30 Life Lessons
As I enter into my 30th trip around the sun, I've spent some time reflecting on all the things I have learned so far. As you all know, one of my favorite things to do is pass on the things I've learned along the way. This is by no means an exhaustive list and just barely scratches the surface of my lessons, but these are some of my favorites at this moment in time:
It's never as serious as you think it is, so don't let your mind go down the rabbit hole of doom.
You are responsible for how you show up, always. You have a choice.
People are mostly focused on themselves, so do your thing & own it.
Your body is a vehicle, not an ornament. Treat it well and use it rather than just looking at it.
People are mirrors for your own inner state.
Choose love every single chance you get.
Your parents are not superheroes. They're humans with their own shit they're working through. Give them grace.
Age really is just a number. It's about how you've used your years that counts.
If it's not a HELL YES, then it's a no.
You will have to let people go, and it will hurt, but it will still be the right thing to do.
Travel is a necessity, not a luxury, in order to open your mind and broaden your perspectives.
Everyone is doing the best they can with what they know...give them a little compassion.
If you don't put out into the world the gifts that are inside you, it will forever haunt you.
Choose moments over things, always.
Eat the food. More importantly: savor the food.
Own up to your mistakes and give apologies liberally when you owe them. Accountability goes a long way in life.
Tell people you love them...be so generous with your love that you never wonder "what if?"
Driving with no destination and great music is good for the soul.
Water has healing powers, get in it often. Oceans, lakes rivers, baths...dive in. Drink up.
These things will shift your perspective when you need it: babies, puppies, sunsets, desserts.
Don't be so afraid to use your voice, it's one of the most powerful things you have. Say the thing you need to say.
Don't take things personally. It's often more about them than it is about you.
Stop wasting time trying to get people to choose you. If they can't or don't want to, let them go. Simple as that.
You are here for a purpose, I promise. Even if it takes you a lifetime to discover it, never lose faith.
No one really knows what's going on. It's ok. Also, you're not behind.
You are never fully finished. And you will never have it all figured out. Keep going anyways.
Perfection is a myth. Don't waste time chasing it.
If you learn something, teach it. We grow so much more by sharing and helping others.
You matter. Even on your darkest days.
Trust life, it has your back.
I think I have about a million more things I could share, but this feels good for now. I'm sure I'll keep adding to this list every year. What resonated with you the most from that list? Which was your favorite?
For now, what I know for sure is that I am grateful for every single person, place and circumstance that taught me those lessons. They weren't always fun to learn, but I certainly feel better and stronger for it. Life never really looks how you imagined it would, and these 30 years have taught me that that's really the beauty in it. The uncertainty, the unexpected twists and the beautiful surprises are what make this adventure called life so fun.
So cheers to another lap around the sun and hopefully many more decades of wonderful surprises after that! Thanks for being a part of this journey with me.
xx,
Megan