30 Random Things I’ve Learned in 30 Years

Hello to the big 3-0! To many, hitting that third decade is a major milestone marking the transition from young adulthood to being a full-blown adult with plenty of responsibilities and high-pressure expectations. Anyone else remember the “Friends” episode where Rachel turns 30?

But for me, turning 30 represents just another year – a day to celebrate, spend quality time with family and friends, and enjoy some gluten-free chocolate cake, of course! This last year especially has been such a whirlwind that I’m so grateful to reflect with joy and gratitude. 

As I celebrate this birthday, here are 30 super random things I’ve learned in 30 years:

30. Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude. Reflecting with gratitude can make such a positive impact on your mental and emotional health. Even when you’re not where you want to be, there’s likely plenty to appreciate.
31. Separate your work and personal lives. It can feel overwhelming to do, but my mental health is always better when I don’t take work stress home with me. Boundaries help you stay sane.
32. Enjoy the little things. Small moments of joy can add up to create a happier and more fulfilling life. Find happiness in everyday experiences and create positive emotions that will improve your mood and outlook on life.
33. Ask for help when you need it. I’m often guilty of thinking I can do it all… until I hit that breaking point. I’m trying to do better at recognizing when I’m not OK and when I need help in some way.
34. Know your value. Be confident in yourself and your abilities, and don’t let someone else take advantage of you.
35. Take care of your physical and mental health. Absolutely essential for a happy and healthy life.
36. Not everyone will like you and that’s OK. Still a challenge for this people pleaser sometimes.
37. Say “no” to things that don’t align with your values or goals. A life-changing practice! Your time and energy are so precious. Is it time to drop that commitment that’s hurting you and causing unnecessary stress?
38. Learn to manage stress well… or at least better! I realized I spent too many commutes crying from feeling so overwhelmed and burnt out. 
39. Trust your gut instinct! If you see red flags in a relationship or work situation, don’t ignore them.
40. Catch that sunrise. The world is calm and quiet when you watch the colors of the sky change from deep blues to oranges, pinks, and yellows.
41. Know that everyone makes mistakes. It’s easy to think that everyone else is perfect, but no one is immune. Whether it’s a big or small error, mistakes are the perfect chance to learn and grow. 
42. People can’t read your mind. If you’re shy and timid, being vocal or advocating for yourself might not feel natural, but speaking up can help to avoid misunderstandings and conflict. It also will help you to feel more empowered and in control of your life.
43. Capture your favorite moments. Fill that camera roll up with photos of happy memories. By taking photos and videos of your favorite moments, you hold onto the joy of that moment for years to come. I’m always afraid I’m going to forget some of the biggest joys, but reflecting on old photos always takes me right back to what I felt in that moment. 
44. Move your body. Yeah, we all know regular exercise strengthens your muscles, improves your cardiovascular health, and reduces your risk of chronic diseases. But for me, regular movement is so much more. It’s critical to my health and overall well being, and now as I’m recovering from surgery, I’ve never craved simple movement more. 
45. Leave your phone in another room. I’m so used to taking my phone with me everywhere I go, but disconnecting has been so freeing for me. There’s no reason I need to read every notification or text that pops up immediately.
46. You are stronger than you think. When I’ve been faced with health problems and challenges in general, I’m proud that I have been able to adapt, persevere, and overcome. Whether it’s overcoming a difficult situation, learning a new skill, or simply getting through a tough day, we are capable of more than we realize, and we should take pride in our strength and resilience.
47. Don’t reply right away. In our hyper-connected world, I think we’re all accustomed to thinking every message needs an immediate response. But taking time to craft a thoughtful response will allow you to see things more objectively and make a more informed decision about how to respond. Plus, you don’t owe anyone an instant response. You can respond on your own terms.
48. Done is better than perfect. Anyone else want everything to be just right? I delayed starting this business (and wasted too much time) trying to make everything absolutely perfect. When in reality, I needed to just get started… instead of only preparing for months on end. Perfectionism can often lead to procrastination or analysis paralysis, ultimately preventing you from making progress towards your goals.
49. Don’t dwell on awkward moments for too long. As an introvert who tends to choose her words very carefully I tend to beat myself up when I say something not quite right… as if the person is instantly judging me for not being perfect. It’s totally natural to feel embarrassed and uncomfortable in the moment, but try to practice self-compassion. Would you criticize your friend for her imperfections? No? Then it’s time to be kind to yourself.
50. Dedicate time to your hobbies. In today’s busyness, it’s easy to fill up your schedule with task after task. But for your mental health, set aside time on a regular basis for the activities that bring you so much joy.
51. Seek out mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals. Give yourself a head start by learning from someone who’s gone down that path.
52. Be your authentic (and weird) self. When you stop trying to fit into someone else’s mold, you’re more likely to be happy and fulfilled in your own skin.  It’s time to be confident, comfortable, and content with who you are.
53. Dream big. It may sound silly, but write down your goals (big and small). Seeing them written down in a frequently viewed place (or typed in a pinned note on your phone) is the first step toward making those dreams a reality. You’ve gotta believe it can happen. 
54. Fall in love with the process, and find fulfillment in the journey. I’ve learned that when I focus on the process, I’m more likely to appreciate the small wins and progress that I make along the way.
55. Comparison is the thief of joy. Competing and constantly comparing yourself to others can do more harm than good.
56. Surround yourself with positive people. The people closest to you influence your behavior and attitude more than you may realize. With so much negativity in the world today, who do you want to become?
57. It’s never too late to start pursuing your dreams. One of the many things I love about the adult figure skating community is that figure skaters of all ages and levels challenge and support one another on the ice. There are plenty of skaters who don’t start figure skating until their 50s and 60s, but they still learn new skills, compete in the national championships, and thrive on the ice. While there can be many barriers stopping you from trying something new, know that you always can pursue your dreams and live the life you want. 
58. It’s OK to quit that job. Not challenged or happy at work? We spend way too much time there to be miserable.
59. Prioritize what matters most to you. What’s actually important in your life? Determining what’s most important allows you to focus on what’s important, rather than being blinded by distractions or things that don’t align with your values and goals. By making the decision to prioritize what truly matters to you, you can start taking action now and make progress towards your goals and dreams, rather than waiting until tomorrow or some distant point in the future. I love the song “From Now On” from “The Greatest Showman” because as the song suggests, what you do from now on is what really counts.

Whether you’re exactly where you want to be at this point in your life or are still figuring it all out, I challenge you to look back on your life without criticism. All of our journeys will be different, but those joyous moments and challenging times shape us into who we are today and give us opportunities to learn and grow.