Tomorrow I turn the BIG 30.
I say that like it’s old- but it’s really not at all. Sometimes I feel like I barely know what I’m doing. In the grand scheme of things, I’m still a tween. But, I remember when I was a kid, 30 seemed so far away. An age that would take me an eternity to reach, and yet- here I am.
I wanted to take a few minutes to share with you a few pieces of advice I’ve acquired in my 30 years. My 30 for 30, if you will.
1.) Self care is important: As a mom, wife, worker of the late night blog hustle- sometimes I forget about me. But, I’ve realized taking a few hours to myself here and there is SO important. One night this week I handed over parenting duties to my Husband and took a glass of wine to the bath-tub and binge-watched Netflix. Do whatever fills you up. Take time for YOU.
2.) DRINK ALL THE WATER. We all know we need to do this- but especially as we get older.
3.) Enjoy a few bites of really great food. Even if you’re dieting, you don’t have to eat it all. But, take the time to savor the delicious things in life.
4.) Read the book. The one on your nightstand. The one you never have time to read. Pick it up and read it. A page a day if you have to.
5.) Take a walk. After dinner. After your kids are asleep. Hand in hand with your partner. Watch the sunset. Talk. Or be silent, and take in your surroundings.
6.) For the love- shut off your phone every once in a while.
7.) Find your creativity. Whatever it is that makes you happy. Superfluous? Who cares. We don’t create art for someone else- do it for YOU.
8.) Flirt with your Husband. Every day. Pinch his butt when you walk by. Give him ‘the look’ on a family outing. It’s the best for keeping your marriage spicy.
9.) Tickle your kids. Every day. Hold them down until those deep belly laughs roll. If you don’t have kids, grab your nieces and nephews. Belly laughs from littles are the happiest sounds in the universe.
10.) BREATHE. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. At least once a day. Block out the noise, the hustle and bustle. Just be. Even if it’s only for a minute. It makes everything feel re-centered.
11.) Chase fireflies.
12.) Dig your toes in some sand.
13.) Spend time with your grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles- they won’t be here forever. And you’ll miss them dearly when they’re gone. You will NEVER regret spending too much time with them!
14.) Turn on some music and bust a move. I say every day- but at least once a week.
15.) Make out under the stars.
16.) Take a road trip- even if it’s only visiting the cool places in the town that you live in.
17.) Write down what you’re thankful for- it’s impossible to be in a bad mood after.
18.) Spread some random acts of kindness.
19.) Make a time capsule. I don’t necessarily mean the kind you bury in your back yard. It can be a journal, a photo gallery, heck- mine’s a blog.
20.) Create traditions for your family. It could be Pizza Thursdays, Game night Saturdays, anything can be a tradition. It’s the little things like that, that your children will remember.
21.) Do something that takes you out of your comfort zone every once in a while.
22.) Put yourself out there- I’ve made my best friends by being vulnerable and just being myself.
23.) Take a chance. Wanna write a book? Submit it! The worst they can say is “no”. This goes for anything- bet on yourself!
24.) Save some money. Shopping is fun- but so is financial security.
25.) Stay up late or get up early- use that time to do something you love.
26.) Do something that scares the crap out of you.
27.) Learn to cook. Man can not live on take-out alone.
28.) Shake off the toxic people in your life- ain’t nobody got time for that!
29.) Cheer on your fellow ‘whomevers’. You will never get ahead by pushing others down.
30.) Learn something new whenever you get the chance.
PHEW! I know that’s a long one- but these are all really things that I have applied, or am working on applying to my life. I am looking forward to what my 30’s will bring, and the adventures that await me.
What sage advice have you learned in your lifetime? Anything important that I missed?
