35 Lessons Learned in My 35 Years

I turned 35 this week. I’m not upset at all about turning 35. I feel like it’s all just beginning, really. However, looking back, it seemed like it was going to take forever to get here. It seemed like a time in my life that was so very far away, but just like that—it’s here.

I feel good about where I am in my life. I’m in a relationship with a man I adore. Together we have 3 beautiful and healthy kids. I’m lucky enough to have a great relationship with my parents and family. I have worked hard at keeping friendships and making new ones. The company I work for is amazing. My husband and I own a business that, in my free time, lets me be creative and productive. I’m able to write with and for some amazing women in my community. I’m happy.

That happiness has certainly come with its share of struggle, hard work, and life lessons. Today, I would like to share with you some of things I’ve learned, observed, or enjoyed along the way.

1.  Life is too short and unpredictable not to live it exactly as you please.

Just a few months ago, I lost one of my oldest and dearest friends to cancer. While this has left a huge void in my heart, it also reminds me that time is fleeting. Life is short. Enjoy it.

2.  Cancer SUCKS.

See #1.

3.  The transition from 0-1 kid is wayyy harder than 1-2 or 2-3.

Because everyone always says, “Wow! Three kids..eek..you must be busy.” Um, yeah. I am. But in my opinion, going from having zero kids to 1 was much harder than 1 to 2 or 2 to 3. Maybe I just enjoy the mayhem.

4.  No one can do it all.

Don’t get me wrong. I try. I push myself to fit as much into this life as I can, but something is always going to have to give. Don’t make it the relationships with the people you care about most, and you will be ok.

5.  We shouldn’t feel badly about not being able to do it all.

For reals. Do what you can. Enough said.

6.  Find a job you love.

Let’s face it. We spend so much time working. Don’t waste that time doing something/working somewhere you hate.

7.  Just as important as finding a job you love is working for/with a company/person you respect and who respects you.

8.  On that note — Demand Respect. From everyone. Always.

9.  Be kind.

Do I really need to expound on this one?

10.  Strive to be the healthiest you.

This is a personal goal for me this year. We only get this one turn around the sun. Let’s feel the best we can while on this ride.

11.  Make your home a reflection of the people who live in it.

Spend some time making your home a sanctuary. Fill it with pictures and objects that are special to you and the people who live there. People will want to gather there because it will make them feel comfortable. It will make them feel at home.

12.  Wear sunscreen.

Yes. I just went there.

13.  Your history is just as important as your future.

You are you because of your history.

14.  Surround yourself with people you love.

They are who make up your day to day life.

15.  Put your phone down once in a while.

I get caught up in this sometimes. I’m constantly looking at what’s happening in cyber space, and then I’m missing the beautiful things that are happening right in front of me.

16.  Travel.

If you have kids, take them with you.

This world is beautiful and it’s within reach. Go explore it.

17.  Make time for friends.

Friendships of all kinds are important, but they don’t keep themselves together. Keeping valuable relationships in your life isn’t always easy. Relationships take time, effort, and love.

18.  Take time for yourself.

Everyone needs a little alone time.

19.  Cherish the time you have with your parents.

20.  Get to know the older folks in your family.

Take the time to write down the stories they tell you. Keeping those memories alive is important to your family.

21.  Just because you have been friends with someone for a long time doesn’t mean you have to stay friends.

In other words, it’s ok to break up with a friend.

22.  Give back to the community where you live.

23.  Buy a piece of art you love.

Hang it in your house. It will make you happy every time you look at it.

24.  Eat good food.

Seriously.

25.  Wear good sunglasses.

You will certainly notice the difference.

26.  Take lots of pictures.

27.  Do not tolerate poison—in your food, your environment, or your relationships.

28.  If you aren’t happy in a relationship, get out of it. See #1.

29.  Read more.

30.  Write letters to the people you love. With a pen and paper.

31.  Pamper yourself once in a while.

A good manicure, amazing massage, or the purchase of something you want can change your mood in an instant.

32.  Say I love you.

To everyone you love. Mean it. Say it often.

33.  Stretch.

34. Listen to others.

35.  Clean your kitchen sink before you go to bed.

I always feel so much better when I go to sleep with the dishes done and the sink clean. It’s something about having that clean and tidy that puts my mind at ease.

I would love to hear some of your random thoughts and life lessons
in the comments below!