Well, I’m officially 31. It seems like this year went so fast but at the same time, SO much has happened since my last birthday that I can’t even believe it’s ONLY been a year.
It’s funny when you think back to how old your 30s seemed when you were younger. I always thought like, OMG 30 is so old! But I don’t feel like I’m that old now… except for when my body aches and creaks when I walk up the stairs. And the fact that this pregnancy has been so much harder on my body than it was 7 and 5 years ago.
Birthdays have always been my favorite. I’ve always celebrated everyone else to the nines on their special day and always made mine a big deal too.
Except this year it seems kind of silly to make a big deal out of it. Maybe it’s because I’m so down on everything else going on that I just don’t care as much. Plus I’m pregnant, no excessive celebrating for this mama!
However, birthdays are a good time to reflect on all of the things you’ve learned in your life up until that point. And 31 didn’t seem so old until I started writing out numbers 1-31! And then I was like woah, I’m getting up there!
But here are 31 things I’ve learned in 31 years.
1. God is great, beer is good, people are crazy.
2. No matter what you do, you’re going to compare yourself to others. Try not to, as hard as that may be.
3. You’re not perfect, don’t pretend to be. Or feel like you need to be.
4. Do what makes you happy. Seriously, just do it.
5. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
6. Marriage isn’t easy. Maybe some years it’s easier than others, but don’t let people who have a “perfect” marriage tell you otherwise.
7. There are always going to be mean people in your life. Block them, give them the finger, cut them out, whatever. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.
8. People are meant to come into your life for different reasons. Some may only be in your life for a season, some for many seasons. Don’t try to hold onto them if things fall apart. Just appreciate the time you had together and know it was just what you needed at that time in your life.
9. You can’t make everyone like you… don’t even try.
10. Always be yourself. Always.
11. Internet friendships are real. Some of my best friends are women I’ve met on the internet.
12. Travel whenever you can, and as often as you can. Experiences mean more than material possessions.
13. You can make a plan but don’t expect it to happen the way you want it to.
14. Forgive when you can. But don’t feel bad if you can’t forget.
15. You may actually like working out once you get into a routine. Don’t force it though.
16. Goodbyes never get easier.
17. Military life had perks. So if you think it’s all bad, it’s not.
18. Your kids think you’re the most amazing person in the world. Even if you screw up day in and day out.
19. Time goes too fast and it’s depressing you can’t get it back. Enjoy the little moments.
20. It sucks seeing people you love get older.
21. It’s important to give back when you can. $1 at the register when they ask you to donate, paying for someone’s coffee, helping an elderly person with groceries. Karma is real.
22. Try new things. Don’t be afraid of them and if you don’t like them, at least you tried.
23. Do things for others without expecting anything in return. Not everyone thinks like you and you’ll set yourself up to get hurt.
24. Put on the bathing suit. No one feels good in one.
25. Sometimes, the only person you can really count on is yourself. And that’s okay.
26. Try to keep in touch with people. I know it’s hard, but make an effort. And if it fails after that, so be it.
27. Tell the people you love how much you love them. You’ll regret it if you don’t and it’s your last chance.
28. It’s okay to struggle when you’re transitioning to a different phase of life. Get help if you need it, don’t beat yourself up, and know it’s only temporary.
29. Don’t waste your life watching other people’s lives unfold on social media. Go live it.
30. It’s okay not to be a morning person. Just give everyone a heads up until you’ve had your coffee.
31. When you’ve hit rock bottom, there’s only one way to go… up.
THANK YOU to everyone who has continued to support me for another year. It’s been almost 7 years since I created this space and I can’t thank you all enough for the love, support and encouragement over the years. As most people tend to do, I’ve grown and matured tremendously and I’ve done it right here, for the world to see. So thank you for loving me, just the way I am.
Cheers to another year babes! And to not letting age define how we feel
