come when the time is right, and when they do, I’ll be ready.

For now, I am grateful for this moment, this year, this version of myself. I am 27, and I am exactly where I’m meant to be.