30 Things I’ve Learned before turning 30

My 30th birthday is in a week. Eek. I’ve been dreading the whole thing for the past couple years to be completely honest. It’s a big milestone. It’s huge! I’m older. Closer to wrinkle creams, joint pains, grey hair and inevitably death if I’m being completely honest-which I am. As 30 creeps up on me, I still have dreams and goals I have yet to accomplish, but I can honestly say that I’m closer to them than I have ever been. I’m happier than I have ever been despite the hardships, the pain endured and missed opportunities. I won’t sit here and claim I have my life completely figured out, but I certainly have some of it figured out!

Here are some things I have learned over the last 10 years: 30 things I’ve learned before turning 30!

1. Build up your own tribe. Get a couple of really good friends and keep them. You don’t need a lot of friends. Just have a few really good ones.
2. Jealously is a waste of time and energy. There will be times when you will feel jealous, but don’t let jealously take over and stay. It’s poison, and it’s unnecessary.
3. Strive and work daily to become a better listener. Talk less, listen more.
4. There is a limit to having too many animals. Only take on what you can handle.
5. Remove your makeup before bed every night. Zero exceptions.
6. There is a song for nearly every moment in your life. Have a favorite Pandora station or playlist ready when the time is right.
7. Marry your best friend. Do not settle for anything less than what you deserve.
8. Ice cream during the day is always OK.
9. Never waste a good cup of coffee. Furthermore, don’t waste your money on a crappy cup of joe.
10. Don’t question whether you’re the best. Worry more about whether you did the best you could have done.
11. Play hooky from time to time-it’s good for the soul.
12. Be generous. This doesn’t always necessarily mean with money. Lending your time or talents are also ways to give back.
13. Don’t get chocolate on your clothes-it’s nearly impossible to remove.
14. Being scared is never a good enough excuse to not go for it.
15. Make time to travel.
16. Exercise so you can enjoy more wine reeses peanut butter cups and pasta.
17. Marry someone you can talk with for hours or sit in complete silence with and still be madly in love with. There is a certain amount of contentedness that comes with both.
18. Always do your best work. If you don’t like what you’re doing for work, find something you’ll enjoy. You’ve heard the saying “Do What You Love and You’ll Never Work a Day in Your Life..”
19. Have a unique style. Don’t try to copy what others are doing or purchase the most expensive clothing to try and “fit in”. Be YOU.
20. It’s OK to not have everything figured out all the time.
21. It’s okay to cry. Don’t shut your spouse out when you really need them the most.
22. You’re never too old to learn something new.
23. Make it a point to make it to the Farmer’s Market each week. Support local farmers and eat healthy!
24. Always clean up before going to bed. Give yourself more time to sleep in the next day.
25. Get a tattoo that speaks to you. Don’t get one just to get one.
26. Have fun with your hair. Change it up.
27. It’s okay to be different. Don’t try to fit in. You were born to be you and no one else.
28. Love fearlessly and believe there is good in the world.
29. Make time for you. Don’t get so caught up in life that you don’t take care of yourself.
30. Laugh often and live your life to the fullest.

For my 30th birthday, I will see myself for who I am today. I will see myself for who I choose to be. I will not let my past define me. May my 30’s be a decade of realization that I’m in control of my life. I will  love more. I will go on more adventures. I will follow my dreams. I will choose happiness. I will prosper. I will grow exponentially in all areas of my life. Life is so short. Don’t waste your time doing something that drains you and makes you unhappy. Put family first. Be ridiculously happy being YOU.