Guess who had a birthday this week? Me! Even though I’m now on the wrong side of my 30s, I’ve never been the “forever 29!” type. Lately, however, birthdays make me more reflective. It’s funny how when I was 16, I thought I had a few things figured out. Yeah, right. By the time I was 26, I really thought I had a handle on this life and what it all meant. Turns out, with each passing decade, I realize how much more I have to learn. Here are a few things I have learned in my 36 years.
1. Putting other people ahead of yourself creates more happiness than I ever imagined.
3. Thoughts have power. They become our reality.
4. God answers prayers in His own way, on His own timetable.
5. The best way to start a day is with a good, strong cup of coffee, black.
6. You have to learn to listen to God because He’s talking to you more than you know.
7. Let your kids be their own person. Meghan is a much different girl than the daughter I’d imagined she’d be. But you know what? She’s better.
8. Never let your life get too busy to call your mom.
9. Manners are important.
10. Without love, there is nothing in life. Cherish and celebrate the love in your life.
11. The food we put in our body on a day-to-day basis has the power to harm us or heal us. Think about the life you want to be living in 10 years when you are at the grocery store. Buy more plants.
12. Luck can only get you so far. Be a hard worker.
13. Moderation and variety are the two most important mantras to remember when it comes to eating.
14. There will never be an electronic device that replaces the pleasure of reading a real book.
15. Good friends are hard to find. Hold on to the ones you have.
16. Friendships are like plants. They need nourishment and attention or they will die.
17. You can never take too many pictures.
18. Sometimes, it is okay to go to bed mad. Time and a good night’s sleep can help with perspective.
19. If you are saying something about someone you wouldn’t say in front of him/her, you probably shouldn’t be saying it.
21. Take time to play with your kids, everyday.
22. When you feel like your mind is going to explode because you have so many things to do, write them down. It always looks like less on paper than when they were bouncing around in your head.
23. Sugar is bad for you, but life is way too short to never eat dessert. See #13.
24. Having a strong, happy marriage is a conscious decision you have to make everyday.
25. Life is much better when you are well-rested. Go to bed at a decent hour. If that’s not possible, take a nap.
26. If it’s worth having, it’s worth working for.
27. If you can’t buy it with cash, you probably don’t need it.
28. You really do get what you pay for.
29. Physical and mental wellness are strongly connected.
30. The right music can make or break a workout.
31. Every single person on this earth has a purpose. Finding it is hard, but important.
32. Happiness is a choice.
33. People appreciate a good listener more than a good talker.
34. Moving more and sitting less can prolong your life.
35. People can change, but only if they want to.
36. Right when you think you have life figured out, something will happen to show you how much more you have to learn.
Which one of these do you relate to? Tell me something you’ve learned in your years, too!
Such a lovely post! I especially like the one about calling your mom and eating more plants, of course 🙂 Happy belated birthday!
Thanks so much, Alexis!
#1-36, SO true. Isn’t it funny how all the things we “KNOW” need to be relearned for every decade of our lives? All of my certainties have somehow become “maybes”, “not so much” and “sometimes”. 🙂 If there’s ONE thing I have learned in my life thus far, it’s been that nothing is permanent; everything is always changing even when it seems like things are staying the same. Life and everything in it is dynamic and constantly changing. Even things that stay true (eg: the love for another, your dedication to a craft), they are always shifting, growing, expanding, being redirected and refocused. Just when you FINALLY “figure it all out” you’re thrown back to Square One to do it all over again.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Maryea. It takes a lot of people much longer to glean your insight, and some, not at all. With each passing year, I hope you continue to add to your list of “things I’ve learned” and sharing all of it AND your fantastic wonderful self with the rest of us. 🙂
So true, Liz! Thanks for your sweet comment. 🙂
Happy birthday! I love number 18. EVERYONE gave my husband and I opposite advice when we got married, but sometimes a good night’s sleep changes everything. Things always seem different in the morning. We go to bed mad all the time–haha!
It’s true! Sometimes I’m just too tired to hash it out and it’s so much easier when I’m well rested. Morning time seems to make whatever seemed like a huge deal less so, too.
Happy Birthday Maryea! Love the list… great reminders. There are so many I can relate to. My newest thing has been — “Only cry for things that can cry for you”.
That is a good one! My mom used to always say to me, “Don’t love something that can’t love you back.” 🙂
Don’t wish away time! I struggle with this the most. But I thank you for all the 36 reminders. I turn 36 next year and yes, like you, I find that the more I advance in age, the more I realize how much more there is to learn.
Happy birthday, Maryea!
Thanks, Alina! It’s true right? We wish away the time and then wonder where it went. 🙂
Happy birthday!! We share the same bday month & year 🙂
I seem to be looking @ things differently after this birthday. Thanks for all the lessons – great things to live by. Marriage and friendships are something I need to move up on the list. My focus the last several years have been on my 8 & 4 yr old boys.
I enjoy your site!
Happy birthday to you, too! 🙂 I think a lot of moms struggle with finding a balance. It’s really easy to let motherhood consume you.
Happy Birthday Maryea! I turn 36 in a month.
Well done Maryea! I can relate to many of them and grateful for some important reminders. I especially liked that you are never to busy to call your mother!
Thank you! Yes, always always remember to call your mom. Never too busy for that! 🙂
Thank you, Lee!