I turn 30 today! So I’m taking a moment to reflect and share 30 lessons I learned by 30.

30 lessons I learned by 30:

1. I’m lucky to be close with my family

Not everyone experiences close relationships with their family. The older I get, the more I realize that I am so, so blessed to be close to mine!

2. Double stuff Oreos are the best Oreos

I won’t even touch a regular Oreo, honestly.

3. A few close friends mean more than a large group of friends

Making friends as an adult is SO HARD. I especially struggle with it because friendships really don’t feel worth it to me without intimacy. Through the struggle to find “my people,” I’ve learned that I would rather have a few super close friends than many acquaintances.

4. Drinking is overrated

I really only went through one short-lived drinking phase in my life, and then spent a few years socially drinking to fit in. Now I’ve come to a place where I don’t really need or want alcohol. The calories, cost, and physical effects are juts not worth it to me. I plan to never experience a hangover again in my life, and I’m psyched about that!

5. Heartbreak is one of the hardest human experiences

I went through my first heartbreak last year and dang did that HURT. I wouldn’t wish heartbreak on my worst enemy, even though it grew me and I healed and yadda yadda.

6. Everyone should go to therapy

Therapy has been pivotal for me in my journey with mental health. Because of this, I recommend it to everyone, whether they feel like you’re struggling or not! You can learn so much by learning more about yourself.

7. Using mental health medication doesn’t make you weak

Mental health medicine changed my life! And accepting help is one of the bravest things I’ve ever done.

8. Openness breeds closeness

The only true way feel close to other people if you open up to them, and they open up to you. Vulnerability is everything when it comes to human connection

9. Love is precious

I’ve been lucky enough to experience true love in my lifetime. Even though the relationship ended, it taught me just how special love is. If you have it, cherish it! It’s the best human experience.

10. I can succeed in a job

I never thought I would have a job where I enjoy work, feel valued, and am succeeding. But I do! I’ve come a long way from the time I was fired.

11. The dating experience is…an experience

I experienced dating for the first time last year. It is a human experience that is not to be missed, unfortunately for me.

12. Kindness is key

In every interaction you have, lead with kindness. Whether in a relationship, a work interaction, or a chat with your waiter, kindness will never backfire.

13. You don’t get what you don’t ask for

My parents constantly taught me this lesson, and I learn it more with every passing year. If you want something, ask for it. You might not get it anyway, but at least you tried!

14. Eating healthy actually feels good

I tried weight watchers last year and lost ~20 pounds. But even more importantly, my nutrition improved, I’m sleeping better, and feeling physically healthier than ever before. Who knew veggies are actually magic?

15. It’s okay if someone doesn’t like you

I used to care SO MUCH about whether or not people liked me. Now I realize it doesn’t really matter! If you’re being your true self, you’ll click with the people that you should click with. If someone doesn’t like you, you’re just not compatible- don’t take it personally.

16. I’m brave

My anxiety has always made me feel fearful and cowardly. But you know what? Living each day with that kind of fear actually makes me BRAVE.

17. Lingerie is unnecessary

I really thought lingerie would have more of a role in my adult life. As it turns out, no one you’re with really cares what you’re wearing under your clothes. They’re just going to take it right off.

18. Always use your PTO

I have a reputation for always using my PTO days, and I’m proud of it. You get PTO for a reason – USE IT!

19. You are your best advocate

No one is going to look out for you better than you can. That includes your doctor, your boss, or your friends. You’ve gotta stand up for yourself and what you need.

20. I can’t function without good sleep

Unfortunately I am a person who needs at least 9 hours of sleep a night to function. It doesn’t make me lazy, it’s just who I am!

21. Some things are worth the money, and some aren’t

You won’t catch me spending money on a designer purse, but I will cash out on fancy toilet paper.

22. You should eat some chocolate every day

Life is too short not to!

23. Menstrual cups are game changing

I started using menstrual cups in the last year and I will never, ever go back to tampons.

24. I love being an aunt

Being an aunt has been my favorite experience of my whole life. Babies are such a gift

25. I reallyyyy want to be a mom

I’ve known this since I was a child myself, but I can’t WAIT to be a mom! Being an aunt has only intensified this desire for me. One day…

26. Sometimes love isn’t enough

I used to think that if two people love each other, they can make a relationship work. It turns out there’s much more that goes into a relationship – you have to have the same vision for your life, too. Sometimes love just really isn’t enough.

27. I will never like chocolate & peanut butter together

Just an absolutely disgusting combination and I will not apologize for it.

28. I am a person who relaxes on vacation, not someone who does things on vacation

There are two types of people. I will choose floating in a pool over a hiking on a mountain any day.

29. I’m not a morning person

I will never be a morning person. If I’m not one by 30, it ain’t happening ever.

30. I have no idea what the future holds

If you’d sat me down at age 10, 15, or even 22, and asked me, “Where will you be when you’re 30?” I would have said, “I’ll be a wife and stay at home mom living in a house with my husband a couple of kids.” Well, I’m 30, unmarried, childless, and technically staying with my parents. Clearly I have no idea what the future holds…I know it’s going to continue to surprise me!

xo,
Liz