21 THINGS I'VE LEARNED IN MY 35 YEARS...

So this post has been in the works for quite some time. I've been 35 for over half a year now and things have been different for me this particular year. Yes I have new routines and a new job, but I think that's just a part of it. What I think is different about this year is that I've made a point to focus more on quieting my mind. Quiet times lead to reflection and reflection leads to the opportunity for learning and growth. So earlier this year, I started this list in my notebook to keep track of my reflections. It's a list of helpful and insightful things that have I've learned during my life thus far that have really helped me get to where I am now. I thought of pretty much all of these things during my commute (sans the radio), on the beach, in the shower, moments before bed, during walks (sans my iPod), as I'm cooking - all quiet times. I thought I would list 21 of the things I wrote here on the blog in hopes that they will spark something positive inside of you as they have for me. The plan is for this blog here will be permanent on the web, so the thought of being able to look back on these things when I'm 50 is kind of exciting. :) Here goes...


1. All that boring stuff about getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, eating properly, exercising, keeping stress levels down - all that is SO IMPORTANT - especially as you get older. The better you treat your body, the better it often treats you.

2. However, I've learned that there is nothing better than just one or two meals a week where all normal diets are off limits-if medically possible. Good food that is prepared well and tastes divine is so good for the soul.

3. Just because it or he looks delicious on the outside doesn't mean things are all good on the inside.

4. "Please" and "thank you" are three of the most simple, yet powerful words there are.

5. Being a woman and knowing how to do things like pay bills, negotiate major purchases, and fixing small things around the house - on your own- is powerful, too.

6. Friends come and go - even the good ones sometimes. Things change, people change, and priorities change. That's life. And that's ok.

7. The uncomfortable feeling of speaking your mind at the appropriate time in the appropriate manner is much better than the uncomfortable feeling that comes from not doing so...

8. Along those same lines - ask for what you know you need and you may or may not receive exactly that. Not receiving it is better than the feeling of not asking for it in my book.

9. Sometimes the adventure is to just be still...

10. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to learn how to be happy by yourself. You don't have to be in a relationship or married with kids - and have a big house with a white picket fence and a dog to be happy... If those things compliment your personal happiness, then perfect.

11. Because your happiness is your own responsibility - not anyone else's.

12. You are enough - despite how Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, or any other form of social media may sometimes make you feel.

13. The older you get, the more important a good dentist, family doctor, gynecologist, and veterinarian all becomes. Take the time to find good ones that you can afford, actually listen to you (I think doctors that really listen are a gem these days), genuinely care about you (or your pet's) well-being, and really, really seem to love what they do.

14. Knowing a really good tailor comes in handy, too- because things don't and won't always fit the way they used to...

15. Always paying yourself first (i.e. paying bills on time, putting money into savings, 401k, etc) right after you get your paycheck (as opposed to going to Target first) is one of the absolute best things you can do for yourself. 

16. Unplanned permanent change is often hard, but work hard to accept it and embrace it. You'll be surprised at how much you grow and how much you learn about yourself. 

17. If you need an answer to something that you can't stop thinking about, pray about it. Then contact your instinct, your gut, your intuition - or whatever you may call it. They almost always lead you to your answer. 

18. "No" is a perfectly complete sentence. Using it in a gracious and honest manner when needed is best for you, your health, and your sanity. 

19. And not always worrying about what people think when you say no - or just in general - is also best for you, your health, and your sanity. 

20. Do what you love. If you can't currently do what you love for a living, then try to learn about/do one thing you really love for at least 30 minutes a day. You never know what that 30 minutes will lead to... 

21. Be thankful- especially for the small things and the small moments. They are the ones that often turn out to be the best and most memorable... 

Image via Waiting on Martha