I turn 31 tomorrow. For a girl who thought at one point that the world would end the second I graduated the 6th grade, each birthday seems insane and a little bit not real. But it’s definitely real. And it’s definitely here.
I love getting older. Each hair that grays and coils closer to the sun reminds me of everything I’ve gone through and the lessons that make me who I am.
Here are 30 as I leave this year behind.
- Your gut is rarely wrong. Trust it.
- Say “yes” to the stuff you want to say yes to because it doesn’t matter if you’re the only one saying “yes” to it.
- “No” is a complete sentence.
- Exercise. Your body will thank you for it later.
- Call. FaceTime. See people in person. Don’t rely on texts to build your relationships.
- Read. Whether it’s biographies about Einstein’s brain, dragon smut or the retelling of a classics. Books are magic. Never forget that.
- Get a hobby. Or 10. They keep the mental squirrels at bay.
- Learn a second language. Even if it’s just conversationally.
- Kiss a lot of frogs. It will make it easier to identify the prince or princess when they show up.
- Not all friendships last. And that’s ok. It is almost always for the best.
- Go to college. And take it seriously. Do your assignments. Sign up for the clubs. Go to the parties. Grow.
- Don’t put yourself into a box. The world is going to try to do that. Don’t fall for it and subject yourself to it.
- Adopt an animal. They’re better than us in every way.
- Decorate your home. Whether that’s a house, apartment or a room in an old lady’s house. Where you lay your head should be yours and should bring you peace. It will make a difference.
- If anyone ever says you’re doing “a lot”, tell them they’re clearly not doing enough and strut away.
- Your job is never going to love you back. Or give you a hug when you need it. Don’t treat it like it’s your whole world.
- Dye your hair. Shave your head. It’s just hair, it always comes back.
- Do not spin the block.
- Donate to good causes. Or protest for good causes. Use your voice for goodness.
- You can’t make anyone be a better person. They have to choose that on their own.
- It is your parents’ first time living. And it’s yours as well. And your siblings’. Nobody knows what they’re doing
- THERAPY. GO TO THERAPY.
- Choose kindness first…until you have to choose violence. And then, make sure your punches don’t miss.
- Go to the dentist. Your teeth are like really important for your health.
- Conquer at least one fear every couple of years. It keeps your mind nimble.
- Eat really good food. Our time on this planet is too short for bland foods or foods that are overly processed. Fuel your body with nutritious and delicious meals. You’ll feel better for it.
- All your emotions are valid. But not all actions as a result of those emotions are valid.
- Write everything down. We as humans have really bad memories.
- Figure out how you want to be loved and make sure people know that. And vice versa.
- Try to be happy. It won’t always be easy. But try.
- You are so much stronger than you think. Never forget that.
That bonus one was because I have free will and I like to use it.
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