Tomorrow, I am turning 32. I’ve got more wrinkles, more vision loss, and {hopefully} more wisdom. I like to sit down before birthdays and reflect on what I have learned. As an ode to turning 32, I’m sharing with you 32 lessons I’ve learned in my 32 years of living.
32 Lessons I’ve Learned in 32 years
- A crazy schedule is not a badge of honor. I’m realizing the importance of slow.
- The glass is always half full. You just have to see it that way.
- Wherever you are, be all there.
- Be selective about your tribe. True, real friends matter. Not your social media followers.
- Realizing a dream feels just as good as you imagine it would. For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of having a white farmhouse. That dream is coming true, little by little, and it makes my heart so happy.
- When you have three kids, they ARE your monkeys and that IS your circus.
- Patience is a virtue, but it’s not one I possess.
- Drink more water. It helps, well, everything.
- “God doesn’t call the perfect, He calls the willing. He doesn’t call the one who has it all, He calls the one who surrenders it all.” -Samuel Rodriguez
- Never send a text message without an emoji. It’s hard to convey tone with just words in a text message–always include that smiley emoji!!
- Be intentional about family time. Make it a priority.
- Put yourself out there. You’ll never get the job/promotion/date/award/whatever if you don’t go for it.
- Never leave the house without lipstick and mascara.
- Caffeine may be a drug, but it’s a miracle drug.
- Be confident in yourself but not cocky.
- Dogs make life better.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses. It’s ok to not be good at everything.
- Change makes life more interesting.
- Sunglasses can double as a hair accessory.
- Taking a few minutes every morning to pray/read your Bible/worship will get your brain and heart right for the whole day.
- God gives some of us (me!) a heart for music but not a talent for music. Sing anyways.
- Spontaneous road trips are the bomb-dot-com.
- Big earrings are best.
- Read a book. It’s good for the brain and good for the soul. (Suggestion: Nothing to Prove by Jennie Allen.)
- Laugh. A lot.
- Never air your dirty laundry on Facebook.
- Show up on time.
- Make time to take care of yourself. Eating right, exercising, massages, skin care.
- Schedule downtime. Life is crazy and chaotic and if you aren’t careful, it will run right away with you. Plan time to do absolutely nothing once a week.
- Keep a running list of things that make you happy.
- Do something good for somebody else every single day.
- Own your own style. Just because something is “in-style” doesn’t mean you have to like it.
For knowledge from my previous birthdays, see 30 lessons at 30 and 31 lessons at 31.
You are a very smart and beautiful young lady. Loved all your wisdom, especially numbers 20 and 26. You are a Godly person. Please pray for me. I have been on a journey for 45 years with the love of my life and soon I will be journeying alone, I know God has this and has plans for me. But it is ok to ask for prayers because God loves for us to pray for one another. I can see why your mom is so proud of you. I am proud of my children too. They have helped me so much during this difficult time.
Thank you! I will most certainly remember you in my prayers!
Happy birthday sweet baby. You have a lot on your plate but are doing an awesome job.
Thank you so much!