30 Things I Have Learned In 30 Years

Today, I turn 30 years old. It’s always a somewhat momentous occasion when you hit an age with a zero next to it and I feel like it’s a good time to reflect on the last decade or so of your life. To me, 30 is like the age where you’re an “official” adult. You’re no longer a 20-something…you’re in your 30’s. The nice thing though is that you have some experience under your belt to help you navigate the next few decades and make them the best they can be. So, in honor of my 30th trip around the sun, here are 30 things I have learned over the past 30 years.

1. Be nice to everyone and expect nothing in return.
2. Don’t compare yourself to others.
3. Forgiveness is hard but is a necessary part of life. Forgive even if the other person doesn’t acknowledge any wrong doing. For your sake let go of that baggage and move on.
4. There is more than one way to do most things.
5. Perfection is an illusion.
6. Say I love you always and say it often.
7. Make yourself a priority. 
8. Learn to love yourself inside and out no matter what. Be kind to yourself.
9. Healthy is more important than being skinny. Find exercise that you like to do and eat like you love yourself.
10. It is okay to say “No.”
11.  But also say “yes!” Try new things as often as you can!
12. Lizzie McGuire is the best Disney channel show ever made. Ever. And while we’re at it the top 5 greatest Disney channel original movies are (in no particular order) Halloweentown, Zenon Girl of the 21st Century, Smart House, The Thirteenth Year, and Alley Cats Strike.
13. No one is thinking about you nearly as much as you think they are. They’re probably too busy worrying about how they are being perceived.
14. Comfort can always be found watching an Olsen twins straight to video movie. Passport to Paris am I right?!
15. Life is too short to spend it doing something that makes you unhappy. Happiness is earned, not deserved.
16. The Harry Potter series is still just as magical the twelfth time reading it as it was the first.
17. Say what you mean and mean what you say. People will always appreciate it.
18. Listening is more important than talking.
19. Success is not a straight line. There will be set backs and some things won’t work out the way you hoped but keep working your butt off and success will come in time.
20. Take the time to acknowledge and be grateful for the wonderful things in your life.
21. Writing is the best form of therapy.
22. Put yourself out there, even if you’re scared.
23. Experiences are more valuable than material possessions.
24. Learn to accept help when it is offered.
25. You can’t please everyone.
26. Liquor before beer you’re in the clear. Beer before liquor never been sicker. This rule does not apply to wine or champagne. At. All.
27. Surround yourself with positive people. Don’t waste your time with people who don’t matter.
28. Read everything. Read for pleasure. Read to keep yourself informed.
29. Learning to give a genuine compliment to someone is just as important as learning to accept one.
30. Dream big. Don’t let your own or other’s limitations hold you back from getting what you want. Remember also, that dreams will only ever be dreams until you decide to stop acting like you still have time and start working to make them a reality.