As 33 quickly approaches, I began to reflect on all of the things I’ve learned in life so far, the moments I’ve experienced, the blessings and joys that I’ve been lucky enough to have. I decided I wanted to compile a list of all of the life lessons I’ve learned so far. Well, at least the top 33 lessons I’ve learned before turning 33.
Birthdays have always been a time of reflection for me. It’s a time where I reflect on the previous year, thank God for his blessings, and think about who I want to be and what I want to accomplish in the year to come. It’s something of a jump start to my New Year’s resolutions.
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Every year seems to bring new experiences, new challenges, and new joys. I considered the many transitions life has brought thus far: high school to college; dating to marriage; climbing the corporate ladder to having babies, and then storing that ladder away and settling in on the ground level.
I’ve gained so much wisdom, learned so many life lessons in my 33 years. Yet, I know there’s still so much more wisdom to gain. As I reflect on my first 33, I wanted to share 33 of the most important things I’ve learned along the way.
“With age comes a greater wisdom, an ease and comfort with oneself.”
Author unknown
So, here we go!
- You absolutely can be an involved, loving mama while working full time. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
- Cake and cookies taste sooo good. But you feel better if you also fuel your body with the healthy stuff too.
- Compliment others. It’ll make your day and theirs.
- Nobody likes a show off. Work your ass off and let your success speak for itself.
- Drink your water. You’ll feel better. Promise.
- If you can choose, choose the scenic route. It’ll take a little longer but that’s where the memories are made.
- Do the thing that scares you. Whether it be taking a solo road trip, going skydiving or signing up for a baking class. (I haven’t gone skydiving by the way. It doesn’t scare me, I just have no desire to jump out of a perfectly good plane.)
- You’re not too old, and it’s not too late to go for your dreams. Go back to school. Switch careers. Start a side hustle. Do the thing!
- Make the time to work out. Even if that means getting up at 4:55 am.
- Sometimes the best medicine is to get outside. Sometimes it’s staying in with a glass of wine. Balance.
- Kids will push you to the brink of insanity. Just take a deep breath, and step back from the ledge.
- You need at least one “person” that knows all of your secrets and loves you anyway.
- If somebody trusts you with a secret, keep it. Nothing is more important than your integrity.
- Don’t judge others. You don’t know what road God has asked that person to walk.
- No matter how good of a mom you are, you will, at least once, drag a screaming child from a public place. There’s no shame in that.
- Toddlers are some of the most honest people you’ll ever meet. They also hear everything, remember everything, and repeat everything, usually at the most inopportune times.
- It’s true that your metabolism slows down after 30. Love your body anyway.
- Marry someone who will be a great dad to your kids.
- Make time for regular date nights, even after kids. It’s just as important for your kids to see a healthy marriage as it is for your marriage.
- Make time for regular girls nights out too. Even if “regular” means every couple of months. And don’t come home until after the kids are in bed. Dad’s got bedtime.
- After 30, you can’t drink like you did when you were 21. But if you’re going to try, just remember that hangovers in your 30s linger just a little longer. Also, your kids won’t care that you’re hungover. They’ll probably get up even earlier than normal.
- It’s okay to let go of relationships that don’t make you a better person. Remember, you are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. Choose your relationships wisely.
- Mental health is just as important as physical health. Take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
- Learn to say No. And don’t feel guilty about it.
- You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. Family is the most important thing! Family isn’t always blood though. Remember that.
- Good moms swear. Studies actually show that people who swear more are highly intelligent and more honest.
- Know when to filter yourself though.
- Meal plan. It will make your week less stressful. But if you’re craving pizza, then get the pizza. Your planned eggplant lasagna will still be there tomorrow.
- Clutter isn’t good for your soul. Trust me, just throw it away.
- Hire a cleaning lady. A clean house is important. But that doesn’t mean you have to clean it yourself. You have better things to do, like playing with your kids, binge-watching Netflix on Sunday afternoon, baking your favorite cookies, or whatever else sets your soul on fire.
- Never miss a Monday. Whatever it is that sets your soul on fire. Do that. Every Monday. Without fail.
- Drink good wine. Good wine doesn’t have to be synonymous with expensive wine though.
- Trust in God’s timing. You can’t control everything, but God can. Talk to Him regularly. You can’t trust someone you don’t know.
What are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned? I’d love for you to share them in the comments below!
With love, Amanda
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Katie Frazier says
Loved this! “Good moms swear.” Guilty is charged 😂 my mom knows all of my secrets. She’s my one person.
Ashley says
Toddlers truely are the most honest humans you will ever meet. LOL
I love each and every one of these.
This German Mama says
Great list. I would love to hire a cleaner every now and again to help with the house.
Jenny says
Great post. I’m impressed that you e figured this all out already. I’m still working on a few of those things. These are great topics to share with teens. Maybe they’ll listen.
Trina says
Girl you hit the nail on the head! Great job and all so true.
Louise says
This is a timeless post! Great advice for all of us!
Stephanie says
Excellent advice. I’m nearing this age myself and I agree with these!
Rebecca @ Boss Single Mama says
Great post! I didn’t learn some of these life lessons until well past 33. But as you said, it’s never too late!
Monica says
This was a great post! I especially liked 33, trust in God’s timing.
Sue Denym says
#1 advise: Drink water…lots of it! I love this post!
Jaimie says
Great post! Meal planning is a lifesaver and I always feel better when I drink enough water!
Ashley says
I love this post so much. I have a year and a half to catch up. Maybe I will stop losing my sanity on my kids. I love the good moms swear. I do that a lot in my mind. LOL
Katie Frazier says
Little is much. I’ve learned this living in a 2 bedroom trailer. No Christmas tree this year. Just a string of lights, stockings, and mom’s creativity and that’s what we have this year.
Amanda says
And that’s enough. 💗
Athba says
Lovely list as im turning 33 this April
It doesn’t matter what people think about you, what matters is what you think about yourself ❤️