Wow… life truly does fly by!

It’s crazy to think about the fact that I am the big 3-0!

I am so thankful for my adult years and everything that I learned to be the person that I have become. This week is a big week in my world! I have officially entered my thirties!! Though most of my friends in my life say I already act 30 because I go to bed early. I am so excited for this next decade in my life! In this post, I am going to go over the top 30 lessons I have learned so far! Don’t worry I have a fantastic recipe coming out next week that I was able to verify for part of my birthday dinner! 

As all of us are I’m sure aware of this year has been tough for a lot of people. It has been draining, but also taken life back to what matters and has simplified calendars so that people are able to do more of what they love…kind of! We had a tropical trip planned to bring in the new decade that we planned almost two years ago! It would have been amazing but the universe had a different plan! On the grand scheme of things, it was a very little thing to postpone compared to so many have had to be so patient with rescheduling. If I did not experience 2020 this post would probably be different. So instead of posting tropical photos (which will be hopefully someday soon), I am going to thank my 20’s in style.

1. Life is short, LIVE IT

We do not know how much time we have left here, make the most of it! Don’t put things off that can be done today. Hug loved ones tight every day and don’t go to bed angry!

2. Happiness first

We have to choose happiness in our lives every day. Choose a career that makes you happy. Choose to be around loved ones that make you happy. Find the things that make your work sparkle and hold them tight

3. Family is everything 

I am so thankful to be close in proximity to most of my family! Taking the time to make memories is priceless. I love being able to choose my family and when I get to go visit my sisters that are not in Colorado you have to live for every moment that you have with them.

 4.Don’t Apologize for who you truly are.

It’s ok to not fit the mold, in fact, it’s normal. Growing up, peers want you to be a certain person or accomplish things to be successful but if you are not being true to yourself you will never succeed or enjoy life!

5. Be the best version of yourself you can be

Don’t try to half-ass life! It’s an amazing experience but only if you give it your all. Be honest about everything and be willing to change for the better. It may be uncomfortable at the beginning but it will totally be worth it. The only person you should become is YOU

6. Try New Things

Fear is a common thing in our society. Far too often we allow it to decide on our future for us because we are unaware of our future. Be BOLD and don’t be afraid to take chances. I promise it will be worth it!

7. Sleep has to be a priority 

Most of my friends still laugh at me for having a bedtime in my 20’s! My sister called on my last night before I turned 30 and was laughing that I was getting ready for bed at 9 pm. It’s worth it! Make it important to you! It has so many benefits but also just is healthy for you to have a routine!

8. Prioritize yourself 

This one goes with sleeping but also routines. Planning alone time to dream and recharge was a huge lesson for me. If you say yes to something and can’t commit because you are worn out, it would have been better to just say no! You have to take care of yourself first so that you can care for others. 

9. Do one thing for someone else every day!

 Even if its small, it is good for the heart. Sometimes just getting out of your own way and blessing those around you is good for the soul! It can even remind us that small things can make a huge impact on someone’s day! 

10. HANGRY is a real thing

Don’t try to make big decisions or settle things while your tummy is growling. I learned this lesson most recently with my hubby!! We have an established rule in the house that no project unless we are not hungry. You get on edge and normal things that would not matter to you really MATTER if you know what I mean. 

11. Be quick to forgive yourself…and others

We strive to have all the answers in life. Everyone has a past and everyone has made mistakes… including you. That is ok!! Forgive yourself QUICKLY you deserve the second chances you give everyone else!! It’s ok to not know all the answers or to make a decision and then change your mind a few years later. That being said extend that to those around you. People typically try to do the best they can and sometimes it hurts others. Know what are you willing to give to others and what you need in return and make decisions accordingly. 

12. Buy the expensive Chocolate

Just do it, buy the fun stuff! 

13. If you are having growing pains in life, listen

A lot of times there is something to learn about yourself in those hard times. If you are able to take the time to evaluate you may learn something that could cause less pain in the future. 

14. Be present 

Listen! Be present! Life goes by so quickly and if we do not take the time to slow down and live it and not just record it we will miss so much! Don’t be someone that missed out on the important life lessons.

15. Be the reason someone smiles today

Life is hard. We have no idea what is going on in others’ lives so when someone is harsh respond with kindness. Taking time to just go the extra mile and make someone go from upset/sad to happy and smiling is going to be worth it!

16. Have screen-free time scheduled in your life

PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN. Don’t get me wrong I am very very thankful for technology and everything it brings to my life but it sure can be be a black hole if you are not aware of it . Read a book before bed. Turn your phone on during date nights. Play games instead of watching a movie.

17. We are all different

No two people are the same. That is what makes us so unique. You should not try to change others nor should they change you! Be proud to me you and be proud of others. That is what makes the world so amazing is all the differences!

18. Track your goals!!!

Honestly I just learned this lesson in 2020. If you don’t write down your goals and track them you won’t remember how far you have come! Make it fun and something you want to keep up. 

19. Nourish your body

I think most people learn this in their thirties but it’s so important! Have flex days where you can enjoy the fun treats but know that day to day its healthy food choices and working out! Mix up your routine to keep things interesting so you don’t get bored.

20. There is always a reason to celebrate

ALWAYS!!! Find something that can be treated as normal and celebrate it. It will teach you to be grateful for everything in life even the small things. One of our favorite things to celebrate is the goals we set at the beginning of the year! Set milestones so you can celebrate your wins!

21. Surround yourself with those that bring out the best in you

BIG ONE!!! It’s so crucial to know who you can trust! Friends come in all different ways! Distance yourself from those who put you down and or don’t have your best interest. Those who spur you on keep close!

22. Strive to make the world a better place

Do whatever you can to make this a better place and respect how others are trying to make it better. People, as we have said, are not the same therefore their efforts will not look the same. Do what you can in your own world. I always think of my nieces and nephews and what I can do to make the world better for them!

23. Love Hard

Love is scary! As it should be, its a daunting thing but when you love yourself and trust yourself you can be more honest about where you are at. Now I am not saying trust blindly but make an effort to love more then you hate!

24. Educate Yourself Financially

This can make or break you! Take your time, get all the knowledge you can to learn about finances. Money can cause so much stress and anxiety if you just try to wing it! There are a lot of ways to do it but just getting a few things in line with help tremendously. 

25. Stress will kill you

Probably one of my biggest lessons! When I turned 25 and started having panic attacks from the stress I knew something had to change in my life. You have to recognize and realize you have the control to make the changes you need to make!

26. Get outdoors

Paddleboarding is my happy place! Being able to rest outdoors away from technology and the hustle of life has been such a blessing.

27. Have fun but don’t waste time

Life is all about balance! If you lean too hard one way you will either get burnt out or not accomplish your goals. Only you know that balance, strive to find that balance. 

28. “Comparison is the thief of joy” Teddy Roosevelt

Don’t compare! This quote could not be more true!

29. Fall in Love with yourself!

It is important to know that you are a diamond, you need to love yourself as you are. If you have flaws that you want to work on there is nothing wrong with that. But you should never stop loving yourself!

30. Dream Big

Don’t ever stop dreaming! This Bog is proof that dreams come true! Push yourself. I cannot wait to share more dreams with you all!

BEFORE YOU GO

Life is one big lesson so make the most out of it and live every single day to strive to live the life you deserve to have. What lessons did I miss that you have learned?

Thanks for joining me on my birthday post! I am so excited to see what this next year/decade brings! Grateful for you all!

Sarah