By 32 years ago I was born (WHEW!). You never think you’ll get here (older that is) and then… you do. However my 30’s have been some good years. Granted I’m only two years in but so far so good! I feel wiser, more confident, more aware of others, more compassionate, less caring of what others think, and more grounded in who I am. Overall this is a really great stage of life for me.
So… in honor of 32 years… I’m going to be so original (jokes) and share 32 things I’ve learned in my 32 years of living.
- Others First. For so long I’ve put the focus on myself. Naturally, I’m more of a selfish person so this is something I’ve slowly learned with age and diving into what God’s word tells us – Love your neighbor as yourself! Like really love them… whether they’re like you or not.
- If you want to be more productive – get up early! Make your coffee & get at it. You’ll be happy you did!
- You are stronger than you think you are. You will face challenges in life that will knock you down or go through something you don’t know how you’re going to get through. The truth is- you will and you will be stronger on the other side of it!
- Love God, love people. ALL people.
- Be open minded and subject to change. This one line has made me a lot of who I am today. That’s not to say that the way you are living or thinking isn’t the right way, but sometimes we can get so stuck into our way of thinking that we’ve missed the opportunity to grow, learn from others, and potentially change our mindset.
- Respect those who have gone before you. The older generations. They may not do things the way we do or fully understand the culture we live in today, but they deserve our respect and love. We will be them someday, too.
- Sometimes you will get it wrong, stay confident. Sometimes you will get it right, stay humble. (Love this by Amy Weatherly)
- Wear a bold lip color… it compliments everyone in my opinion.
- Choose friends who choose you. Choose those who will love you in the good and the bad, are there to encourage, support, and put you in check when you need it.
- Be confident in your own skin. While I love the fun and art of make up, it’s important to feel comfortable going a day or two out of the week without any on. You are your worst critic. It’s beautiful and freeing to love yourself as you are!
- Don’t worry about being popular. It’s over rated. I can look back now and say this with 100% confidence. I can say this as once being the “popular” girl. It’s not that being popular is a bad thing, it’s that you can often change who you are to become popular… that’s where it becomes toxic.
- This one is going to pertain to those who are Christians… tithe! I know, you’re probably reading this thinking this is last thing you’d hear me say. But it’s an important principle that has lost it’s significance in the church. God instructs us to give back to him and to be faithful in doing so. I can tell you this… I have never been so blessed in my life both financially and overall than when we have been faithful in this one principle.
- Always wear sunscreen and don’t be a sun goddess! And stay out of those tanning beds!!! You won’t visibly see the effects at a young age, but come late 20’s you will be thanking me for this advice! (I didn’t listen to this advice… don’t be like me)
- No one has it all together no matter what your eyes can see – always remember this when scrolling social media and see a perfectly curated feed.
- If you’re stressed – go workout or clean your house – two things that help me!
- Hurt people hurt people… be the bigger person and ignore the hurter- even if it means backing down and being silent. This is the more courageous step.
- When choosing your life partner- look for qualities you respect. They say you become like those you hang around the most. Godly, integrous, and selfless were three I found in my husband.
- It’s okay to change. I’ve changed a lot the past 2-3 years and I often wonder if people think what I put out there is just for show. Don’t worry about what other’s think. We’re all subject to change and it’s healthy to grow, change, and be a new you. Embrace the changing you- it will encourage others to do the same.
- Say that nice/encouraging thing you are thinking about someone. It may feel a little awkward at the time but it says a lot about you and goes a long way.
- Success looks different to everyone. The best kind of success is relationships with family members, friends, giving to others, and living a life you are proud of as a person.
- Flats over heels 😉 Okay really that’s just personal preference
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Successful people rarely achieve success on their own. There is usually a team behind them & a lot of questions asked. It shows a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Support those around you! Lifting others up gives back to others while exemplifying the confidence within you.
- Learn how to say “no” without feeling bad. There will be stages in your life when you will feel bombarded or overwhelmed. Focus on the important “yes'” in your life and say no to the rest. Take care of you!
- Jesus love me and you more than we’ll ever know. His grace is unending and there is nothing that can separate his love.
- I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to get to 32 facts… I’m not as smart as I thought lol
- Comparison kills creativity. There is room for you. Nobody can do it with YOUR voice, with YOUR experience, & with YOUR insight – Karen Walrond
- Your mom just might be right about everything she ever told you 😉 … love you mom!
- A good trick to remind yourself of how blessed you are – for 30 days write down 3 things every morning that you’re thankful for. It can be anything. Do this every morning! Its scientifically proven the more we focus/write down our blessings, the more it will fill us up and changes our perspective.
- Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody
- A great tip to feeling successful in a day – cross off that one thing on your to do first thing in the morning – that one thing you are dreading to do. No matter what else you accomplish that day you will feel accomplished that you got that “one thing” done.
- Do the things you are afraid of. Pretty soon those things won’t be so scary anymore and you’ll be inching closer and closer to your goals.
XOXO
