I just turned thirty and wanted to share thirty life lessons that have stuck with me the most in the last few years. Of course, I have learned over thirty lessons throughout my life, but these lessons come to my head first.

Thirty life lessons:

1. Everyone faces trials and tribulations or some trauma. Keep this in mind.
2. Trauma does not excuse your actions or behavior. Eventually, you must deal with it, do the work, get the help, and grow.
3. Common sense isn’t common, or it is common, but people pick and choose when they want to be ignorant.
4. Assumptions are the root of miscommunication. Go directly to the source and get confirmation, or be in the dark and never know, but don’t assume.
5. Passive aggressiveness is stupid. Say it with your chest, or don’t say it at all.
6. Knowledge is wealth. Continue to learn and grow always. The moment you stop learning, you stop moving forward. 
7. Projection is a form of hate. The individual who projects most likely hates the part of themselves that gave up after failing and therefore believes you will fail or wants you to forget to make sense of why you succeed where they couldn’t 
8. Be mindful of who you hang around, who you let in your home, and who you let around your family. Wolves in sheep’s clothing can be anyone, regardless of age, religion, or relation to you.
9. Speak up for yourself, or everyone will walk you all over. 
10. But know when to bite your tongue, as not every battle is worth fighting.
11. We live in a beautiful world, but the media fixates on extremes. 
12. Have fun with your family!
13. Travel the world!
14. Age doesn’t make you wise, nor does having kids make you mature or competent.
15. Most adults are just kids in adult bodies.
16. Being the bigger person sucks but saves you energy later and helps protect your peace.
17. Take care of yourself. 
18. Luxury is the ability to live in the now! So do it as much as you can!
19. Even if you go to your living room, getting ready for the day is good for your mental health.
20. You don’t owe anyone anything, but the same goes for vice versa. No one owes you anything, either.
21. There is more than one way to teach, coach, and parent, just like there is more than one way to learn.
22. Exercise daily for the rest of your life.
23. Pray daily
24. Drink water daily
25. Be careful who you take advice from. 
26. Life is a constant struggle between balancing rest, work, and fun.
27. Liking something does not qualify you. For example, liking kids does not make you qualified or skilled to work with them.
28. Anything and everything can be a trend, so be mindful. 
29. Being alone doesn’t mean you are lonely.
30. Let go and let God.

These are the first lessons that popped up in my head. I did not rank them in a specific order, which is random.

I’m super grateful to have reached this beautiful age and so excited about what it has to bring. I pray for a season of continued growth, learning, and fun. I can’t believe I am thirty, but at the same time, I’m excited to be thirty and happy with where I am in my life.

It is time to go even harder for my dreams and goals while also living in the now. Happy birthday to me.