30 Life Lessons by 30
I’m 30 y’all!
I remember when I was younger, 30 sounded SO old!!! Lol. Now, I realize it’s just a beginning.
30 is the beginning of a new era, in which I’m only getting better… and better! I have a sneaky suspicion that life really only gets better. The 20s kind of felt like the middle school of adulthood: everybody adjusting to adulting, trying to find themselves, and going through quarter life crises. I mean it was fun, but it was also a huge period of growth.
As I make plans for the future, I know how important it is to reflect. I didn’t get here by accident. It took lots of hard work, dedication, tears, self-reflection, and growing through things. It took learning to be kind to myself and a lot of late nights, early mornings, and a team I can only thank God to get me here.
In celebration of 30 amazing years and this next phase of life, I reflected on some of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way:
You are worthy.
You have to own your story or it will own you.
You are not defined by your failures or your successes.
Being vulnerable is a strength.
Faith is a never ending staircase in which you can’t see the next step. Keep going.
It’s okay to not be okay sometimes.
You can do everything right and still things don’t work out... at least how you want them to. (but it always works out in the end.)
Your trauma may not all be your fault, but it is your responsibility to heal.
Your purpose is bigger than you.
To pray for alignment rather than my will.
To give my gifts as a sacrifice to God. He gave them to me, now I’m giving them back to him.
“No” is a full sentence. Point. Blank. Periodt.
It’s okay to change your mind. If you don’t love something it’s okay to quit and start something new. It’s okay to start over: career, friendships, relationships, style, etc.
Protect your peace at ALL costs.
Perfectionism is procrastination and an excuse to beat yourself up.
If it scares you- that means you gotta do it. (Outside of things that are detrimental to your health, of course…)
Traveling is one of the best investments you can ever make. So are good friends. Invest in both.
Always bet on yourself.
You are a mix of the 5 people you spend the most time with- make sure your team is stacked.
Nobody has it all together. F what social media says.
Everything starts with you.
Sometimes God’s “no’s” are way better than the “yes’s.”
Consistency consistency consistency.
You just gotta keep showing up - even when you don’t feel like it. Especially when you don’t feel like it.
Speak up and as loudly as you can, (well-researched of course) even if your voice shakes.
Stop waiting for the perfect time or the right occasion- do, wear, say whatever you want to right now.
Breathe. Deeply.
People can only meet you as far as they’ve met themselves.
Ask for what you want.
Read, a lot.
Only do shit you believe in. If it’s not in alignment with your purpose- DONT DO IIIITTTT!!!!
Sometimes you’re wrong. Plain and simple. That’s okay. Learn your lesson and do better.
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself.
Be intentional with your energy, time, relationships, thoughts, actions, erythang!
Okay, 34. Well more than 30. Never been great at following rules…
35. Self-Care is more than massages and face masks. Be selfish. Be disciplined enough to do whatever it is you need to take care of yourself.
36. Break rules and never let anyone put you in a box.
37. Give people their flowers while they’re here to enjoy them. Tell people thank you. Let people know how much you love them.
What are some of your most valuable life lessons thus far? What lessons would you share with your younger self?
