29 Things I've Learned in 29 Years
29 Things I’ve
Learned in 29 Years
Each year as my birthday approaches, I like to sit down (usually in the evening before bed and with no distractions) to reflect on the previous year. It’s so fun to go back through the ups, the downs, all the exciting moments + fun memories. Then I’ll write down my dreams and goals for my next year. It’s neat to see what things come to fruition and where my mindset is each year. So with turning 29 on Sept. 8th, here’s a little insight into some of the life lessons I’ve learned in 29 years.
God is my #1, always.
Family is everything - I always thought I would move away when I grew up, thinking it was just “what you did” when you got older. I’m so grateful my husband, Austin, and I decided to put down roots near our families, who we are fortunate to have such close relationships with. All the babies get to grow up together and be near grandparents. To me, that’s what life is all about.
Run your own race - Stay in your lane and don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle. It’s so easy to look around and feel so far behind at times from other people appearing successful, but we never know the story. Instead, I’ve learned to focus on MY goals and dreams and to keep running my own race.
You’re stronger than you think - You never know how strong you are until you don’t have a choice. Have you ever gone through something and then look back and think, “Wow, how did I do that?”. I constantly challenge myself to let go of my limiting beliefs.
Happiness is in the journey, not the destination - I’ve learned to love the process along the way because that’s where the growth happens. What’s the point of anything if you’re not enjoying yourself along the way, right?
Never stop learning - I’ve come to realize that I really enjoy learning. I love personal growth, and striving to become a better person than I was yesterday. If I had all the time in the world, I would read a new book everyday just to learn something new.
Faith it till you make it - Let’s be real, no one really knows what they are doing until they just do it. I’ve learned to put my faith in the Lord, and trust that He will give me the skills that I need and to GO FOR IT. Business, love, or life…faith it till you make it.
Love + respect yourself - Know your worth. Don’t discredit yourself. Set boundaries.
Give yourself space to think - Growing up without having an iPhone in my hand at all times was so nice. Nowadays, the second I’m waiting in line or have a slight moment of boredom I instantly grab my phone without even thinking about it. Have you ever just stopped yourself and let yourself get bored? Let your mind wander + day dream? It’s sad how simple that sounds, but I’ve learned to give myself space to stop, think and reflect.
Learn to say no to things - As a people pleaser, learning to say no can be tough. I’m still learning to set my boundaries and understand the power of saying no. If it’s not a “HELL YES”, then the answer is no.
Learn to be content with what you DO have - The grass is not greener on the other side, it’s greener where you water it. It’s human nature to keep wanting more or want what someone else has but I remind myself how far I’ve come and what I do have that I am so grateful for.
Perspective is everything - Having a perspective shift of “I get to”, rather than “I have to” is a GAME CHANGER.
Everyone has insecurities - Someone can seem like the most confident, cool + collected person in the world but deep down we all have insecurities. We’re all human and the more I realize this, the more confident I actually become.
Challenge yourself to something that seems impossible - One of the best things I could have ever done was commit to running a half marathon. At the time, I couldn’t even wrap my mind around running 13.1 miles. What could that possibly even feel like? Could I actually do it? Crossing my first finish line was one of the most fulfilling feelings in the world. I did it. I’m so much stronger than I even realize.
Work to live, not live to work - What’s the point of working yourself to death trying to create a life for yourself if you have no time left to enjoy it? I work hard, but also enjoy myself along the way.
Quality girl time is good for the soul - I’ve learned over the years, especially after becoming a mom, how much I truly need quality girl time with my friends and how important it is for me to feel like myself.
Give a compliment - You never know what a simple act of kindness can do to someones day. Smile more. Give a random compliment.
Cheer on your girlfriends - It’s so much more fun to cheer people on than try to tear them down.
Life’s richness is in the relationships you have - Secondary to health, relationships are one of the most important things to me. My husband, my babygirl, my family, close friends and meeting new people. Relationships fulfill my life + keep it interesting.
Theres enough negativity in the world, be a positive light - no explanation needed.
Good guys are the ones you marry - Don’t go for the “bad boy”. Marry the good guy who has his ish together and shares the same morals. Marry the guy you want to be the father of your children. I’m so grateful God didn’t let me end up with anyone else. He knew what he was doing when he brought Austin into my life.
Drink more water, move your body, eat your veggies - Take care of your body, it’s the only one you’ve got. Even if it’s not for yourself, do it for those around you that care about you.
NOW is the perfect time - SOMEDAY is not a day. Timing will never be “perfect”. If I want something, I do it NOW.
Listen more - I’ve learned to talk less and listen more. Be less interesting and more interested.
Book the trip - In a few months, a few years, you won’t remember the extra money you spent or the extra days you had to take off work. You’ll remember the memories and the experience. I will travel the world by the end of my life, one place at time.
You always have a choice - You’re never as stuck as you think you are. If you don’t like something, change it.
Don’t stay in a friendship/relationship for comfortability - It’s cliche, but I’ve learned people do come in and out of your life, and that’s ok. I’ve let the people go that don’t deserve a place in my life anymore to make room for those that do.
There is a silver lining in EVERY situation - There is always something to be grateful for, even in the darkest of seasons. Find the light.
Life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you - Everything that has happened in my life - the good, the bad and everything in between - has ultimately served a purpose. I don’t waste my time playing the victim, God’s in control.
Now cheers to year 29!