IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!!

In honor of my 30th birthday today, I thought I would share 30 life lessons I learned before 30. Hopefully you know most of these but maybe you’ll learn a thing or two.

1. Sharing is caring – I learned this one early on. Not just material things but advice, experiences, and love.
2. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you – The Golden Rule. Treat others how you want to be treated,
3. Reading is fun and fundamental – I learned to read when I was three. And I have been in love with reading ever since. Reading is an escape from reality and a bridge to knowledge.
4. Amazon is life – When you have social anxiety, not having to go in public to buy even the most basic things is awesome. Having it delivered to your door is even better.
5. Always carry your health insurance card. – You never know what may happen. (Bonus: always wear clean underwear in case you get into a car accident.)
6. Don’t take no wooden nickels – One of many Grandma-isms I learned over the years. Cause wooden nickels don’t spend.
7. Always keep your cell phone charged – And don’t trust people who let their phones die. Ok, that may not be a life lesson but it’s my opinion.
8. Cruises are the best way to travel – Cruises are my favorite. All the food, alcohol, and entertainment you could want and all you have to do is ride!
9. Always have enough money to get home or cover your meal – When dating, always make sure you can get yourself home and/or cover your meal at the restaurant. Cause stuff happens and dating is dumb.
10. Men mature slower than women – Speaking of dating, whew chile…it takes men a while to catch up…Patience is a virtue.
11. It’s important to live by yourself at least once – I always thought living alone was lonely and boring, but oh how I miss the solitude now. Counting down the days until I’m back in my own place!
12. Nieces and nephews are the best birth control – I love them dearly but I knew when they came along that I was not ready for kids yet. They keep me grounded.
13. Aunties have a special place in the world – On that note, aunts make the world go ’round. I love the bond I have with my niece and nephews. Like a mom, but cooler.
14. Blood doesn’t make you any more or less family – Blood relation isn’t the only definition of family. Real family is the one you choose and there’s always enough love to go around.
15. Big brothers make the fiercest protectors and the best friends – Speaking of family, big brothers are the best. They’ll always have your back, even if they don’t always agree with your choices.
16. Your mother is usually right – Hard to admit I know, but moms know a thing or two about life. Listen to them sometimes.
17. Not everyone is your friend – Mom used to tell me this all the time but I just ignored it. As an adult, I learned this lesson the hard way. You can’t trust everyone. And when your mom says she doesn’t like someone, listen to her.
18. If the answer isn’t “Hell Yes!” then it’s a no – Don’t be afraid to say no. If the answer is maybe, you should probably just say no. Don’t stress yourself out over stuff you don’t really want to do.
19. It’s ok to ask for help – Asking for help doesn’t make you weak. The strongest I have ever been was when I admitted that I couldn’t do it alone.
20. Know when to speak up for yourself – I hate conflict and I hate rocking the boat but there are times when speaking up for yourself is unavoidable. Don’t be afraid to defend yourself and your boundaries.
21. It’s never too late to build or strengthen relationships – With family, with friends, with coworkers, with strangers. Relationships are the building blocks of life and without them, we are islands.
22. Excessive drinking leads to bad decision making (but wine is amazing) – Know your limits. That’s it.
23. It’s important to have a spiritual journey outside of your parents – I know all about going to church because that’s how you were raised or that’s what your parents do, but having your own spiritual practice and connection is crucial.
24. Mind the business that pays you – No explanation needed. Mind your own business.
25. Mental health is important – Having a consistent mental health practice whether that’s meditation, yoga, or therapy is the key to being healthy, happy, and whole.
26. Financial planners are a God send – If you’re like me and need help managing your finances, get a good financial planner. It’s worth the investment.
27. Hot showers are therapeutic – After a long day, physically, mentally, or emotionally, a a hot shower is the most soothing thing there is.
28. It’s ok not to be ok – You won’t always be happy or feel good. And that’s ok. You don’t have to pretend to be ok all the time.
29. There’s no specific timetable for life – You don’t have to finish college or be married or have kids by a certain time. Things will happen when they are supposed to for YOU.
30. It’s ok not to have it all together by 30 – I was dreading turning 30 for the longest time because I wasn’t where I thought I should be in life by this time but I have an amazing job, family and friends who love me, and a whole lot of life left ahead of me. I am exactly where I’m supposed to be.