If you talk to anyone over the age of 50 they’ll tell you: Don’t put off the good stuff. Be happy now. Take care of yourself NOW. Love right this minute. And most importantly, find a way to make yourself happy day to day. Not every day will be the best day ever but as long as you’re living a generally happy life you’ll be healthier. If I’m happy, laughing, & excited about life…well isn’t that what being young is all about?

1. I have learned to take time to breathe.
I used to not be able to take time for myself, which is just silly. What is 20 minutes compared to the 24 hours in a day?  I now make sure I take some me time- especially when I feel like I don’t have the time for it. Honestly, that is when I need it the most! Sometimes it is just flipping through a new magazine or catching up on an awful soap (don’t judge me) but it definitely helps. I also drink a lot of tea & sometimes I make myself stand in front of the machine while it heats up my water & just breathe to gather myself for the day or evening. It helps!

2. I am in love with being in love & loved.
My husband & I have been married for 5 years & I just can’t imagine my life without him. He makes me laugh like nobody else & we really fit. I love the feeling of being in love! On top of that, I’m the proud mommy to a total of four fur babies. Yes. Four. All of them are rescues & if that isn’t love what is? I’m they’re favorite too so that’s a sweet bonus. As if I wasn’t blessed enough in my own home I am also really close with both of my parents. I talk to one or both of them nearly every day & we’re friends. I love this age! Throw in friends & I’m set. Love all around!…in a good way of course.

3. I’ve embraced the flaws.
I’ve always been hard on myself & nit-picky but in the past few years I’ve gotten a lot better about things. I’ve tried to let go of the things I can’t change whether they are medical, spiritual, or just part of this random life. With a husband in the military & being so far away from family & friends, sometimes I feel adrift. Which can be depressing. But I try to remember that nothing bad is long term & we’re just waiting for our next happy place. Life is never going to be long enough for me to worry about that stuff! Sure, my eyebrows definitely aren’t identical & I still can’t whistle but look at all the awesome stuff I can do! Seriously. I’m pretty happy with that stuff.

4. I am constantly dreaming.
Goals & dreams are really important in my life. If I didn’t have something to work towards I think life would be extremely dull. I want to be in a magazine someday, learn to make sugar art, & so many random things across all my many interests. I think the key is to have a lot of little goals on the way to the big dreams, like learning to drive a stick or running a 5k. Pick something you can accomplish today & it will lift your spirits.

5. I find my work quite enjoyable the majority of the time.
If you’ve ever worked a cruddy job you feel me here. My job definitely isn’t for everyone but I get to work with products & write my thoughts for others to read. I never thought I could have a real job I liked this much! Working the stank jobs really helped me figure out what I did like (working for myself, beauty, writing) & what I didn’t (working in food, customer service, sales). I think finding a career is so much easier once you know what you don’t like! I wake up excited to work & take breaks when I’m sick. I can’t complain much! You guys really make my life so much better!

6. I always strive to be a better me.
This kind of goes back to dreams & goals but it really is that important. Making lists, planning vacations, trying new things… keeping life interesting I suppose. Just because I failed at something once doesn’t mean I will again! I can’t tell you how many companies I reached out to (when I was newer to blogging) that turned me down & then came knocking when I had put in more time, effort, & knowledge for them to see. I think it is important to be a well-rounded person as well- hobbies are important! So is some lounge time!

7. I try my best to be positive.  
Yeah, this one can be tough. I am an anxiety-ridden person naturally so this is something I’m constantly working on. In order to be happy (& not become a grumpy, old person at age 24) I have to force myself to see the positive things. I do actually say clichés to myself like “When a door closes…” here & there & oddly enough that helps! Remaining positive makes me feel better, stand up straighter, & laugh a whole lot more.

Although you guys know I’m a huge SPF supporter & hoard skincare, the truth is you’re as young as you feel inside. Now don’t expect me to be rooting for wrinkles anytime soon but I’m a firm believer that if you feel good you will also look better too! And this, ladies & gents, is why I’ll be young forever!

• Get Old is an initiative developed by Pfizer  to challenge people of all ages to rethink what it means to Get Old and take a more active role in their health and quality of life at every age.  Whether it’s through watching what you eat, physical exercise, spending time with family and friends or participating in an activity you’re passionate about — each of us has the power to decide for ourselves how we want to Get Old. It’s not just about living longer, but living better.

• What are you doing to Get Old well? Tells us at GetOld.com and join the conversation on Twitter.com/GetOld and Facebook.com/GetOld.  

I am participating in a sponsored campaign hosted by Pfizer and Get Old. I received compensation for this post. All opinions stated are my own.