I’m turning 34 years old today.
While that doesn’t seem like it’s a landmark moment that I’m supposed to make a big deal about, as I still feel 29, it means something to me. Even though every romantic comedy about women in their late-20s tells me that it’s a life-changing ordeal to turn 30, I believe it’s your mid-30’s that brings about a greater change, and it’s 40 that actually sees a woman coming into her own. So for right now I’m still finding myself.
It’s not that I’m in denial over my age or freaking out about heading into the middle-aged zone. Quite the opposite. I’ve never been more comfortable, more content and more at peace with myself in my life as I am right now. I love my job. I love my friends. I’m dating a really hot nerd who just so happens to be my best friend and husband. I have two cats. I have three dogs. I have a family. I have everything I could want and more.
I used to think that being young was when your life was at its absolute best. I was very, very wrong. Life only starts getting good in your 30’s.
So while I’m nowhere near my sweet spot as it were, there are still numerous things I have been able to garner in 34 years. So, in the spirit of hitting level 34 today, I’d like to share with you 34 things I’ve learned in 34 years:
- “Let go of what does not serve you” is a motto to live by.
- Judgment is an inner reflection.
- Your truest friends will be staples in your life.
- Be the good that you seek to see in the world.
- Marriage, like Mardi Gras, is a raucous ride and I am all the better for having bought a ticket!
- Louis Armstrong is everything!
- Minimalism is life affirming.
- Love your parents for who they are and not who you want them to be.
- Modest is hottest.
- Learning to love your body will take you far in life.
- The only three investments worth going into debt for are an education, your health, and home.
- Surround yourself with people who love you and want you to be happy.
- You’ll always be afraid of something, so you might as well get over it.
- Phenomenal business aren’t built on ideas and visions. They’re built on education and planning.
- Passion makes the world go round.
- Love is hard to come by. Never judge the love that another holds.
- Don’t “what-if” yourself to death.
- Guilt is a useless emotion.
- Freedom trumps wealth.
- There’s nothing wrong with wanting to have nice things.
- Men and women think differently. Appreciate this difference.
- You should always listen twice as much as you speak.
- Good manners trump great things.
- Be steadfast in your political beliefs.
- Never be ashamed of your thoughts.
- There really is no place like home.
- You don’t need to explain your actions to anyone online.
- Pets make people happier – it’s scientifically proven.
- Enjoy those moments where you just stand still.
- Never say those people for at one time or another we are all those people.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses. Appreciate them both.
- Laughs twice as much as you cry.
- Apathy is never the answer.
- Enjoy your humanity.
- And one to grow on……the cheap runs expensive.
So, everyone, those are some of the favorite things I’ve learned in thirty-four years on this earth. I hope this post made you think, smile, and remember all of the things you’d like to tell yourself on your own birthday as well. Please leave me a comment below and let me know what you would most want to tell your younger self as well!
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