30 Things I Learned Before Turning 30

I recently turned thirty, one more year until I’m officially off of the calendar.  Out of all of my girlfriends, I’m probably the baby, one of the last ones to celebrate the end of my twenties.  While I’ve witnessed many have fears and breakdowns and anxiety toward thirty, I’m just like – bring it on!

I’ve never feared aging, I think it’s one of the most beautiful things in life – minus the wrinkles and added expenses.  I won’t lie, while I embraced being a year older, a certain air of trepidation crept in.  I began to ponder life a bit more, pondered relationships, career, family and everything in between.

There has always been an invisible list of  ‘Things I Should Have Accomplished By 30″, but when I stopped to check out said invisible list, I realized – ok, maybe I don’t have my sh*t together as much as I thought!  My twenties were filled with highs, lows and champagne showers, but most of all teachable moments that have undoubtedly prepared me for this new era.

As I move into my thirties, I will always look back on these “30 Things I Learned Before Turning 30” and hopefully these gems will be of some use to the next babe celebrating her ‘flirty thirty’.

1. Life goes on.
2. Memories outweigh materials.
3. Love conquers all.
4. It’s not the end, even if it seems like it.
5. It’s ok to not have your ish together.
6. Learn to forgive.
7. Life is a journey.
8. Nothing happens before its time.
9. Try, fail, try again, fail again. Then succeed.
10. No one is responsible for you.
11. Life changes in the blink of an eye.
12. A little self pity is ok.  Don’t let it consume you.
13. I enjoy my own company.
14. There is no formula to life.  Do what makes you happy.
15. People will disappoint you.  It’s o.k.
16. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
17. Learn to laugh more.
18. Travel is good for the soul. It cures the blues.
19. I am my biggest critic.
20. I am my biggest cheerleader.
21. It’s never too late to start again.
22. Different is o.k.
23. Sometimes water is thicker than blood.
24. There is no such thing as failure.
25. You don’t know everything.
26. Be proud of your accomplishments
27. Having a purpose makes life more fulfilling.
28. Anger consumes you.
29. You are entitled to a “no”.
30. Run your own race, at your own speed.