A Life In Review

Hi, it’s me, you’re over the hill blogger friend. I just celebrated my 30th birthday and it was as sentimental as I thought it would be. My 20’s were a rollercoaster ride that I am happy and sad to be off of. The 20’s are such a weird time, because in the beginning, you’re still really a child, but toward the end, you’re supposed to have your life more put together and act like an adult (I still feel like I’m 16).

These are not one size fits all, but they are important and you can check off the ones that apply to your life.

1. Never stop learning. I swear, I have learned more in my 20’s than I ever did in primary school. I love to learn and your 20’s are when you have the freedom to do just that.
2. How to change a light bulb (not just screwing it in, but the different type of light fixtures you’ll find in a house and what wattage each one needs).
3. Whatever you do, give it your all. Give 100% of yourself and do your best. Even if it doesn’t turn out perfectly, giving 100% is better than half assing things. We’re not kids anymore.
4. How to change a tire (yes, you. It’s okay to have AAA or call for help, but you really should know how to do this just in case).
5. Give people grace. We are all going through so much (especially these last few years).
6. Call your parents. Check in on them and let them know that they are loved. Thank them for the things they’ve done for you and continue to do for you. They won’t always be there, don’t regret not taking the chance to talk to them (that said…)
7. Read 5 books a year. Take the time and make yourself read. It can be anything, but there are so many healthy benefits to reading (I take this very seriously and for safe measure I read 50 😂)
8. Family is important, but you don’t owe toxic family members anything. Just because they are blood, does not mean that they have a right to be in your life anymore if they are truly toxic.
9. Basic “Household” Maintenance (unclogging the toilets and sinks, how to clean the dishwasher properly, etc.)
10. Weight does NOT equal worth (I’m working on this one, but go into your 30’s loving yourself way more than you did in your 20’s).
11. If a doctor isn’t listening to your concerns, or is dismissing them, leave. Get a new doctor. Keep changing until you find someone you are comfortable with.
12. Be a kind human. I’m not saying that you need to agree with everyone and what they believe, but it’s time to leave high school behind and be nice.
13. Be present. Put your phone down when you’re around others (within reason). Genuinely look at someone when they are talking to you. Take pictures, for sure, but then put your phone away and memorize your favorite things about your favorite people because in life, there are no guarantees.
14. Turn off social media notifications. I know you think that social media is important. I like it too, but social media does not deserve 24/7 access to your life. Turning off notifications is something I will never regret.
15. Be a good friend. Friendships are two ways. It took me a long time to learn this. It doesn’t mean that you will never have moments where a friendship is 80/20 or 60/40, but if it’s always 100/0, be done. You are worth a real friendship.
16. How to order your own food at a restaurant (this one is for all my fellow introverts). It’s time for us to step up and be brave!
17. Experiences are worth more than “things” will ever be. Just be sure to take pictures while you’re out there “experiencing”.
18. To not comment on other people’s bodies (learned this one more recently). Of course you can tell someone that they look great, but there is no need to comment on weight. Ever. Bodies change. They weren’t meant to stay the same and it’s time to stop expecting people to look like they’re still in high school.
19. Start saving for your retirement in your 20’s. Yes, you too. I’m not great at math, but I promise if you sit down and crunch the numbers, you’ll be shocked at the incredible life you will lead in retirement if you start saving early.
20. Go to the dentist every 6 months. I feel like this shouldn’t have to be said, but it’s so important. You are a grown adult now and teeth are a really important part of your health.
21. You don’t have to go to college to be successful. While I loved going to college, some of the smartest and most successful people do not have a college degree and I wish that was talked about more.
22. Buy clothes that fit the body that you have not the body that you want. I know this is another body acceptance one, but again, by 30, I want you to know how to love your body (or at least be working toward it).
23. First impressions matter, but that doesn’t mean that once you’ve won someone over, you should stop trying. Always put in effort with people. Especially if you love them and want the relationship to last. Effort is as important on day 1,000 as it is on day 1, it just looks different.
24. Lack of sleep is not a trophy you can earn- not my original words (I don’t know whose words they are) but they really hit home. Get sleep. Being a preemie mom taught me that your body does SO much work while you’re sleeping.
25. How to say no. You do not have to be a yes man. If you don’t want to do something, you can say no (I say as my inner people pleaser cringes).
26. Take a vacation. This one might make you laugh, but I know way too many people who save their money for “some day”, but then never actually have a “some day”. Just go away for a weekend to a hotel and order room service and turn your phone off. Even if it’s just once a year, it’s really refreshing.
27. Pay for things with cash and not credit. Obviously I’m not talking about houses/cars, but spend your money wisely. Go into your 30’s getting out of debt and staying out of debt. If you don’t have the money for a new purse, don’t charge it to your credit card.
28. Compliment people. Don’t be weird about it, but if you see someone doing a good job, tell them. If the person in line ahead of you looks cute in her outfit, let her know. If you see a parent being attentive with their child encourage them.
29. Learn to say sorry. It’s time. Yes you too. When you’re wrong and you know it, say sorry. Those actual words. And mean it. Own up to your mistakes and learn from them. Let your 20’s be a time of growth.
30. And last but not least… You won’t have life figured out by 30, but you’ll have a solid foundation. For some reason, when I pictured someone being 30, I thought it meant that they had everything figured out in life. But here I am 30 years later, happily married with two kids and still winging it wondering who thought it was a good idea to put me in charge of my own life.

I’m excited to see what my 30’s hold, but I’m thankful for everything that my 20’s taught me. Life still has so much more to teach me, but dang did I cram a lot of lesson in, in those first 30 years. Heres to the next 60!