35 Things I've Learned in my 35 Years on Earth

Today I have officially been on this Earth for 35 years. That number stings for some reason, because now I’m closer to 40 than 30, and that’s slightly terrifying. Yet, I know I shouldn’t fear turning 35 because my life hasn’t been too bad. Sure, I’ve gone through some shit. I’ve gained some pounds, added a few wrinkles, and the gray hairs are popping through like weeds, and did I mention the constant bags under my eyes or the IV of coffee I drink daily just to get me through?

No? Alright, then.

Fortunately, for those who have made it thus far, I have 35 glorious things I’d love to share with you that I’ve learned in the 35 years I’ve been on Earth.

Life is better when you’re in love whether that’s you being in love with someone else your life or yourself, life is just better with love.
Take care of your body. Seriously. It doesn’t matter how fast you ran a mile back in the day, because eventually things start to ache and injuries come by a bit more quickly. It’s never too early or late to take those vitamins, take that walk or drink the dang water.
Life IS better with a dog. We lost both of dogs within a year of each other, and it left a gaping hole in our hearts and home. Last July, we welcomed little miss Charley, and life is truly better with a dog.
You will always have more stuff than you need. Trust me when I say, you don’t need fifty thousand pairs of shoes or 25 different coffee mugs. I’m learning, as I get older, how much I want to become a minimalist. (Shhh..baby steps, guys!)
Eat the dang dessert. I consider myself a health nut, and oftentimes the guilt of indulging in cake or ice cream prevents me from enjoying the decadences that is dessert. Just eat the dang cake.
Life is soooo much better with friends. I don’t mean that we should have thousands of friends, but look at the quality of your friends, not the quantity. Tight-knit and close relationships are so much better for your soul.
Get all of the sleep, especially BEFORE you have children, because after you have children, sleep is a treat which should not be taken for granted.
Strive for minimalism. The more you have, the more stress it causes. Purge now. Focus on things that bring joy and value into your life, and let go of everything that doesn’t.
There will be times in your life when things feel heavy, but remember they are just moments, little points in time that will pass in an instant and will quickly become a distant memory. Remember the old saying “this too shall pass.”
Wear the dang sunscreen. Every day.
Life is better with kids. YES! You heard me. It’s the hardest, more frustrating and thankless thing you’ll ever do, but there will be moments, memories created that you’ll never ever want to forget.
Leave the past behind. It’s there for a reason. There is no room for your past in your future. Learn from it, and move right along.
Life can be tough. Like really tough. Lean on loved ones for support whenever possible. Get back up, dust off, and continue fighting for whatever the hell you want.
Life isn’t fair. I’ve been thrown my fair share of curveballs, yet I use those lessons to help others by sharing them, authentically and transparently to those around me.
Love like your life depends on it..because it does. Love your life, love your body, love your career, your family, your journey…love all of it.
Life is beautiful. So so dang beautiful. Rejoice in the fact that life is a beautiful journey and indulge in it.
Travel. Often. Go on that trip whenever you’re able. Life is short, so don’t pass it up.
Less screen time, more living in the present. Oftentimes, we find ourselves looking at our phone, tablet or computer, and honestly guys, we’re all really missing out on everything beautiful around us. Be present more.
Listen to the music that makes you happy and sing at the top of your lungs. I’ll tell you what ,when Eminem, Shania Twain or Journey comes on, I’m an entirely different person!
Wear the face cream, and indulge in face masks. You’ll notice those fine lines once you hit 30!
Spend more time outside. Go on a hike, enjoy nature, take in the fresh air. Become one again with Earth. You won’t regret it!!
Breakfast for dinner is 100% acceptable.
Life is soooo much better with sisters. Sure, we bicker and pick on each other, but we’re #squadgoals. If you come for one of us, you come for all three of us.
You will experience profound loss. Whether it comes in the form of death, sickness/injury or torn a relationship, it’s gut-wrenching. Experiencing such things never ever make sense or come easy. You’ll forever be changed.
Try to find your calling. If you feel drawn to do something, then do it.
There is a lot of bad in the world. There are bad things happening all the time. There are bad people everywhere, and if and when you watch the news, you’ll lose hope and faith in humanity, time and time again. It’s in these moments and realizations that we try hard to be the food and see the good in others. Choose to see the good as it far outweighs all that is bad.
Fashion? What’s fashion. I’m going for comfort. Life’s too short to try and keep up with the latest fashion trends!
Always read the book before watching the movie. 9 times out of 10, the book is far better than the movie.
All those things you want to do and experience, do them! If you want to learn how to ski, then sign up for lessons. If you want to travel the world, then do! Want to dance in the rain? Girl, I’ll bring the towels. Live your best life.
Don’t be afraid of getting older. You are who you are today because of everything else you have lived through thus far. Embrace it all.
Don’t be afraid of saying “No”. Oftentimes we over extend ourselves because we’re too afraid of saying “no” and hurting someone’s feelings. If you don’t want to do something, just say “no.”
People who are generous with their time, spirit and sometimes money are the best people in life. Surround yourself with these people.
Money isn’t everything.
Life is truly what you put into it. If you’re unhappy, do something about it. Happiness is a choice you have to make each and every day, and although some days it can be really freaking hard, you need to do it anyways.
Each day is just a moment in time. Sometimes life and the responsibilities within it feel heavy, but understand it’s just a moment, just a small ripple in time that will be gone before we know it. Kids can be tough, relationships can be tough, careers can be challenging, fitness journeys can be frustrating, but keep in mind how often things change.