Today is my 33rd birthday and I’ve decided to share 33 lessons, reflections, and thoughts about life with you all. Some are messy, some are sweet, some are mildly dramatic, but one thing is for certain – they have all played a pivotal role in my life in some way.
Before we get into it I want to note that this list if entirely from my personal perspective. I in no way, shape, or form have my shit figured out and am still rolling with the punches. You will notice I have an entire blog category called “Figuring Out Life”. We are all learning, growing, failing, and succeeding at our own rates, and I intend to continue doing all these things throughout my life. So, without further ado, a list of life lessons and random musings that I’ve gathered over the years.
- Listen to your gut instincts, always.
- Fear is boring (side note: please read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert).
- People who make fun of you for things you enjoy are not your people. Drop them and move on.
- Books are magic. Read whatever you want, however you want.
- A small group of close friends is far more valuable than a large group of shallow relationships.
- Read your bank statement every month and learn about personal finance.
- Get out of your head and out of your own way – still working on this one.
- My favorite mantra: don’t be a lemming. Give it a Google if you don’t know what I mean.
- Learn as much as you possibly can about anything and everything.
- Don’t underestimate the power of simply sitting in the sun. No phone. No music. Yes sunscreen.
- Learn to recognize your privilege. College was a big eye-opener for me and I continue to reflect on how my upbringing has impacted my adult life.
- Leave home. Move away (at least for a little while) and immerse yourself in other cities, cultures, lives.
- Never get complacent about showing your partner that you care. Little notes, saying thank you, or picking up their favorite candy goes such a long way.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t be afraid to try new things alone.
- As my grandma used to say: life is what happens when you’re busy making plans.
- So far I have enjoyed my thirties far more than my twenties. I’m quite looking forward to my forties.
- Take the trip. Save up and just go.
- Don’t spend more than you have on stuff you don’t need. If you can’t pay cash, you can’t afford it.
- You can make anywhere feel like home as long as you’re surrounded by your fav people and pets.
- Your twenties are complicated and busy but please keep moving your body. You can’t afford the gym but go on walks, run outside, do yoga at home. Your future self will thank you.
- Self reflection is an incredible power move when unpacking who you are and who you want to be.
- Create a budget and review it monthly. I wish I had taken better care of my financial health in my early twenties but it’s never too late to learn.
- Wear the nice dress. Burn the expensive candle. Rock the red lipstick.
- Listen more than you speak. Use the Q&A rule – ask questions or answer questions.
- Get. off. your. phone!
- Work is important, but not everything. It’s okay to get the paycheck and go on about your day.
- When someone asks “What do you do?”, don’t answer with your job title. Tricky, I know.
- Share your art. Don’t overthink it.
- Try as many hobbies as you want. Life is too short not to try something new.
- Walk away from relationships that do not serve you. The initial break is so hard, but the instant relief after leaving the relationship tells you everything you need to know.
- Sauerkraut is actually delicious but I still cannot get on board with pickles.
- Take photos for the memories, not to share online. Print out and frame your favorites.
- Just start. Start the project. Start the painting. Start the blog. Take action on your curiosity to live your favorite, most creative life.
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