30 Years

Hello again. Hope your Christmas was wonderfully wonderful.

Excuse the little break. I took a little time to just be. To just be a mom, to just be with MJ, to just be with family and friends. It was lovely, though I could always use more sleep. :)

Today is my 30th birthday. Yup. I’m 30 today. It sounds so bizarre.

And it feels strange too. I can’t quite explain why but it does.

But I am thankful. I am thankful to be turning 30, thankful for the life-filled years. I am beyond blessed and filled with gratitude.

I usually get nostalgic and sentimental on my birthday but most people probably do. As I thought about my post for today, I thought it would be fun to make a list 30 noteworthy things I’ve learned during my life. Of course I could have listed way more than 30 but I’m pretty sure you have other things you’d like to do today.

So here they are –

30 Things I’ve Learned in 30 Years

1. Wear or bring layers, put on sunscreen and wear sunglasses.

2. No one thinks exactly like you do and that’s okay. But remember that when you interact with others

3. Very few mishaps/accidents/problems/issues necessitate hysterics/fits/outbursts. Save yourself the steep rise in blood pressure and stay calm.

4. Some people are worth it. Some people aren’t. Figure out the difference and proceed accordingly.

5. Always ask. The worst thing they’ll say is no.

6. Restarting a computer or phone fixes most issues.

7. It’s better to have a few, very dear friends than a house-full of mediocre acquaintances.

8. Clean, organized surroundings will help keep your inner space clean and organized as well.

9. A haircut, massage and/or pedicure, a new woman makes.

10. Find a partner who loves to laugh. Good looks are a bonus but someday, they will fade. Laughter laughs a lifetime.

11. Learn how to be a good conversationalist.

12. All people – all races, religions, national origins, colors, genders, ages, sexual orientations – are created equal and should be treated as such. Except stupid people. They can be ignored.

13. Trying and failing is better than not trying at all.

14. There is a 50% chance the weather forecast will be wrong so don’t let it ruin your day.

15. Being a mother, or a parent in general, is not for the faint of heart. Neither is marriage.

16. Reach out to others. Don’t wait for people to reach out to you.

17. Patience is not just a virtue. It is a time saver, money saver, sanity saver and a saver of face.

18. Time spent with a child is more rewarding than anything money can buy.

19. You don’t have to be good at everything.

20. When in charge of a child, one must not freak out during black-out thunderstorms. If one does, one must live with the consequences.

21. Freshly cleaned sheets, freshly baked cookies, a freshly washed babe and a fresh layer of snow are some of life’s best things.

22. Take time to really consider large purchases (i.e. house, car, couch) or new paint colors. Buyers regret sucks. So does repainting.

23. Stop complaining. Life is pretty damn awesome.

24. One child + one child ≠ two children. In fact, it equals like seven and a half, plus one giant stuffed horse.

25. Smile. You’ll feel better.

26. It is okay ask for help, ask for directions and cry. Even the ugly cry.

27. A well-fed, well-rested child(ren) makes for happy parents.

28. Sometimes, you just need to call your mom.

29. Children need very little to be happy. A loving, respectful, understanding and responsive environment in which to grow, with not a lot of stuff and lots of hugs and laughter. Adults are much the same.

30. Always choose to be yourself.

And to keep going on this personal edict train, I have some life advice, stuff I’ve figured out along the way.

Live honestly. Be honest with others and honest with yourself.

Give of yourself; give your time, talent or treasures. It feels good and the world will be a bit better because of it.

Work hard. Good things happen when you do.

Let go of misdeeds, annoyances, grudges and old hurts. It’s not worth your time, effort or head space.

Gratitude. We are entitled to nothing on this earth. Be grateful for every little thing.

Be kind and respectful to everyone you come in contact with from close friends to children to strangers on the street. Everyone deserves kindness and everyone deserves respect.

Know yourself. Know your likes and dislikes. Know your passions. Know your limits and boundaries. No one else knows you like you do. Once you know yourself, everything else is a cinch.

And finally,

Enjoy the journey. Life is not about work and it’s not eating bon-bons, watching soap operas all day. Life is the messy, the dirty, the crying fits. It’s the laughter, the tears and the laughter that brings tears. It’s the thank you cards, the post-it love notes and the doodles of a child. It’s meals shared. It’s the stuff that happens everyday, sometimes way too early in the morning.

Life is grand. Love it all.

Happy New Year.

Take care.

♥amy c