30 Things I’ve Learned at 30

Reflections

May 14

This week was my 30th birthday - and while 29 didn’t go quite as planned, I feel like it was a year of immense growth and I definitely am ready to thank my 20s and enter this new chapter. I’m excited for 30 - I get to marry the love of my life this year, I’m diving deeper into teaching meditation (stay tuned for what’s coming next!) and into my MBA program, I’m stepping into a new role at work and most importantly I’m hoping to acquire at least another 15 plants (new plant mamma over here!).

So, as I head heart-first into 30 and reflect on all the lessons the universe has taught me over the past year, here are all the things I’ve learned.

30 Things I’ve Learned at 30

There are no 'good' or 'bad' emotions, emotions are indicators of feeling and feeling is a positive thing so listen to what your emotions are telling you and move through them instead of avoiding. Emotional health is as important as mental and physical.
Whenever you make the perfect plan, the world will have a different one and throw you off course - but the detour can lead to a better, more interesting journey.
Plants make you happy - real ones. It's not just 'adulting' - the act of caring for plants connects you to the earth, creates slowness and intention, and brings you more into the present moment.
Not caring what people think and doing, saying, or being what or who you want is SO hard. But also so worth it. Do your thang. Do what makes you happy. When you stop being everything to everyone you can focus on who you actually want to be for you.
Most people don't have intentions of being mean or rude or annoying, everyone is just doing their best so examine the storyline you're telling yourself and write a new one that allows them to be just as they are. AKA- don’t be a judgey bear.
Education is an endless gift and the pursuit of education is one of the most magical endeavors one can pursue.
There's something to this minimalism thing. I'm not sure what it is yet but a decluttered space definitely declutters the mind too. Like a meditation for your eyes.
Poop is still funny at 30.
Set boundaries. Around everything- it will keep you sane.
Chia seeds are great for hydration - combine with water, salt, and lemon to really feel well hydrated. Learn to eat your water so you don't have to chug a ton to get adequate hydration every day.
Parks and Rec is an undervalued show and everyone should watch it. In Leslie Knope we trust.
Baskets and bins are the key to making messy people (i.e. me) somewhat neat.
You don't need the perfect group of friends- just a few good ones who you can count on, that get you, that build you up, friends where you make each other better.
Mocktails are getting really good - after about 7 years of not drinking alcohol I'm realizing I don't want to drink it again. I feel high vibe without it :-)
I am entirely capable of giving haircuts. Not great ones. Not good ones. But ones that look decent enough on Zoom.
Fear can run your life if you let it get too far off the leash- reeling it back will be the most challenging thing you do but remember you're in control, not fear.
Workout pants, sweatpants, stretchy tops are infinitely better than heels, jeans, and tight dresses. Workout pants = the new work pants. It's here to stay. That is all.
Family is everything. Don't be afraid to tell them so often, show your appreciation, seek to understand them from a different perspective, it will enrich your relationship.
Mindfulness can be found in the simplest of moments if you focus on them- boiling a pot of water, listening to your partner talk about their day, working out. It’s a practice worth doing every day as it makes everything you do feel more meaningful.
Believe in magic as you age, of possibility, of the wonder of the universe. It’s not naive, it’s a commitment to see the world through a more beautiful lens.
Get your hormones sorted out- it’s not just about your menstrual cycle. They can cause a whole host of issues so start the journey toward healing now.
Relationships take a lot of hard work and insanely amazing communications skills. Work hard. Learn to communicate with good therapy words ('when you say that it makes me feel', 'what I'm really hearing you say is', 'I feel hurt by'). It's worth it.
Silly dancing, silly singing, silly cooking, essentially anything with silly in front of it is a joy no matter your age. Yes, my future children will love me until they age out of the Scrub Mommy song I've made that's at the top of my chore songs chart.
Work should be challenging and exciting but not burn you out and you should like the people you work with. Beyond that, don't look to find total fulfillment in your job. Focus on making your job and the other areas of your life into a whole so if one leg gets wobbly, the others can keep the table standing up.
Sometimes, a cup of hot water with lemon and ginger, a shitty rom com, and scrolling Pinterest in sweats and a cozy blanket is the ultimate fix.
Planning a wedding is overwhelming because you literally have everyone you love in one place at one time and want to make sure everything is perfect for them and your partner and you. Let the idea of perfection go to make it truly special.
Caring about diversity, equity & inclusion is not the same thing as fighting for it- and to fight for it you need to learn first from those who need help fighting. Listen. Reflect. Act. The journey is never finished.
There should always be three books on your nightstand- one to learn, one to unlock your imagination, and one when you want to fall head first into a great romance.
Let go of anger and forgive more easily. It’ll lighten your load.
You can never say I love you too much.