26 Things I Learned Before I Turned Thirty

Wow, just writing that title was intense. Thirty years is such a long time. And that’s how old I am. Head spinning, shortness of breath… and I’m back. I just turned thirty years old. Honestly, turning thirty always seemed like something that was so far away; it was something for people who were, well, in their thirties. As my birthday was approaching I started thinking about how when I was twenty-one, thirty seemed really scary. And now, as I’m twenty-nine, thirty is a whole lot less intimidating. Maybe I’ve matured. Maybe it’s just coming to grips with getting older. But I thought, maybe there’s a lesson in there. And then I thought, what else have I learned in these past thirty years? So here are a few things (twenty-six to be exact) that I’ve come to realize over the last thirty years.

1. Learn how to say no. You don’t have time for everything and it’s okay to not stretch yourself thin
2. Quality over quantity. This applies to relationships, not clothes because quality and quantity are both good there. Invest in people who bring you joy and make you a better person. Divest from dead weight, selfishness and self-servers.
3. Some things are worth spending money on. Good shoes being one.
4. Invest in quality barware. People will think you’ve got your life together whether you do or not. Because life is good when you’re sipping from a crystal rocks glass.
5. Focus on your health. Credit for this one goes out to my dad. A couple of years ago he reminded me that it’s easier to get into a healthy routine as a young person than to try to start once you’re older. For someone who had never had to worry about what I ate or how much I worked out, it seemed like nonsense. But then I turned twenty-seven and I could tell my metabolism was changing. So I got a gym membership and focused on what I ate a bit more. To be honest, it’s been one of the best things. Working out has become how I de-stress and wind down and I feel so much better. I didn’t even know something felt off until I felt better (if that makes sense). Anyways just do it.
6. Marry your best friend. Wrote about this one here.
7. Ignore the haters. Taylor Swift was right guys. The haters gonna hate (hate, hate, hate, hate). Easier said than done, I know. But maybe it’s because I’m older (I am thirty now after all 😜) but who’s got time for them really? You don’t like me? I will lose zero sleep. I live for me, my loved ones and friends. Everyone else, buy-bye.
8. Nothing beats a great cup of black coffee. Not a damn thing.
9. Young and old. I think some of my favorite conversations I’ve ever had have been with people of a different generation. Chat with the elderly. You might think they’re outdated but, damn, are they so much smarter than you. And listen to kids. Kids see things so much clearer than the rest of us. They have zero filters of how complicated the world is. Deep down, kids are the only genuine thing in this world.
10. Use your turn signal. Mainly just because it drives me insane. But also because it probably drives the person behind you insane too.
11. Be realistic. A job is a job. It pays the bills and that’s important. Always be working towards your goal but realize you’ve got to take the steps to get there.
12. Take no shit. Your thoughts and opinions are important so don’t let anyone bulldoze you.
13. Don’t sweat it. As someone who tends to be a little high-strung, I can sometimes allow stress to get to me. At times, I think it’s affected my overall health and well-being. Through a combination of different things (exercising being a big one), I’ve learned to relax. You can’t control everything, so why are you trying?
14. Save your money. Try to save a little money each paycheck. Nobody got anywhere without a little discipline.
15. Splurge sometimes. I just said to save, but you save so you can splurge. My wife and I bought this super expensive (for us) rug for our living room a long time ago. We knew we shouldn’t be spending what we were on it, but we did and we are so glad we did.
16. Be principled. Stand by your principles, but don’t be inflexible. Listen, learn and, if applicable, change. Your principles will change throughout your life so be open to that.
17. Eat the bacon. Because why not? I try to eat healthy but if bacon’s involved I eat like nobody’s watching.
18. Learn to apologize. Shoot this one is so difficult. But do it. Know when you’ve fucked up and make it right. You’ll feel better and people always appreciate a good apology.
19. Make time for yourself. This one is key. You can’t be who you need to be for others in your life if you aren’t who you need to be for yourself. Take a walk. Meditate. Blast your tunes on your commute. Whatever it is, do it.
20. Sleep is for the weak. My AP history teach used to tell the class this in high school and I 95% believe it. I survive on less than 6 hours of sleep. Granted I’m usually browsing the interwebs for random things
21. Nap. I know I just said sleep is for the weak. That being said, sometimes naps are necessary. A fluffy comforter, a nice pillow and some Netflix… hot damn.
22. Adopt a dog. Adopting our rescue pup was one of the best things my wife and I have ever done. Dogs live for you and sometimes that’s just what you need. NOTE: If you’re into cats, that’s cool too. But just know, it’s not the same.
23. Red wine hangovers are the worst. Doesn’t stop me from pounding a bottle (or two) on occasion, but I’ve learned it so it makes the list. I’ve thought I was dying numerous times from drinking too much red wine. The best thing to combat it: Take a Milk Thistle supplement before bed. It’s not a cure-all but it helps.
24. Take notes. I write down (or type in my phone) a lot of ideas. I’ve got a running list of blog ideas, short story ideas (I used to write and someday, will again), baby names, grocery lists, workouts for the gym… It’s all in one spot in Google Keep. #NotSponsored, just love the app.
25. Get a hat. Hats are a great way to cover up a really bad haircut or some bed head.
26. Spend time with the ones you love. Why would you waste your time with people you don’t like? Doesn’t make much sense, does it?

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