Lessons I Try to Live By

I turn 29 this weekend. I am not ashamed of telling people my age because honestly, no one believes me anyway. Outside of some smile lines showing up and bags under my eyes, I don't look much different than I did in high school. I wanted to share 29 things I've learned up until now. Most people do this starting out a new decade of their life but why not start the last year of my 20's celebrating everything I have learned from various people and experiences?

1. My identity isn't rooted in the titles of my life (daughter, granddaughter, sister, wife, aunt, or report coordinator). Those are great things but above all, my identity is rooted in God 

2. God is good, and it's not an easy to explain to people when they question why bad things happen to good people. Still learning more and more about who God is.

3. Don't sweat the small stuff because it's all small stuff.

4. Respect is earned. If someone doesn't respect me, they don't earn my respect back. However this doesn't give me the right to be outright rude to them. 

5. Kindness goes a long way in life but being a pushover and/or a people pleaser doesn't lead to anywhere good.

6. I have to live with the choices I make, good or bad.

7. Social media can make people very bitter. Don't be afraid to step away from it.

8. Comparison steals true joy.

9. Real friends are the ones I don't talk to for weeks/months but can get together or call as if no time has passed. Keep those friends around.

10. Don't be afraid to cut people out if they don't make an effort to stay in my life.

11. Don't be too prideful to ask for help.

12. True love exists but it's not like the movies. A real relationship takes work.

13. Not all family come from blood.

14. Action speaks louder than words. 

15. "I'm not getting old. I'm getting older." My grandma seemed to enjoy saying this when she was alive and I like it. Age is just a number.

16. People will always find something "wrong" in my life but life is more than getting caught up in their jealousy.

17. It's ok to disagree with other people. 

18. Experiencing other cultures is the best way to experience the world. Worshipping in English alongside people singing in Spanish in Puerto Rico brought me to tears. It's amazing how big yet small the world really is.

19. Put down the phone when visiting with friends. 

20. It's ok to learn from someone younger than me. Everyone experiences this thing called life differently. 

21. Marriage will change you in some of the best ways.

22. It's ok to live a slower life. I don't believe we were meant to be busy all the time.

23. There is something to be grateful for on the worst days. Or months. Or even year.

24. Money isn't everything but enough is needed to live comfortable enough.

25. An animal is a wonderful being to learn from.

26. Forgiveness isn't for the person who never truly apologizes. 

27. Make time for family. 

28. Never lose the wonder of a child. The world is too amazing to get completely lost in the responsibility of being an adult.

29. Lastly, as a recovering perfectionist, it's ok to not take myself so seriously.

So here's to turning 29!