35 Things I've Learned in 35 Years

Today is my 35th birthday, and I'm sharing 35 things I have learned in my many trips around the sun. 

{1}
Don't wait for a special occasion..
...to drink that nice bottle of wine, light the fancy candle or wear the amazing shoes - every day is worthy of celebration.

{2}

You can't pour from an empty cup.
Self-care is a priority so I can show up mentally, physically and emotionally for my family, work, friends, etc.

{3}

My parents are two of the best people on the planet...
...and any one in their orbit knows this to be true.

{4}

Progress over perfection.
As a Type A person, it's natural for me to get hung up on everything being "perfect" but sometimes "good enough" is just that.

{5}

You can disagree with someone's opinions...
...and still love and respect them as a person.

{6}

Dream really big, and have the courage to follow through.
I had dreamt of moving to LA for years, and when I landed my "dream job" after college in California, the thought of moving across the country alone was scary but my dream was bigger than my fear.

{7}

Have a signature drink.
Know how you like your coffee, your go-to cocktail order, etc.

{8}

Establish family traditions.
Jack may roll his eyes when he is a teen but he will appreciate them some day, just like I do of my childhood traditions.

{9}

A walk is good for the soul.
Never underestimate the power of getting some fresh air.

{10}

My favorite marriage advice:

"just remember, you're annoying too"

{11}

Find a hobby...
...and make time for it. Reading is my not-so-guilty pleasure.

{12}

Quality over quantity.
Especially true in friendships. I have my core girlfriends that are like sisters and I value them over all the peripheral acquaintances. 

{13}

Sometimes the best thing is from the kid's menu.
Chicken tenders & fries never disappoint.

{14}

Travel whenever possible.

Nothing expands your perspective more than seeing other parts of our world.

{15}

Don't worry about trends.

Wear what you like and what fits/flatters you best.

{16}

Communication and compromise...
...are the keys to a healthy relationship.

{17}

Find movement that you enjoy.
You're more likely to stay consistent. For me it's yoga, pilates, walking and weightlifting.

{18}

Invest in a good mattress and bedding.

You spend a third of your life in bed.

{19}

Few things in life are better than a chocolate chip cookie.

Grammy's recipe, warm from the oven.

{20}

Soak up the snuggles.

Jack was not a good sleeper as a baby, and I don't regret one second of the contact naps and co-sleeping. Thankfully at 6 years old, he still loves to cuddle mom, but I know it won't last forever.

{21}

Say no.

Know your boundaries and how to respectfully set them with others.

{22}

If you have a sincere compliment, share it.

You just might make someone's day.

{23}

Find your personal style.

Even having a go-to outfit when you feel like you have "nothing to wear" is helpful. Mine is jeans, a button down top, a great bag and weather-appropriate shoes.

{24}

Manners can you take you a really long way.

Not a lot of effort but so important, whether it's a genuine hand-written thank you card or a simple "please."

{25}

Proof-read before you hit send...

...on the email, text, invitation, etc.

{26}

Trust that things will work out the way they are supposed to.

While I don't think everything happens for a reason, I do believe the universe works in mysterious ways.

{27}

Show up.

Unless there are extenuating circumstances, keep your commitments. 

{28}

Your intuition is right...

...10/10 times.

{29}

Size is just a number.

The number on the scale or size of your jeans does not define your worth.

{30}

It's okay to change your mind...

...to grow, to evolve, to develop different views and perspectives.

{31}

Take the photo.

Capture the moment forever, as it will soon be a memory.

{32}

Wear sunscreen.

Non-negotiable, especially when SPF is in most skincare/makeup these days.

{33}

Apologize...

...and own up to your mistakes.

{34}

Put on your favorite song.

Music is healing and helps you lean in to what you need - be it a good cry, or a jam-session in the car.

{35}

This too shall pass.

My family's mantra and the quote I used for my college application essay to FSU. The only constant is change - the good, the bad; everything will pass.