33 Things I’ve Learned at 33

New website, new trip around the sun and I’m back will all I’ve learned at 33. I love doing this annually as it is fun to look back and see my growth and also remind myself of lessons I’ve learned. 32 was quite the year. I had the joy of meeting so many friends new babies, celebrate weddings and birthdays with friends and travel the world from Chile to London to California to Vermont and many places in between. It has also been a tough year with the passing of my family’s dog, a difficult IVF cycle and dealing with extreme burnout and health challenges. With that said, I am so grateful for all this year has brought and excited for what 33 has in store. 33 is also an angel number which signifies guidance and support and because this year for me is all about surrender and taking leaps of faith, it feels comforting that it is happening in my 33rd year where guidance and support are abundant.

As I enter this new year, I’m reflecting back at the year that passed so I can bring in all the wonderful lessons I’ve learned. Every Monday, I look back on my prior week and write down one lesson I learned that week -they could be quotes I’ve seen, encouragement from people in my life or just a general summary of the week. So out of those 52 lessons I’ve taken 33 that best summarize all the lessons I’ve learned this last trip around the sun.

33 Things i’ve learned at 33

1. Everything worth doing is on the other side of fear

2. True self love is really difficult to cultivate but it’s really worthwhile to spend time focusing on. The longest relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself so spend time cultivating it.

3. There will always be another presentation or deliverable or meeting - say no, push it off, make room in your life for sunsets and silly dancing and firsts and lasts because that is where your energy can prosper.

4. If today was your last day- how would you live it? Ask yourself this every morning and proceed accordingly.

5. Perspective is an incredible teacher. Reframe your perspective, reframe your life.

6. Bodies expand and contract and that’s okay. Remember your body is so much more than a reflection of society’s standards. Let your body oscillate to fit whatever wave of life you’re surfing.

7. When you’re in a fight with someone you love- ask yourself not how to win the argument but how to solve the situation so the relationship wins.

8. Unspoken expectations become premeditated resentments. Communication is key!

9. Sometimes the most brave thing you can do is surrender.

10. Success doesn’t have to be your job, your schooling or your paycheck. It can be how hard you laugh, how well you sleep, how deeply you love the people around you. Ask yourself what your definition of success is and adjust your life accordingly.

11. There is no one perfect path. Life is messy and complicated and wonderful and winding. Wander down all the paths you want- you are the one who will pave it, water it, ensure it blooms so don’t choose wisely, choose with the intention to make it beautiful.

12. It’s really important to take care of your body as you age, not for looks but to do all the things you want like playing with babies and hiking mountains and traveling the world. Don’t skip this step!

13. Don’t prioritize the pursuit of knowledge over your own inner wisdom

14. Work hard at work worth doing with people worth doing it with (thanks Leslie Knope who is an endless inspiration).

15. Life is what happens between all the big moments. The details matter. Your habits matter. Spend time making the in between as good as the summits.

16. Life is short and we’re small specs in the universe in time. Stop worrying about what other people think. Do the thing you’ve always wanted and make your blip on the radar count.

17. When you’re dealing with a problem try to get physical space from it- sometimes walking away is all you need to walk toward a solution.

18. Get out of your head and into your body to literally move through difficult emotions - somatic expression is the ultimate Rx.

19. Believe in magic. It’s a more spectacular way to walk through life.

20. Sometimes it’s helpful to think of a relationship as if it’s its own person. It goes through ebbs and flows, reinvents itself, gets cranky, can be hilarious or sensual or sad or fun all at once. Let the relationship evolve just as you would a friend, loving it fiercely always.

21. The world is a really big place - it’s worth seeing as much of it as you can.

22. Friendships should be more central to our lives - you can have a great love with a friend or many friends and we should celebrate that more.

23. You can think yourself in and out of a decision a hundred times, but listen to your intuition and if it says yes in the words of Nike just do it.

24. Your health should feel like home.

25. Picture advice like a product in a grocery store. What value will it add for you? Does it fit your energy budget? Is it a sweet treat you buy once, a new product you want to try out or part of your regular shopping list? Only then can you know whether to put it in your cart.

26. What you do on your bad days matters more than what you do on your good ones.

27. In the words of Glennon Doyle: “build a life from your imagination instead of your indoctrination.”

28. When you know what’s coming prepare, when you don’t know what’s coming, position.

29. Give voice and space to all your feelings and emotions, let them get as big and expansive as they need to be, giving light to them makes the darkness less frightening.

30. Don’t offer a lecture to a person who needs a hug.

31. “Make decisions that reflect your worth not your fears.” - Spirit Daughter

32. The universe will never give you peace in something you were never meant to settle in.

33. Love hard. Listen deeply. Embrace those who matter most to you even when it feels like too much. Let your presence be the reason someone feels cared for.