I love my 30s so far. Don’t get me wrong, my 20s were a blast. I graduated college, bought my first home, got married, and had babies. It was a whirlwind of a decade. But even just dabbling into this new decade I feel that I have both gained much wisdom and have also learned that I do NOT know a lot of things.
Here are just a few lessons that I have learned in my 31 years on this planet.
- “No” is an answer. It doesn’t need clarification or justification.
- Don’t keep “skinny” clothes in your closet. You may think it gives you a goal to look forward to, but more often than not it’ll just make you sad that you can’t wear them when you get ready every morning.
- Find a few babysitters you know and trust.
- Significant others are not gifted the power of mind reading. Communication is key.
- Your first full-time job does not have you be your last NOR does it have to fulfill your passion.
- Speaking of, if you’re passionate about a cause, get involved.
- Vote. People, if you’re not registered to vote, you should be. And don’t just vote in the national elections. Local elections are just as (if not more) important.
- Invest in a great vacuum cleaner. Worth. Every. Penny.
- Keeping up with the Joneses is expensive. Set goals and expectations that work for YOUR family, and stick to those.
- Always have an updated resume on file. You never know when you will need one.
- Going to the movies by yourself is the best way to have no one speak to you for at least an hour and a half.
- Your quality of friends is far more important than the quantity.
- Don’t let perfection get in the way of progress. Take it one step at a time.
- A shared calendar saved my marriage … a little dramatic? Maybe.
- Asking for help is not a weakness. It’s a strength. (I’m still learning this one).
- Learn not to be the smartest in the room, but the one who is willing to learn the most.
- What is good for one person might not always be good for another. Diets, trends, money, what have you.
- Your life is not on a timeline. There are not certain milestones you’re supposed to meet at certain times.
- Make a budget. Sticking to it takes time, but making it is the first step.
- A 401k is in fact a great work perk. They want to give you free money. Take it.
- Get a primary care physician. Hopping around from urgent care to urgent care gets old.
- No one knows what they’re doing all the time. Don’t feel like you have to.
- Show yourself the same kindness and respect you show to others.
- Don’t invest time and energy into friendships that are draining. Friendships should be life-giving, and not life-taking.
- Get in the picture. Your kids will want photos of you with them as they get older. Ask someone to take the picture.
- For me, faith is key. Even the days where you don’t “feel it,” cling to truth and faith anyway.
- Support local businesses. 50% of the dollars you invest into local restaurants, retail, etc. go back in to your community.
- You can forgive without having to forget. Saying you forgive someone does not mean that you’re condoning behaviors.
- On that note, set boundaries. Stick to them. Honoring your peace is one of the most important things you can do.
- All moms work. Whether they’re working in their home or out of the home, all moms work.
- Time goes by faster the older you get. Take in the little moments. They’ll be the ones you remember.
