30 Life Lessons I've learned in 30 Years

This year I'm turning 30!

So I thought I would mark the occasion with a few things that I've learned so far, and most of them I still have to work on, but here goes!

1. Progress, not perfection.
I struggle big time with wanting things to be a specific way and I always end up disappointed when things don't match the vision in my head. Roll with the punches a bit! And celebrate progress, even if it doesn't quite match what you had envisioned.

2. Compare to yourself, not others.

I find I tend to put myself down whenever I look at someone else in envy. But if I look at where I was a year ago, I'm pretty proud of the progress I've made.

3. You can't pour from an empty cup - know your limits.

Raise your hand if you have a hard time saying no! I would stress myself out endlessly by saying yes to anything someone asked of me. It's okay to say no, your well-being is more important than pleasing everyone. Boundaries, especially for yourself, is vital. (Also, the more you set boundaries and say no, the easier it gets, the guilt goes away).

4. Your timeline is not always God's timeline.

And your plans are not always His plans. This is a difficult one to grasp because the only way to know God's plans are to be in communion with Him. The static from the world can be deafening.

5. There are shades of gray.

I'm very much a black and white type of person. All or nothing. Right or wrong. But I'm learning that the world doesn't always operate that way. So even though I don't always see the shades of gray, I'm learning to have a little grace for those who do see things from that perspective.

6. Strive for "healthy", not "normal".

What is beneficial for me, may not be beneficial for someone else, and vice-versa. I like having a set of rules to go by, I assume whatever works for someone else, might be the only and best way to do something. But again, the world doesn't really work that way. We're not cookie-cutter people and I can't judge my mental health by comparing it to what's "normal". Besides all that, "normal" is often not healthy. Why settle for normal when it could be better, healthier?

7. Take lots of pictures & write about your life, experiences, facts, etc.

Journaling has multiple benefits! It can clear your head, you can track pretty much anything, you can have your own space to write creatively, and you have a bit of a living history of yourself. (Also, a large reason why I started this blog!) I'm a huge advocate for bullet journaling - I love making lists!
And as far as pictures go, I have a strong love for the stories they tell and the memories they evoke. The moments go quick and it's nice to have a few captured forever.

8. Search for joy each day.

The day to day grind can really start to wear on you. More often than not, you'll find what you're looking for, so might as well look for good stuff.

9. Create your own definition of success.

It's easy to get caught up in what the majority considers "success". A high-paying job, children, a picture-perfect marriage, a large house, the newest gadgets, a prestigious education. But you get to set the parameters of what success is for you. For me, I consider myself very successful when I'm working a job I absolutely love (even if it isn't glamorous and it doesn't pay 6 figures), spending quality time with those I love, and framing my life in a way that makes me happy, even if it isn't instagram beautiful.

10. Work on yourself/your life/your tasks like you're getting paid.

Some days are a struggle, I don't want to get out of bed but the thought of my tasks piling up gives me so much anxiety! If you put yourself in a mindset that you will benefit from getting stuff done, or there's a reward, it gets you moving. But with that being said...

11. Take a break.
It's okay to take a breather, to get some space. Go out for a walk, get in a different environment, it makes a world of difference.

12. Find balance between what's in your control & what's not.

I still struggle with this one. Fix what's in your sphere and let go of the rest. So much easier said than done.

13. Love on your friends and family.

Seriously. Just appreciate the valuable relationships you have in your life and let the people you love know that you love them!

14. Get up early and get ready for the day at a pleasant pace.

Starting off refreshed and completely prepared always helps my day go smoother. Rushing around last minute introduces a frantic mindset that really throws me off.

15. Eat better and exercise. Even just a little helps a lot.

Yes, still eat a donut occasionally (gotta enjoy life too!), but consciously make decisions that will benefit you in the long run.

16. Forgive yourself.
Accept that sometimes you're in the wrong, that you've messed up, that mistakes have been made. Be willing to shoulder responsibility for your own actions and then forgive yourself so you can move on.

17. Have a hobby.

This one seems pretty important to me because it keeps the stress in check. Find something that you get absorbed in, something that you can see the product of (such as making something), or just relieves the stress (like taking a long drive with the windows down and the music up!).

18. Walk away from people who don't respect boundaries.

It's so hard to do, but you matter enough to ask people to respect boundaries you introduce. They may not like it at first because it's new, but it's not unreasonable to set boundaries.
Also, respect other people's boundaries.

19. Travel as much as you can.

This might not be for everyone, but it is beneficial to me in several ways. I have something to plan and look forward to, the actual experience is enriching, and I have amazing memories to look back on, so it affects my present, future and eventually, my past.

20.  Look for solutions. If you have time to complain, you have time to figure out how to fix it.

Trust me, I'm still completely guilty of complaining waaaaay too much. But after I lament about something for a minute or two, I want to fix it, and if I just focus on what's wrong, I can't figure out how to right it.

21. Be on time, smile, be willing to help and to learn. 

If you don't have the ability and knowledge to do the thing (at least right now), be willing to be pleasant. A good attitude truly does go a long way.

22. Don't get stagnant.
Get out there and try new things!

23. The truth is worth it.

Don't sacrifice your values to please people.

24. People are going to think what they think.
So there's no point in trying to convince them otherwise. Let them think what they think, it doesn't have to affect you if you don't want it to.

25. You don't have to always share your opinion.
So much grief and drama is avoided if you keep your opinions to yourself. If someone asks for advice, great, let them know what you think, but don't take it too personally if/when they don't agree.

26. Look at the big picture then work small.
At the end of your life, what do you want to look back at and be proud of? From there, break it down into small manageable pieces, make it a plan, and carry it out.

27. Things will go wrong.

It's okay. Deep breath, then continue.

28. Appreciate what you have.
You're not going to get everything you want, when you want, how you want. But you can find gratitude right where you are.

29. Spend less than you make.
Rainy days are gonna come often. Seriously.

30. Stay curious.
As long as you have a desire to learn, discover and explore, you will never be bored. It encourages me to know that I will never be able to learn and experience everything.

BONUS!
31. Share the good news.
As a Christian, my main goal in life is to share the good news of Christ's love and forgiveness. Time on this Earth is short and we are witnesses to all around us.


Time hurries on. Make the most of the beautiful life God has given you.