30 Things I learned in 30 years

Today is my 30th Birthday. I remember being younger and thinking 30 was so old. But what’s even crazier is that 30 is not even old at all. Turning 30 has made me feel like a “real” adult and my 20s have prepared me for the next phase of adulthood.

When you’re younger, you have this ideal life in your mind. And as you get older society and those around you put these timelines in your head that you should have, achieve, or experience fills in the blank by now…and the reality is…everyone is on their own timeline. I wouldn’t change anything about the past years of my life because they have made me who I am today and I have learned so many lessons that I am grateful for.

30 things I have learned in 30 years:

1. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Prioritize your health mentally, physically, and spiritually. If you don’t take care of yourself you cannot expect to be there for yourself or others in any capacity. Your self-care should be a priority. Always. 
2. You don’t have to do everything on the world’s timeline. I’ve come to a realization that while everyone thinks you have to have things done by a specific time or age, not everyone is on the same timeline, and what might work for you may not work for the next person.
3. No one is going to advocate as hard for you as you. You have to put yourself first. Prioritize yourself. Ask for the raise you deserve. Negotiate your pay rate for what you are worth.
4. Don’t depend on one stream of income. Having multiple streams of income is a game changer not only financially but it helps with peace of mind in many ways. If you lose one, you have another one to fall back on and sometimes that is priceless.
5. Never stay anywhere that doesn’t serve you. Quit your job. If you die tomorrow or they fire you, your job will be posted the same day. I’m sorry to say this but in case you didn’t know…You are replaceable. So if you ever get the feeling you need a change or you hate your job. Take a chance and find something new. You’ll only regret all of the time you “wasted” staying stuck in a place that sucked the joy out of your daily life.
6. Your support system is everything – Family is essential. Whether it’s your immediate family or the family you choose, family is truly everything.
7. Say no…a lot. It’s okay. I know it can be hard. But sometimes saying no to other people allows you to say yes to yourself.
8. Money isn’t everything…but it’s still something. As my mom has always said…All money isn’t good money. Just because an opportunity is presented doesn’t mean that you should take it if it costs you your happiness, your self-worth, or your mental health.
9. Friendship doesn’t have to look like the movies. Some of my best friendships I don’t see or talk to every single day.
10. Trust your gut and intuition. Don’t ignore red flags, they’re there for a reason.
11. Do the things that make you happy. And make it a priority in your everyday life. Life is short and you might as well spend time doing things that make you happy.
12. Laughter is the best medicine. Laugh often and intentionally and don’t take everything too seriously.
13. Travel. You’ll only regret the trips you didn’t take. The places you didn’t get to see. The adventures you didn’t go on. Take the trip and take lots of photos.
14. Go on that solo date/trip – spend time with yourself. Spend time alone, that’s when you grow the most. SO go see that movie you wanted to see by yourself. Go see that exhibit. Go backpacking in Europe. You won’t regret spending time and growing with yourself.
15. Be the old soul. Embrace your inner child. At the end of the day, whether you’re an old soul like me or constantly embracing your inner child. Be you and embrace those parts of yourself because they are some of the best things about you that make you special. 
16. Learn your love language. Knowing how you like to receive and give love will be a game changer for you and your relationships with yourself and others.
17. Do the things that interest you and try new things. Start the business. Take the art class. Try the restaurant. Buy the plane ticket. Whatever it is, give yourself the opportunity to at least try. Do the things that scare you because that is when you will grow the most.
18. Being a nerd is cool. You never stop learning.
19. In relationships, it’s more important to have a partner in life and best friend than a partner that looks good. You want someone in your corner that supports you and pushes you to be a better version of yourself. Looks fade. 
20. Music will be a constant in your life. Music is literally the soundtrack of your life. 
21. Explore all of the music that makes you feel good.
22. Don’t take life so seriously. Try to prioritize fun every day. Life can be so serious sometimes but it’s okay to have fun and not take life so seriously all of the time.
23. Make memories. Spend time with the people you love. Make time for your friends and family even when they get on your nerves. Go out on a Tuesday night. Embrace the smallest moments because these will be the things you remember for a lifetime.
24. Burnout is real. Take a break. Take a day off. Use your PTO.
25. Spend time outside. Spending time outside can help you reset after a stressful day. Nature has a way of grounding you. Take a walk sometime.
26. Don’t compare yourself to others. No one can do the things you do the way you do them. You are unique in so many ways. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. 
27. You don’t have to prove yourself to others. You don’t have to live up to expectations of yourself that don’t align with yours. You don’t owe anyone anything. But you owe yourself a lot. 
28. Find something to believe in. God…The universe…whatever you connect with. I believe having belief in something in your life that gives you faith and hope and love is truly worth it. Having something to believe in is crucial when times get rough or are amazing beyond belief.
29. Everything you’ve gone through is preparing you for the next phase of your life. Every hardship, heartbreak, and lesson good and bad is shaping you into the person you are meant to be. I believe that everything happens for a reason. If that reason is just to teach you something about yourself. 
30. Be weird. If you have ever been called weird, consider it a blessing…weird people finish first 😉

Stay curious. You’ll never outgrow it. It makes life much more fun.

3 Bonus Things to Consider:

1. Never work on your birthday. Celebrate yourself, even if it’s only one day out of the year.
2. Trust the timing of your life. It’s okay if it all doesn’t work or happens on your timeline. Just keep pushing on. 
3. Always Stay Creative.