30 Lessons I've Learned for 30 Years Lived
Never in a million years (or 30) did I picture celebrating a milestone birthday under quarantine.
And yet, here we are. It’s my 30th birthday week and we are under quarantine in New York City. As depressing as it may seem, I spent my birthday feeling more blessed than ever. I started my morning getting a delivery of my two birthday dresses and a delivery from Milk Bar (my mom and my work mom/BFF got me cake, crack pie and b’day truffles!), then I hosted a zoom call brunch with my family and my two best girlfriends and laughed over my pancakes and eggs; then at night, I hosted another zoom call late night happy hour with my friends and it was great. I know we’re all respecting social distancing, but I feel a whole lot closer than ever to my people. Being able to go through something like this all together is actually uniting us more and knowing that we’re #flatteningthecurve is a true act of love for each other and our communities.
But look at me, blabbering away. In honor of turning this milestone age, I figured I’d share 30 Lessons I’ve learned in these 30 years of living. A little 30 for 30, per se, because I not only miss sports, but I miss the memes sports would bless us with too. So let’s get cracking!
Love yourself first.
Be kind to yourself (this includes also being patient).
Do things at your own pace.
Don’t compare yourself or what you have to others.
It’s not your fault, unless it is your fault then own up to it.
Boundaries are okay, even with your family.
Give flowers to those who can still smell them.
Be open, be honest, be vulnerable. It allows for more depth in your relationships
Drink water!
Be on time, and by be on time, I mean get there early. Unless you know you can be fashionably late, like a party.
Take care of your skin — you only get one!
Dance! Every moment you get the chance, just dance!
Learn how and when to say NO.
You want to do something? DO IT.
Treat yourself every once in a while.
Travel more!
Plan ahead (come up with a list of places) when you’re going on a trip and see ahead of time how close it is to your hotel/air bnb. Trust me it’ll save you time trying to get back or how to get around without wasting data/having to ask anyone.
Learn how to cook (or bake) the things you love that your mom makes for you.
Tip your bartenders/servers/dj’s. 20% should be your standard.
Learn how to make a signature cocktail. It’ll impress your guests.
Wear your true shoe size! Your feet never stop growing and wearing shoes too small for you only hurts your feet more.
Do puzzles and read books more often — your brain is a muscle and this helps with keeping it healthy!
Have those hard conversations. You’ll be better for it.
Invest in art, even if it’s a print direct from the artist.
Get your annual checkup.
Change your sheets, especially your pillowcases, once a week.
Call your loved ones and check in on them.
You get what you negotiate. So go for more.
Don’t wear shoes in the house.
Pilot G-2 05 pens are ELITE.
I’m really looking forward to what this new year is going to bring me, despite the Rona messing up the way I wanted to celebrate. If you’re celebrating during this quarantine — I’m sorry, I feel you, but I promise it doesn’t have to be bad.
