Friday, August 7, 2015

Words of Wisdom: 30 Things I've Learned in 30 Years

With my 31st birthday just one day away, it seemed like the perfect time to write this post. I've been thinking about it for a while, but I never actually sat down to work on it until now.

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1. There will always be someone who is "more" than you: smarter, more attractive, funnier, more talented, etc. The sooner you realize this, the sooner you'll be able to stop constantly comparing yourself to others and feeling like a failure if you don't measure up.

2. On the other hand, it's okay to feel a little sad if you haven't accomplished everything you wanted to by this point in your life. Just don't give up on those goals!

3. Life happens and things don't always go according to plan. Accept it and move on with plan B (or C or D ...).

4. One of the greatest, most freeing things you can do is remove toxic people from your life. Sometimes it's a friend, sometimes it's a significant other, and sometimes it's even a family member. But if this person is making you feel bad about yourself or treating you like shit, it's time to move on (no matter who they are).

5. Some people, however, will stay in your life forever. These people are incredibly special and should be treated as such.

6. You should never feel guilty for taking time for yourself.

7. Heartbreak is an inevitable part of life for most people. It's awful at the time, but you'll emerge so much stronger.

8. Love usually creeps in when you least expect it. It's such a cliché, but it's a cliché for a reason.

9. Be grateful for the things you have.

10. You won't always agree with everyone, and you may even have some very unpopular opinions. That's okay. We don't all have to be the same.

11. It's also okay to judge people for behaving like assholes. Don't put your douchery on display for all to see if you don't want to be judged.

12. Don't feel pressured to validate your life choices. Unless you're actively harming yourself or others, no one has the right to tell you which path to take.

13. Don't be afraid to open up and share personal struggles. Everyone struggles with something, and sometimes it's better to know you're not alone.

14. It's easy to forget this sometimes, but true success is not measured by how much money you have or the things you own.

15. Reading is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself. It not only exercises your mind, but also gives you an opportunity to escape your day-to-day routine (even if only for a short time).

16. Get out of your comfort zone once in a while.

17. See as much of the world as you can.

18. Try to avoid living with regrets. It can be difficult sometimes, but learn from your mistakes and move on. Nothing is gained by dwelling on the things you can't change.

19. Similarly, remember that every decision you've made brought you to where you are right now, in this moment.

20. Nothing worth having comes easily. Whether it's a specific personal goal, a promotion at work, or even a relationship, you have to work at it.

21. Sometimes being an adult can really suck.

22. On the other hand, sometimes being an adult is really awesome. The freedom to (mostly) do what you want when you want is amazing.

23. If you ever feel like you just can't deal with something (even something major), just remember that you're stronger than you think you are. You'll get through it in your own way in your own time.

24. While incredibly expensive, a college education is priceless. (And it's not just the things you learn in the lecture halls.)

25. No one else notices the things you think they do. You're your own worst critic. Never forget that.

26. However, it's completely normal to have insecurities. We all do.

27. It's okay to ask for help.

28. Be open to new experiences and ideas. Don't shut yourself off just because you think you might not like it. You may surprise yourself.

29. Sometimes a small, simple thing can make the biggest impact.

30. No one thing can define you. You are the sum of all your parts.

Now it's your turn. What are some words of wisdom you'd like to share?

2 comments:

  1. Did I write this? I could have because I'm right there with you on many of them. I did something similar on my blog when I turned 37 (I think? 36?) and I would bet some of ours line up well. Great minds!

    Have an absolutely fabulous birthday weekend!

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  2. seriously, yes to all of these. the toxic people, #25, #20 - yes yes yes to all the things. i wish we were born with this knowledge ;)

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