37 Things I’ve Learned

Today I turn 37 (gulp).  Sometimes I still think I’m 17 (see above) but I sure have lived a lot of life.  But, God willing, I still have awhile to go!

1. Travel as much as you can.  It only gets harder as you get older due to jobs, kids, friends, spouses, etc.
2. You can disagree with someone without hating them.  In fact, it’s quite healthy and human to disagree. 
3. But also…you’re entitled to change your opinion or stance on anything.   Again, human.  Healthy.
4. Don’t spend more than you earn.  Credit card debt isn’t worth it.
5. It’s never too late to apologize. Never.
6. Get a hobby.  Not everything has to be a hustle.  I really enjoy cooking and reading (although, I don’t read as much as I’d like to)
7. Turn off your phone sometimes.  It can feel really good to be unavailable.
8. Invest in a pair of jeans that you feel AMAZING in.  Denim rules.
9. It’s never too late to start a skincare routine.  Take care of your largest organ.

10. It’s weird to watch your parents get older.  They are forever imprinted in my mind as late-40s (even my dad, who passed away) .

11. Move your body.  I say this as an un-athletic person:  working out makes me feel so much better, mentally and physically.  
12. You don’t always have to put on a happy face.  ALL feelings are valid and part of the human experience.
13. There’s always more to do, more to learn, more to see, more to earn, etc.  Knowing that is both invigorating and exhausting.  You’ll never be finished so it’s ok to take a break.
14. Some of my best thinking happens in the shower.  It’s only of those times you’re truly alone with your thoughts.
15. Laughter is the best medicine.  Even after my darkest moments, a good laugh can feel weird but very therapeutic.
16. People truly aren’t thinking about you as much as you think they are. “Did I say something to offend them?  Maybe they’re mad at me.”  Chances are, probably not.
17. Ask your parents and grandparents about their childhood memories as much as you can.  Trust me, they’ll be your favorite stories that you’ll remember forever.
18. Print, frame, and display your photos.  Don’t let them sit on the cloud!
19. Have a signature dish.  It’ll come in handy for when you need a quick dinner or for when someone in need does.

20. You’re going to fail sometimes.  And it will suck; it doesn’t make you less of a person.

21. Connect with your spouse outside the home.  Date night, vacations, whatever it is, get off your home turf and step away from Netflix (especially if you’ve both been home all the time since Covid started).
22. Make time for your friends.  We’re all so busy but nothing feels better than a night out or trip with friends.
23. Call your family. As someone who hates talking on the phone, I insist on this one.  Sometimes you just gotta call the fam and hear their voice.
24. Being a parent is terrifying and amazing.  God, I love those kids more than anything, but sometimes, I’m like, WTF am I even doing? Is this right?
25. Listen to your body.  Even if it’s not trying to tell you something at the moment, now is a great time to get in sync.
26. Comparison is the thief of joy.  It’s a sure fire way to feel bad about yourself and for what?  You never know what’s happening behind closed doors.
27. Don’t mix alcohols in a given night.  Or it’s hangover central–stick to one!
28. A genuine compliment goes a long way.  And people remember how you made them feel.
29. There’s no shame in saying “I don’t know.”  In fact, it’s quite mature and refreshing. 

30. Dressing room lighting is not to be trusted.  Your butt looks way better in real life.

31. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. – CS Lewis
32. Take care of your bags and shoes.  And you’ll keep them for years.
33. When you’re out living life, you’ll encounter that most people are good and want to help.  Turning off the news helps.
34. It’s ok to have regrets.  I have them, too.
35. Sometimes it’s ok to keep your mouth shut.  Being a good listener is painfully underrated.
36. Museums aren’t boring–you just haven’t found what makes you tick yet.
37. Life is full of love and loss.  Where there is love, there is loss.  It’s both wonderful and painful and cannot be avoided.

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