29 things I've learned in my 20's

Today is officially my 29th birthday!! I remember in college I was on the get married by 23 and have kids by 25 timeline. If only 21 year old me could see me now. While my timeline and priorities have changed significantly, I’ve truly never been happier or more fulfilled. I don’t really have a timeline right now, and being nearly 30 i’m surprised that hasn’t freaked me out yet.

I can honesty say that I’ve enjoyed my late 20’s more than any other time in my life and I’m actually pretty pumped for my final year in my 20’s. I’m ready to tackle this last year and share a few lessons i’ve learned over the past 29 years.

Choose your friends wisely. Your friends can positively or negatively impact and shape your life. Choose wisely. Hire, fire, and promote accordingly.
All families are different. Nobody’s family life is perfect. Know you’re doing the best you can.
People make time for the people they want to make time for. No excuses. Period.
If he likes you, you will know. Don’t waste your time playing games. If he doesn’t make it obvious that he’s into you then walkway.
Hard work is hard. There are no shortcuts. So lame, but I always think about playing Mario Bros on Nintendo with my siblings when we were young. You’d always find shortcuts, but you’d still have to fight Bowser at the end of the game. I failed often, but eventually went on to the next level. What comes easy won’t last. What lasts won’t come easy.
Take care of your skin. Wash your face every night. Wear sunscreen. Create a morning + night routine that works for you.
Saying no is just as important as saying yes. Don’t spread yourself too thin. If it isn’t a ‘hell yes’ it’s a no. And you don’t owe anybody an explanation.
You’re not everyone’s cup of tea. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s ok.
Being nice is really cool. Being mean will never be cool. Don’t be a mean girl, nobody likes her.
Habits = success. This year has been a big year of habit forming for me. Create a plan and stick to it. It takes 28 days to build a habit and there’s no better time to start than today.
Confidence is your best accessory. Build habits that help you build confidence. Insecurity kills more dreams than failure.
Life is too short for regrets. We’re so afraid of heartbreak,, being told ‘no’, or saying ‘I love you’ first. In the end we’ll only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were too afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make. It’s better to get your heart broken than to live a life of what ifs.
Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on what you have and only compare yourself to the person you were yesterday. Don’t get caught up in someone’s highlight reel. If the grass is greener on the other side…stop staring, stop comparing, stop complaining and start watering the grass you’re standing on.
Everyone has an opinion and loves to give advice. You don’t have to listen to everyone. Take it with a grain of salt.
Hurt people hurt people. I say this every time someone is mean to me. When people are mean, it has everything to do with them and nothing to do with you.
Hug your loved once while you can. I lost my Aunt Lisa this year – by far the biggest heartbreak of my life. I miss her daily and wish I could just hug her. Life is short.
You are your only competition. Be so busy creating your own life that you don’t have time to compete with others.
Working out will change your life. Find a class or studio you really love and stick to it. Create a habit and I promise it will change you. Don’t worry about how you look, focus on how you feel.
Fuel your body with good food. Cut out the shitty fast food and packaged goods and eat more fruits and veggies. Learn to cook meals for yourself and understand nutrients on a basic level. PSA: healthy doesn’t mean you can’t have cheat days.
You are stronger than you think. How many times have you said ‘I can’t do that’ and then you do the damn thing? You’re strong – remember that.
Support other women. We’ve fought too hard to get here just to not support one another.
Know your love language. Within the first hour of meeting me, we’re probably talking about your love language. Everyone has one and it’s important to know yours (and anyone you have relationships with) so you can better communicate your needs. If you’ve never taken it – here’s the link.
Motivation isn’t real. It’s about discipline. You’re not always going to have ‘motivation’ to workout, eat healthy, wash your face, etc. Discipline is doing no matter your emotional state.
Love your body. I’m never going to be 5’10 with a long torso and long legs and I have to learn to embrace that. Bruno said it best – you’re perfect just the way you are.
Create your perfect life. You are capable of so much. Show up every day and work towards your dream life. Want to be your own boss? Want to become a great cook? Want to read more books? The world is your oyster and there is no better time to start than right now.
You are not your thoughts. This is the biggest thing I struggle with and we’re our own biggest critics. I heard someone say the first thought you have is the one that society teaches us to have. The second thought we have is who we truly are. Our minds are powerful and we’re the only person in them 24/7 – make it a happy place.
Choose positivity. There is no secret formula to being happy or positive all the time. It’s something you choose.
Focus on the good. Try to limit complaints and focus on the blessings you have.
Have fun. Nothing is really ever THAT serious. Learn to have fun every day and remember rules are meant to be broken.