Today is my 31st birthday. My 20s flew by, and that first year into this new decade was truly a great one. I wanted to share a few of the lessons these past 31 years have taught me and I’m hoping that they’ll resonate with some of y’all.
I’m still learning to find joy in cooking and getting more comfortable in the kitchen.
I’m getting better at continuously saying no.
Realized my self-worth.
I’ve learned to speak up for what I deserve.
…and not to take “no” as a final answer.
I’m continuously standing up against injustice.
I’ve learned my value to my company as an employee.
I’ve improved that value by constantly learning and growing in the industry.
I’ve learned how to negotiate my salary and not settle for less than what I deserve.
I’ve learned that workouts don’t have to be miserable, an hour doing Zumba burns quite a few calories and I get to shake what my momma gave me!
I’ve re-discovered the joy that is yoga.
My desire to adopt has been affirmed multiple times over the years and I look forward to the day that I can bring my kiddos home.
I’ve learned that it’s okay to just be.
I’ve rediscovered relaxing weekends at home.
I’ve recently picked up leisurely reading again.
I’ve learned that sometimes you need that extra shot of espresso in your coffee, and that’s okay.
I’ve learned to listen to my body and I’ve gotten my Circadian rhythm back in line.
I’ve learned that it’s perfectly okay to tell a guy that I can’t hang out because their proposed date would conflict with my sleep schedule.
I’ve learned that sometimes all I need to turn my day around is a silly picture of one of my nuggets. I love those kiddos.
It’s been reaffirmed that people are in our lives for reasons and seasons and I treasure every one of my relationships/friendships. I wouldn’t trade my best friends for the world.
I’ve learned that sometimes I just have to step out of faith and book that trip, that it’s okay to travel alone.
…in fact some of the best adventures in life are solo ones!
I’ve learned that giving back to the community that helped raise you is not only important, but it’s fulfilling.
I’ve learned that whiskey is my spirit of choice and it’s damn good in a mule instead of vodka.
I’ve learned that I can’t change certain people’s minds, all you can do is sit back and hope for the best.
I’ve learned that booties aren’t all that bad (thank you TOMS).
I’ve learned that my credit and credit score matter and are necessary to ensure a great home for my future kiddos.
I’ve learned that it’s perfectly okay to block, unfriend and unfollow people on social media. Even if they’re family members. I don’t need that negativity in my life.
I’ve learned to give people their roses while they’re here because they won’t always be.
I’ve learned that life is indeed like a ferris wheel, and while some of the lows are really low, the highs are even higher and you have to hold on and smile through it all.
And finally, I’ve learned that the best is yet to come!