In my twenties.

Right before my 20th birthday, my lovely sister Anna told me about a project she was completing called her "Birthday Bucket List."Basically she created a list on her birthday the year before of all the things she wanted to accomplish by the time her next birthday rolled around. It was so neat hearing about all her achievements and good ideas! She encouraged me to start one and so I have!

I haven't completed the list yet. In fact, I had means to do that today. I sat down while the kiddos I nanny were watching a show and started to list all the things I wanted to do...
Make a quilt
complete my pinterest recipes
Learn 5 songs on Piano
Take a name to the temple...

I had about 9 things on my list when I got stuck (I wanted to come up with 20...ha). I turned to Google for some advice. I typed in "What to do in my 20th year." I clicked on one of the first links that popped up...and I was appalled.

"Sleep Around"
"Eat whatever you want"
"Party when you get the chance"
"Blow your money on something you've always wanted"
"Do not ruin your life by settling down..."

Not all of them were this bad...but I've got to say it was heart breaking to read this list.
Being in your 20's is never going to happen again, I know, but what gives us the right to waste this time?

The last one I mentioned hit me the hardest.
"Do not ruin your life by settling down."

Let me just say something:

I settled down when I was 19. While I did have support (and I will always be grateful for it), I got grief from so many people. Friends, some family and even complete strangers who told me I was wasting my life and I would miss out on so many things.

Sure, I have missed out.
I wont get to see the world on my own
I wont be able to live with my friends ever again
I am tied down to one person and have to seek his approval on big decisions
I wont go on a first date ever again

But you know what else?
I get to experience new adventures with my husband
I get to live with my best friend for the rest of my life
I have a supporter and a friend that will always help me make the best choice
I will remember my first date with my husband forever and will enjoy every date after that.

Settling down has been the best decision I have ever made. Going into my twenties, I know I will miss out on things I see my high school friends doing, but I know I have gained so much more. I am so incredibly happy with the way my life has unfolded the past year. Its amazing how much you grow when you aren't focusing on "making the most" out of your twenties, but focusing on the things that matter the most.