30 Things I Learned by my 30th Birthday

30 didn’t really sound old to me until I thought about what I was doing at 20! On my 20th birthday I stayed up for 24 hours partying in Venice while I was studying abroad. On my 30th birthday I went to brunch with my family and then stayed home and relaxed. Oh how times have changed! I’ve learned a thing or two (or 30) by now and I thought I would note them all here today! Here are 30 things I’ve learned by my 30th birthday.

1. stop caring what other people think
2.  learn your partner’s love language and show them love how they like it 
3. it’s okay to put your career on the back burner 
4. give yourself grace (especially as a new mom)
5. be patient because god’s timing is always perfect 
6. there’s more than one way to do things, so do what’s best for you 
7. stop taking yourself so seriously and learn to laugh at yourself 
8. it’s okay to try and fail 
9. apologize when you’ve hurt someone
10. but stop apologizing all the time when you don’t need to  
11. say “I love you” more 
12. take lots of photos 
13. take the scenic route sometimes 
14. make new friends but keep the old ones too  
15. ladies cuss sometimes too 
16. call your parents more. they will always be your biggest fans. 
17. take care of your body 
18. remember the things that are important to others – whether that be their birthday or a big project at work 
19. it’s important to remember people’s names 
20. stop playing games (I wish I could tell my 22 year old self this!)
21. say no 
22. never put your partner down, especially to other people 
23. stand up for yourself! you will always be your own greatest advocate 
24. accept help 
25. save your money! but it’s okay to buy the shoes every once in awhile 
26. never stop dating your spouse  
27. put your phone down more 
28. you never know when it’s the last time something is going to happen so cherish each moment 
29. get outside more, even if it’s just for  few minutes 
30. appreciate your natural beauty and ignore society’s beauty standards