I can't believe I am 31! Did you know 80% of your life's most transformative experiences happen by the age of 30, most of which we don't realize are as transformative as they are at the time! I've been lucky to do a lot of neat things in my 31 years: play sports, have an amazing family, gain an education and a Masters Degree, work a number of fulfilling jobs, make mistakes, study abroad, fall in love, get my heart broken, get married, own a dog, travel for pleasure, travel for work, move 9 times, own a house (soon!), make best friends, see every musciain I've ever dreamed of seeing in concert, meet famous people, attend weddings, funerals, welcomed nieces and nephews, sister in laws, and extended family. All of these life events have had profound impact on making me who I am today and I am a firm believe that you learn as much from failure and heartbreak as you do success. For as long as as shall live I will be a firm believer in Ephesians 3:20, God can do immeasurably more than we can ever ask or imagine......and I have been abundantly blessed by Him!
31 Life Lessons by 31:
1. Find a job that brings you great happiness. You'll spend more time at work and with your work peers than many of your friends and your family.
2. It's never too late to learn new hobbies and explore new interests.
3. The things you enjoy in childhood often can be the same things you enjoy as you get older. You may even like them more (I'm talking to you Disney movies and great 90's music!)
4. Your friends can be as close as family. It is worth going through hard times with your friends because it will strengthen your love for them.
5. Getting a dog in your twenties can be a great choice, assuming you are ready for the commitment and yes, sacrifice.
6. Learn to write a good thank you note. Thanks Mom.
7. Learn the importance of sticking up for yourself, but make sure you do so in a tactful and well thought-out manner. Thanks Dad.
8. You can learn a lot about forgiveness from your dog. She's never held any of my failures and mistakes against me and loves me all the same.
9. Having great older brothers taught me what a real man looks like, even if it meant I had a rough few years in childhood!
10. Music can heal your heart!
11. Life will take you places you never thought you'd go, but its never by accident.
12. Drink 64 oz of water a day.....your skin and your body will thank you!
13. Always make time for exercise, even its a 30 minute walk around at lunch. Getting in shape is much harder than staying in shape...
14. Along those lines, marathon training is a full time job. Tackle this only with that knowledge. There is a reason so few people do it! Know it will take a toll on your body-is it worth the risk?
15. It's never to late to learn to eat a food you hated for the first 30 years...(I'm talking to you tomatoes!)
16. As you get older it will be harder and harder to maintain your friendships. Fight for them, make time for them, and prioritize the people you love the most!
17. Know your weaknesses....
18. Utilize your strengths. Both professionally and personally.
19. When you say "yes" to something, you are inherently saying "no" to something else, make sure its something you are willing to say no to. (Thanks The Best Yes study!)
20. Invest in some really great sheets. You'll feel like you are sleeping in a luxe hotel each night when you crawl in bed.
21. There will be places you travel that you may not like at the time but would give anything to go back to years later. Treasure every experience.
22. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it. God gave you a "gut feeling" for a reason, follow that instinct.
23. It is better to be a good listener than a good talker. This world needs better listeners.
24. Just because you have a thought, doesn't mean you have to think it! (Thanks Max Lucado)
25. Take Vitamins. Daily.
26. Making your bed each day is one way to begin the day being productive. Try to do it everyday!
27. Comparing yourself to others will only make you insecure.
28. Kindness begets kindness. When you put kindness out into the world, you will have kindness surround you. There is no sense in being grumpy each day.
29. Know why items and purchases you can get at a lower cost, and which you need to splurge on. This will save you thousands in the end.
30. Protect your heart. There are billions of people in this world. You will find love again!
31. If some one shows you who they are, believe them. All credit to Maya Angelou on this mantra, but its never lead me wrong.
