Thirty by Thirty

Thirty: The milestone birthday we all dreaded in our twenties. As your twenties come to an end you look back and cringe while simultaneously wanting to hold on to your youth. Hitting this milestone birthday feels like life hits you and you're instantly supposed to transform into a better person. Give yourself grace though, you're evolving and growing. No one expects you to instantly change, but you owe it to yourself to be better than you were.

Keep striving, keep pushing yourself:

1) Let go of things that are disrupting your peace:

Stop giving away your peace to people, places, things, and situations. Harness the power of walking away

2) Learn to apologize:

Life is too short not to apologize- but know the difference between when you need to and when you're people-pleasing.

3) You're not always right

Be a little more open-minded to other people's perspectives. Sometimes proving your point isn't worth damaging relationships.

4) Take care of your clothes

You're too old not to be separating whites and colors. Find your favorite fabric softener, and don't shy away from the dry cleaner.

5) Let go of past mistakes

Stop letting your past define you. We make mistakes and take wrong turns because they teach us lessons we need to learn. Be grateful for your past experiences because they're helping you get where you want to go.

6) Your happiness is your responsibility:

Stop blaming the world like it owes you- It doesn't. Learn how to take action in the present; Hold yourself accountable for your past and future, and find joy in the little moments.

7) Stop allowing people to disrespect you:

When you allow someone to disrespect, you're teaching them how to treat you. Stop making excuses for poor behavior.

8)Stop lowering your standards:

Your standards are the bar for your happiness. Believe you deserve to be happy and don't give anyone the power to take that away from you. Set your non-negotiables and do not give in to others at your expense.

9) Restaurant etiquette:

Learn how to order, pace yourself, and treat the service staff. Pay attention to people who do not know how to do these things. It will tell you everything you need to know about their character.

10) Stop investing in relationships that have no potential:

Just stop. Really stop. This one needs no further explanation.

11) Let go of your timelines

Get it out of your head that you have to do things the way other people are or think you should be. No one really cares what you do anyway, so stop putting so much pressure on yourself. Do what makes you happy and stop tearing yourself apart for not being where society is telling you that you should be.

12) Always wear sunscreen:

You can never use enough. Most beauty products have SPF, so make sure your makeup and skincare protect you from sun damage. Know the difference between zinc and titanium oxide and don't forget your neck.

13) Steer clear from office gossip:

Work hard, be quick to help others, but slow to form personal relations. Learn how to hold yourself professionally and don't be fooled into believing your colleagues are your best friends.

14) Have a skincare regimen

Cleanse, tone, serum, and moisturize morning and night, every day. Indulge in a weekly mask and never sleep with makeup on.

15) Know the difference between being stubborn and determined:

A stubborn ego is an entree to destructive behavior. Know when you're foolish and immature vs. disciplined and ambitious.

16) Stop trying to please everyone:

Stop constantly saying yes to things you don't want to do just to make others happy. If you live your life to please everyone else, you lose your true self.

17) Know yourself worth:

Don't ask for it and don't negotiate it. Don't explain why you wat it, stop engaging with those who challenge it and walk away without hesitation from those who fail to see it.

18) Know how to take a compliment:

Just take it, say thank you- and own the hell out of it.

19) Know how to be alone:

Know the difference between being lonely and being alone. Learn how to relax and be comfortable with yourself.

20) Hold yourself accountable:

Address your own problematic thoughts and behaviors. Acknowledge your weaknesses, manage your flaws, and take ownership of your faults.

21) Write down your goals:

If you want something, write it down and go after it. Stop making excuses about how you're not ready. Overcome your insecurities and the voice in your head telling you what you want is not achievable. Start believing in yourself and go after what you want.

22) Be confident in your professional skillset:

Know what your superpower is and own it; Know what you're truly amzing at and what makes you a vaulable asset.

23) Everything on the internet isn't real:

While you're scrolling through social media, remember it's just a highlight reel. No one's posting their struggles, bad days, and stressors. Followers and likes are fleeting. Don't start to feel like it determines your worth.

24) Don't need closure to move on:

Know when you need to walk away from a situation. We can fool ourselves into believing we need permission or comfort to let go of something, but it's just our way of trying not to control the pain that the termination will bring. Allow yourself the power to feel the pain and let go.

25) Learn to relax:

Life is about balance, so give yourself permission to press pause. Feeling the need to be busy all the time is a trauma response. Relax, recharge, and reflect. It's okay to do nothing.

26) Ask for help when you need it::

It's okay to ask for help; no one expects you to do it all on your own. Asking for help doesn't make you weak.

27) Be honest with yourself about who you are and what you want:

Honesty will bring clarity, and clarity will give you the opportunities you're looking for.

28) Eat Healthier:

You get one body; make it last.

29) Don't take life so seriously:

Life doesn't make sense sometimes, so stop trying to make sense of everything. Learn to laugh in stressful and confusing times. Let yourself relax; everything will play out the way it's supposed to.

30) Find gratitude in everything:

Gratitude is the antidote to every bad mood and situation. It gives peace of the past, a sense of accomplishment, and optimism for the future. Find gratitude and happiness will find you.