The 10 Most Important Things I Learned in my 30’s

I’ll be 40 in March and I have to say, I am really, truly excited about hitting this milestone. I’ve been doing more than my fair share of reflecting on the last decade lately and everything I’ve learned and here are 10 of the most important things I learned (some of them the hard way) from my 30’s.

1. Don’t be afraid to go for it

Do you have a goal you have had for years and years but been scared to fully take the plunge? Do you feel like this dream not achievable? Go for it anyways! Don’t talk yourself down before you even try to make a solid game plan. Believe in yourself first and foremost, draw out a solid blueprint and GO!! You don’t know your limits until you actually put forth the effort.

2. Marriage is work

Marriage is not the fairy tale Cinderella, Disney-approved version you often imagine it is. It is so much easier to have relationships when you are in college with no responsibilities in the world, nothing to do but spend time together and party a little. But then, you add children, work and real life to the mix and it gets hard. Really hard. BUT the love is still there. Take time to put a genuine effort into communication and even when life gets wild, work to keep your relationship a priority. It is so worth it!

3. Don’t take relationships for granted

It isn’t about where you fit in the who’s who circle… It is about true friends who are there for you throughout the good and the bad. The ones who will give you honest feedback even when it is not what you want to hear.  A huge shout out to my besties! Life would not be the same without them.

4. Make your health a priority

This is not about let’s be as skinny as we can be (that was a top priority in my 20’s).  It is about YOU taking good care of yourself FOR YOURSELF. Working out is mental therapy for me. It helps relieve stress, rejuvenates me, and helps be a better mom, wife, manager, you name it. I am firm believer that what you put in your body is the fuel that keeps it going. Don’t get me wrong, I do love my chocolate and my wine, but, moderation is key.

5. Travel

Remember travel? When we can safely travel again, if you’ve always wanted to go somewhere then go! Time is precious and you won’t regret it.  Getting to see God’s beautiful creation is so amazing and you’ll memories that last a lifetime. You’ll never regret going!

6. Give back

Spread the love! Help others and make a difference. You’ll probably get more out of it than you’re giving. Whether it’s your time, money, experience…  anything you can do to really help another person. If your heart is tugging at you to give back, listen!

7. Forgive and let go

This one took a long time for me to get to. Holding grudges is not healthy and won’t change the situation. Forgive and move on. There a more important things going on and you’ll feel so much lighter when you truly let go of a grudge.

8. Trust that there is a bigger plan

There are things that haven’t worked out in MY timing. Times when I haven’t gotten what I wanted WHEN I wanted it. Living through these experiences I can tell you wholeheartedly that God’s timing is perfect. And whatever you are walking through right now, there is a reason it’s happening now. While waiting is hard, when you get to the other side you will see that there was a bigger plan all along.

9. Take care of your skin

This is when everyone over 35 sighs and nods and says “can I get an Amen!” with their hands in the air. The earlier you start taking care of your skin the more you will thank your future self.

10. Call your mom

Call her more. Call her often. Just call her. There will be a day when you would do anything to be able to hear her voice again.