But what I’ve decided to do at 25 isn’t groundbreaking, it’s simple. I’m going to be incredibly honest, embrace who I am, say the things that I feel like are avoided in the blogging word of pretty clothes, amazing photos and everything light and pretty. Life is anything but these things and I realized that I was discontent with where I was headed with content because I needed someone else to say what I was thinking. But then I stopped. Why am I not the one talking about the things that I think we are all feeling but don’t want to discuss?
Monday’s post didn’t even scare me because I realized I’ve been given an amazing platform by YOU. You’ve given me a chance to just say it. A chance to say that life happens and that you aren’t alone.
The pressure I’m feeling at 25 is to work my butt off. It’s to say what’s really on my mind and pursue things, even if they end up not being for me, I at least still went for it and that’s exactly what I’m doing.
I’ve gone out and worked with small businesses in the area. I’ve been able to be upfront with them about my skills, tell them how I work and they choose to work with me. How incredibly lucky am I? Like life is really great and just because one thing (i.e. body image) isn’t quite where you want it to be, you can still go out there and hustle to.the.bank. and fulfilling your passions.
I completely focused on the fact that 25 meant I was solidly in my mid-20’s and that meant I didn’t have a free pass of being young and stupid. 25 was the sign I had to get it in gear. But in reality, 25 is the motivation I needed to become me at my happiest.
Adria
Happy Birthday! These pictures are gorgeous, you look extremely elegant! I always thought that age is just a number, what matters is how we feel inside!
Fashion Soup
Lauren {Fizz and Frosting}
I'll let you in on a secret: even now at 31 I still don't have it all figured out! At every milestone birthday, I think it's pretty normal to question your goals, where you're going in life, etc. But definitely avoid that comparison game and keep your positive attitude! π
Fizz and Frosting
Tara | The Mix
Happy Birthday! I don't think anyone ever feels completely like they know what they are doing…just know you are doing amazing! Happy Birthday pretty lady!
Rachelle (http://pinksole.com/)
Lauren is so right at 30 I am still figuring things out but trust me it does get better. For now enjoy your 20s and really spend the time know who you are and love yourself.
xo
PinkSole
Teal and Polka Dots
Milestone birthdays have a way of making your reevaluate for sure. 30 was the rough one for me, like that was the magic number that meant adulthood and having it all figured out. Spoiler alert: I'm 33, have the job, house, husband and kid and most of the time I still don't feel like an adult and I definitely don't have it all figured out. Half the time I'm like where's the adult adults. π You know, the real ones that are capable and make all the good decisions. I still worry about money, and wanting all the nice things it seems like my more successful friends can afford, whether I should be further along in my career, and if I am the worse mom ever for letting my toddler watch an extra hour TV so I can do something of my own. I have to remind myself not to compare to others. I guess what I'm trying to say, is don't be too hard on yourself, 25 is just a number. Happy birthday, I hope you have an amazing year!
Liz
Girl, you're doing just fine. I always tell people that I don't feel like you're even a real person until you're 25: just now, at this age, you're actually starting to think about life in more "serious" terms, whatever those may be for you. I can say that working your butt off now WILL pay off! It will get you somewhere you maybe didn't even know you wanted to be. When I was 25, I, like you, didn't know what I wanted to be doing. So I went to grad school while I was working full-time. It sucked, I won;t lie, but it's something that got me places: it sets me apart from other candidates in my field and gets that extra salary bump you're after. I'm now 34, and I don't know what even next year may bring, but I can honestly say that I feel so much better equipped to deal with life and more secure and proud of who I've become. I'm telling you, it only gets better from here! Cheers and happy birthday!
Liz
http://www.stylishdisaster.com
Alyssa Gap
Newsflash my friend. I don't think any of us know what we're doing! You're so fabulous, beautiful, smart, talented and hilarious. Keep doing what you're doing. You're doing great!
Alyssa | Glitter and Grey
BLovedBoston
25 is such an amazing age!! You are going to do so much!! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Victoria Fox
You look so fabulous in this look! 25 is going to be a fabulous and wonderful year for you!
xoxo,Victoria
http://www.coffeeandablonde.blogpsot.com
Rachna Lakhanpal
Hey Alissa!!
I get what you're trying to say about turning 25! I'm going to be 21 this June and I am MORTIFIED! Belated happy birthday! I hope 25 will be an amazing year for you an d you'll have great memories π
This is my first time visiting your blog and I love it! I love your hair and your red lips and that H&M sweater is something I'd happily live in!!! It's so beautiful and amazing! and I like the way you've styled it. This is so me! This is how I'd style my outfits π
Have a good day!
La Belle Dame
Vanessa Ciliberto
you look so cute with this curly hair!
TheVogueWord
TheVogueWord
Dressed2dNines Blog
You look fab girl, no need to panic π
http://www.dressed2dnines.com
Whitney and Blaire
This all black ensemble is simply gorgeous! Loving those boots!
xo, Whitney and Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Janine
Happy birthday! This is such a great post and I think you are headed in a wonderful direction. Getting older is scary – I will be 27 this year and I still feel like I should be 21 most days. One thing I've learned is that you don't necessarily figure it all out as you get older, either. Sure, I may have a career and a house and a vehicle, but I still feel like I'm wandering through this adult life, trying to figure it out as I go. Maybe that's what everyone is doing and some people are just better at hiding it than others? All I know is that you aren't alone, girl!
Life's a shoe
you look great! loving your outfit!
lifeisashoe
HattieLu handmade
Happy Birthday! 25 is not scary at all. The top is amazing with the added accent!
Kaity
I know this frivolous thought isn't the main point of this post, but I have to say that I love those earrings. They're pretty and unique and different and hopefully not so heavy that they hurt your ears.
Also, your hair is fabulous and you're looking extra great in these pictures today. keep on being 25 and conquering the world, Alissa.
Straight A Style
Sounds like you've got this! I'm trying to remind myself all these things as I turn 30 soon…. You look beautiful!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Rachel Heffington
Twenty-five already sounds like it's gonna be a fantastic year for you. Go kill it.
Tiffany Griffin
I'm sure you hear this all the time, but your curls are so pretty! Love this outfit also girlie!
http://www.flauntandcenter.com
Melanie
Happy belated Birthday!! You can do this!!! You have a great mindset and wonderful goals! 25 is going to rock!! =) I definitely need to embrace some of your hopefuls!!
Darcy
Well said, love! I was nervous to turn 25 too at the beginning of January because I felt like it put all this pressure that I had to move into the next stage of life or something! Too much pressure that I was putting on myself that was seriously not coming from anywhere except this notion in my head of what life was supposed to look like at 25. Happy belated birthday!
xo,
Darcy
http://www.amemoryofus.com
Karly @ Miss in the Midwest
Yeah, girl! I know you're just going to kill it this year. Cherish every moment, and go out there and kick some ass (which, I know that you already do). You know how much your honest/bluntness means to me, especially in this blogging world, so keep on doing you.
Jessica Garcia
Happy Birthday lady && yes 25 is a sweet age π Go on girl with your bad self!!
xo, Jessica || The Petite Diaries
Shauna C
Love this brutally honest approach to life in general. It's just what I needed to come across today, too. Happy birthday, wishing you the best year ahead!!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
Alyssa Renee
Great look! Happy Birthday! =)
~Alyssa~
shesalyssarenee.com
Shop My New Online Store Below! =)
policyofstyle.com
Marg B
Thank you! I feel like not enough bloggers know how to speak openly and candidly about their everyday lives. I get that women, in general, don't want to complain or be negative and there is a fine line between complaining and telling it like it is. At just 25, you've mastered this! You've found a way to talk about your life that is honest, doesn't talk down, and doesn't whine to your audience. That goal is far more difficult to reach than the good car and pretty apartment. I'm 33 and some days you feel 22 and some days you feel beyond your years. Plus I still ALWAYS get carded, so it's all relative and those peers that had the high paying jobs at 25 lost them by age 27. So don't worry, you are on the right track. Once you reach those goals you will have absolutely earned them. Happy Birthday!
s
that hair tho! love ur curles and your smile. wish you only but the bust awlays. xO!
http://www.thehautecookie.com
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LV
You just radiate happiness and of course you look stunning. I remember when I turned 25 many many many many years ago, LOL. I can totally relate to you.
http://www.foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com/
Beautygirl 24
25 was scary for me too, but now that I'm 31 I wish I could go back! I'd get a different degree instead of just floating through college. I would have spent more time putting money away instead of drinking it away at bars. It's so hard though! I feel like nobody really knows what they are doing. It's a life-long process.
By the way, I mention you in my post about body image tomorrow. Thank you for letting me sort of piggy back off of yours because it really needed to be said on my blog too! It's been on my mind a lot π
Kathy McCarthy
25 is a fantastic age. It is actually the age where your brain fully develops into an adult brain. Before 25, most of your brain was running on emotions, so now you finally have the reasoning skills you need as an adult. I loved my 20's but I honestly think the 30's are better. You are at a great turning point in your life. Enjoy it! You look stunning! I love your curly hair.
Kathy
http://www.glamsimplified.com
LyddieGal
I feel no more grown up now at 29.75 than I did at 25. I'm not facing 30 with too much trepidation either. Not that I've figured it all out, but I know every day I will learn a little bit more about what makes me happy and how I want to live my life.
Happy 25th Alissa!
Chic on the Cheap
Head to Toe Chic
25 is such a good age and you are rocking it! I love that sweater!!
xo,
Angela
Laura Bambrick
Um so I don't really know what I am doing either. Like ever. So I'd like to say you are in good company. Just faking it through life! π On a side note, I am dying over that amazing sweater! And do you ever have a bad hair day?! Like ever?!
Unknown
First of all, great outfit !! You look gorgeous !! Also, I had the exact same reaction when I turned 21 because I'm the oldest of my friends and so they made me feel really old ! But reading your post made me feel so much better !! So thank you and Happy Birthday !!! π
http://kashmirandsilk.com/
Public Lives, Secret Recipes
Such an awesome outfit & message!! Love this post! xo
http://publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2016/01/pastel-pink.html
kate @ a journey in style
Good for you! I wish I had that kick when I turned 25! I had my kick at New Year's (when I turned 28.5). There's only so long a person can be in grad school. Correction. Only so long a person should be in grad school. Anyway, congrats and here's to your awesome present and future!
Danielle
i just turned 26 and i was REALLY dreading it, it still hurts a bit to say but I don't feel that old so it's not really bothering me anymore. i'm nowhere near where i want to be in life but i'm a firm believer of everything happens for a reason and everything will work out in the end.
danielle | avec danielle
Ileana
Love this outfit! Those earring are so much fun π
Im glad you are now welcoming 25… you shouldn't over think it π Then you will be like me and be like Im 26?? Wtf? When did that happen?
xoxo
Novelstyleο»Ώ
Courtney
Love this post! Embrace 25! You've already got the amazing look going for you!
http://www.alwayscoconoelle.com/
Shea Sayers
Happy birthday!! I absolutely loved this post and even as an old lady of 32 I can totally relate. π I don't know what the heck I'm doing with my life and I sometimes get sucked into the comparison game and feel like I should have a better career, more money, etc. but you're right why waste my time on that. I love what you're embracing at 25 and I think by doing that you'll inspire all of us to do the same!
Shea | http://www.shealennon.com
Kyle Akeley
Happy birthday gorgeous!!! I know it's just a blog, but you have very succesfully convinced me that you totally have it together!
Annessa Smith
Hey girl, happy birthday! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and following along!
I can relate SO MUCH to your post. I'm 27 which I assure you is more terrifying than 25 haha! I am guilty of getting caught up in the comparison game too – I think we all are with the prevalence of social media. I'm one of those people who have a new car and my husband and I purchased our first home last year, but let me tell you – it's not all that it's cracked up to be! There are so many new bills and new responsibilities that make me miss my crappy 2001 Honda civic and being a renter. The grass is always greener (and when you're a homeowner you have to mow it yourself), and it's important to take time and appreciate the benefits of where you are in life.
Annessa
http://www.seekingsunshine.com
Mica T
I think the biggest piece of knowledge you achieve as you grow older is realising that not everyone has it perfectly together! Even people who seem to do have exactly the same worries and concerns! Another year, another opportunity to do and be your best – no matter what your age is.
I hope you had a very happy birthday (it sounds like you did as you got a lot of love from your friends) and that 25 is a great year for you – whatever you put your mind to.
Away From The Blue Blog
#Struggles Book giveaway!
Pat
First can I just say what a fox you are? Seriously, you have the look down, from everything,your outfit, your hair and those killer boots. Confidence exudes from your every pour. I would be fooled if I saw you on the street & knew you were trying to figure out where you should be in life. Sweetie you need to believe me when I say you look confident. When I was 25 I'd already had 1 child and felt like I should feel like an adult but knew I really didn't. There are days when I'm sure someone is going to see through me and realize I've been faking it all along. Also to say you have it all figured out would mean that you would never be growing emotionally. Change is always good. I never use to feel that way, but ever more I realize that. You can still be grounded, have a boyfriend, a home together or even be married with a child, but to say you had it all figured out would mean you wouldn't be experiencing new things in life. In my lifetime so far, if I've learned anything, it is that no one ever really has it all figured out & people who say they do aren't always telling the truth. Try not to worry so much about knowing where you'll be in 5 years. When you see an opportunity, take it & go with it. Realize that you may have a career for a long time when things can take an abrupt turn and you'll have to re-evaluate what you want to do in or life. Change is scary but it's good. It keeps things fresh, exciting and even though it feels like you're taking a huge step backwards sometimes it also means you could be learning something new about yourself which would open even more doors. I hope I don't sound like a know it all, trust me I am anything but. Looking back at my life if there is anything I could change it would be not to worry so much. Stepping off my stoop here in the big OC of CA. love you girl <3
Ali Hval
Yes to the "say you feel what is avoided in the blogging world"–weight being one of those. I so love you for your honesty and how genuine of a person you are. You are so, so special to the blogging world, to me, and to so many others. Keep on being an inspiration, sunshine. I FREAKING LOVE YA.
Ali Hval
And your butt. Obviously.
Bogi RedReticule
Happy birthday pretty lady! I was in the blues when I hit 25 and I'll never forget a friend telling me that it was going to get amazing after 25 and boy was she right! The more you experience life, the more confident you will get and the more you will love your body. And you should! You are a beautiful and inspiring person. anyone who can call themselves your friend must feel very lucky.
http://redreticule.com
Elle Sees
i hope this is your best year yet!! life is how you make it and how you perceive it, and it sounds like you are on the right track! so many hugs to you!
Nada Qamber
Yes!! With every year that passes, just keep doing things that make you happy, and you'll be happy forever! <3
Lindsay Truax
Love the all black look!! Those earrings are a stunner!!
pinkandnavystripes.com
Erica Wells
Happy birthday! 25 was an awesome year for me…probably one of my favorites (tied up with 30). You still have a lot of time ahead of you to figure out what you want. π Heck when I was 25 I had just broken off an engagement and had decided I was going to finally live the life I wanted – essentially starting things all over again from scratch. At 29 I decided to make a complete career change and go back to school and at 30 I went on a study abroad trip because I had always wanted to do it (I was definitely the oldest person on the trip but whatevs!). You got this girl – make it a great one!! π
Erica
http://www.pumpsandpushups.com
MΓ³nica - Mes Voyages Γ Paris
Love your positive mind!! And happy birthday!!
XX
MΓ³nica Sors
MES VOYAGES Γ PARIS
NEW POST: MY CLASSIC STYLE
Bree Aylwin
You look so beautiful – what a great way to start off 25! I went through the same feelings this year in my bday!! im trying to enjoy the moments leading up to events instead of just focusing on where I'm at or comparing. Happy birthday!!
CoastWithMe
Alissa….I'm with you on the quarter life crisis girl. But, I'm no longer 25. I'm 28…..so it's a little harder to swallow lol. I have to tell you that you are incredibly courageous for being so open and honest about your feelings…..the same feelings we're all experiencing, but are too embarrassed to share. I don't know if you've heard of Brene Brown, but she has this quote that I wanted to share with you. She says, "I can honestly say that nothing is as uncomfortable, dangerous, and hurtful as believing that Iβm standing on the outside of my own life looking in and wondering what it would be like if I had the courage to show up and let myself be seen." Thank you for letting your true self be seen Alissa! <3 I think you have set such a great example for all of us bloggers! Happy 25 years YOUNG girl! Cheers to an amazing journey of self discovery! I know you're going to kill it this year….I could just feel it!
Ashley
First of all, happy birthday! You look gorgeous, as usual. And I love your perspective. Even though you don't feel like you have it all figured out (and guess what, you never will feel like you have it all figured out!) you have wisdom beyond your years which is a huge gift!
Elegance and Mommyhood
You are the most fearless and funniest 25 year old I know. You have wit and wisdom beyond your ears. And you look so elegant in all black. Love your sweater and earrings.
Happy Belated Birthday!
Elegance and Mommyhood
I meant to say beyond your years though I am sure your ears are smart, too. LOL
Rachel Dinh
The best is yet to come! Happy Birthday Gorgeous!
http://www.racheldinh.com
Nicole Layne
Happy birthday!! You look gorgeous in these pictures! I wish I had your wisdom at 25. I definitely had that quarter life crisis and only later did I realize that worrying didn't help a thing. I wish I had just jumped in like you since you realize that you never fully have it figured it. I'm so excited to keep hearing about your adventures!
Nicole
Nicole to the Nines
Nikki
I will be 30 this year and I am no where near having it figured out… I don't think anyone does. If they say they do, they are lying. Just keep doing what you are doing. It will all fall into place (I tell myself this frequently or I would lose my mind…) Hope you had a fabulous birthday!
Nikki
thefashionablewife.com
awhite
25 ain't no thang, man. You're coming into your own, you start to stop worrying about "having it all figured out" and just learn to roll with things. As your elder, I can vouch for this. π
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Anaiavilo
I totally get you, I am 25 and I still haven't figured out where my life is going. But I am trying to live in the present as much as I can! π
http://thewonderfashion.blogspot.com
Shannon Jenkins
Honestly I dont think we ever have it figured out! I work with the elderly and even at 90 I dont think they do π 25 is such an amazing age so enjoy it! Also you look adorable! Obsessed with that sweater!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
jess
Happy Birthday. I think 25 year will be a good year for you. Glad you're feeling more optimistic about it.
Brooke A
This post made me smile. 25 is fabulous! You don't need to have it all figured out, that the beauty of life! Happy birthday!
Brooke
Pumps and Push-Ups
Rachel Lynne
Girl – trust me when I say it just keeps getting better π I just turned 28 and I would say things are 200x better than when I was 25. I mean I'm sure it's different for everyone, but I've felt a sense of peace and calmness over the past year that I haven't felt since I was 22. Age is just a number of course, it is what you make it, but just have fun! Your 20s are all about discovering who you are and what you want out of life. No pressure. Live freely, make mistakes, enjoy every moment π And also, I still don't have anything figured out and I'm finally okay with that π
Maya McDonald
Happy happy happy happy happy birthday lady! And yes, I have to agree with Rachel – things get SO much better, I promise! 25 was a tough year for me – in fact, definitely my toughest yet – but I'm just about to turn 27 and I am EXCITED! Things continue to get better and while we all don't have it figured out in the least, at least we know we're in it together. Sending you a big hug and lots of love! xx
Alyson Seligman
Think all your other readers hit on the same thing as I was about to say… I'm a DECADE, yup, 10 years OLDER than you, and some days I have it down and other days I'm like, what the hell am I doing. Yeah, maybe I have a house, and kids and even a decent car but that doesn't mean I know what I'm doing. We either fake it til we make it or we keep trying until we see what sticks. Happy birthday fabulous lady. GIve yourself more credit than you are … your level of self awareness doesn't happen to women twice your age. xo
alyson
http://www.theaveragegirlsguide.com
Lisa Morice
Happy belated birthday Alissa! Hope you had a wonderful special day and this next year is going to be an awesome one. Personally, I don't think anyone who has their life nailed down has any fun. I'd much rather be open to spontaneity and last minute changes in direction (if that's what I choose). It's fine to have a loose plan but no point in stressing if things beyond your control derail things for a bit. Life is meant to be enjoyed moment by moment, not planned out to the last detail so you miss all the fun as it happens. BTW I love these photos, especially the seated close up ones. Love your style lady xx
Hannah Rupp
Girl, 25 looks good on you! I'll be there next month but it seems like I haven't contemplated it as much as you. Age is just a number to me… unless it's like 90. Then it sounds scary. Ha!
Hannah | The Outfit Repeater
AJ Parker
Girl, at 25 I was a human disaster. I'm not sure how I made rent every month and often bought shoes instead of paying my bills. And guess what? I'm 31 now and still don't know shit. I'm better off, though, and I have a clearer idea of where I'm going, but I like to think that most of us are always figuring it out! You're awesome, and killing it. Keep on with your bad self.