33 Life Lessons

My mom has always treated my birthday like a national holiday. She threw me the most fun, creative parties, filled my room with balloons and decorations, and took me out to a restaurant of my choosing for dinner. I’ve always loved how special she’s made me feel on my birthday. So, while no one else cares about my birthday nearly as much as my mom and I do, I can’t help but get excited about it weeks in advance and reflect on past birthdays and how I’ve grown and changed over the years.

As you’re reading this, I just celebrated my thirty-third birthday, so I thought I’d share 33 life lessons I’ve learned over the years. And while 33 years isn’t very long in the grand scheme of things, I think I’ve still learned some pretty valuable lessons so far.

1. Call your loved ones more often. One day they’ll be gone, and you’d give anything to hear them answer the phone again.
2. Don’t underestimate the importance of mental health. It can make or break everything from your physical health to your relationships.
3. It’s okay to ask for help. It doesn’t mean you’re weak — it means you’re human.
4. Everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Try to keep this in mind the next time someone cuts you off in traffic, and hopefully they’ll give you the same grace.
5. You’re allowed to set healthy boundaries. And if someone doesn’t like them, it’s probably because they benefitted from you not having boundaries.
6. Coffee is not breakfast. Stop drinking coffee on an empty stomach.
7. Apply for the job even if you’re “not qualified.” That’s quite literally how I am here writing an editor’s letter today.
8. Similarly, don’t be afraid to ask. The worst they’ll say is no, but at least you know the answer and can move on accordingly.
9. Know your love language and the love languages of those around you. It helps you learn how to advocate for your own needs and show up for your people in the ways they need.
10. You’re probably not drinking enough water. Drink more water. Then drink more water after that.
11. You’re allowed to change your mind at any point, and you don’t have to feel guilty about it.
12. It’s better to show up to an event a little overdressed than underdressed.
13. You don’t have to be nice to someone who’s making you feel unsafe or uncomfortable (this one’s especially for you, ladies).
14. Don’t forget to write a thank you note!
15. “Don’t put something down, put it away. If you want a tidy house, this is the best way.”
16. Lock your door after you get home.
17. One day you’ll realize how tired your parents probably were, and you’ll have newfound appreciation for how they took you to afterschool activities, made dinner, helped you with homework, paid bills, and so much more — all after they worked all day.
18. If you don’t like cats, you probably just haven’t met the right cat yet.
19. Wear sunscreen. Every day. Not just at the beach.
20. Make friends with your neighbors. There will come a time when you need to lean on each other for things like shoveling snow, checking your mail, or petsitting.
21. Two things can be true at once. You can feel sad and happy. You can disagree with someone and show them respect.
22. Take time to talk with the older folks around you. They’ll appreciate it, and you’ll probably get to hear a fun story.
23. You can cook a perfect baked potato in the microwave in about 8 minutes.
24. Take lots of photos with your loved ones. You’ll be glad you have them one day.
25. If a stranger starts making small talk in the aisle at Target, they’re probably trying to get you to be part of their pyramid scheme. Don’t fall for it.
26. Try not to get mad or annoyed at your pets when they bother you. You’re their whole world, and they just want your love and attention.
27. Get a toolkit and learn how to use it. Things in your house will break, and you’ll be glad you can fix them.
28. Don’t look at your phone first thing in the morning. Take time for yourself first before you give your energy to anyone or anything else.
29. Get an E-ZPass. It’s way easier than paying a toll. Just trust me.
30. Support small businesses when you can. They appreciate your business more than any large corporation ever will.
31. Invest in experiences just as much as (if not more than) things. Things break or get lost, but memories last forever.
32. You’re the product of the people you surround yourself with.
33. You’re not always in control of what happens to you, but you’re entirely in control of how you handle your response to what happens to you.