Today marks the big 3-0. I’d like to think I woke up richer, wiser, more accomplished and prettier, but the truth is, I didn’t. I woke up the same way I do every day, just a little bit older. 🙂 I feel like 30 should feel so different, like I should finally feel like I have it all figured out, but the truth is I don’t. Maybe that’s what the next decade will bring and at this time in ten years I’ll be discussing what I learned in my 30s instead of my 20s.
As adults, or humans for that matter, we’re always a work in progress. We learn every day, make mistakes, grow from them and then start over. But there are some things I learned in my 20s (some things I’ve now mastered, and some I’m still working on) that I thought it would be fun to share with you 30 things to learn in your 20s.
- Use sunscreen. Remember this song? It was cool when I was in high school and it’s so true. Wear sunscreen. Nothing will age you more than the sun (not to mention cancer risks) and thanks to great sunless tanners, you can get a great glow without the wrinkle (I love this). Also, get some skin care products and actually use them.
- It’s okay to say no and not give a reason. One I’m constantly working on, but never feel like you have to give a reason to someone for not doing something/going somewhere. You’re an adult and its okay not to say yes to everything.
- It’s also okay to say “yes” more. Sure, I need to do a number of things any given day, but sometimes just saying “yes” to something and being carefree is also much needed. It’s all about balance, but never feel the need to explain yourself.
- Be you, not who they want you to be. No one is better at being you, than you.
- Don’t worry about people that don’t like you. For every person who doesn’t, there are so many people that think you’re amazing.
- Know when to talk and when to listen. You should be listening 70% of the time, it makes you a good person and a good friend.
- Never go to bed with makeup on. Zits at 30, no thank you, also refer to #1 (it also ages you).
- Communication is the best gift you can have with those you love. It’s a bridge-way for so many things: solved problems, laughter, long distances, etc.
- Get rid of toxic friends. They should bring you up, not put you down. It’s better to have 4 quarters than 100 pennies just like 4 great friends are better than a bunch of asshole ones.
- Its okay to disagree with people, just remember to be polite while doing it.
- Wine > vodka. It’s also okay to splurge every now and then on a nice bottle.
- Only buy things you love. It will save you so much money and space.
- It’s okay to cry, sometimes even ugly cry. Don’t apologize for it, you’re human.
- Drink half of your body weight in ounces of water daily.
- Find a good tailor and use him or her. Having your clothes fit correctly means you’ll look great and feel great.
- Exercise is free therapy, but it’s okay to pay for therapy too.
- Judge less and TRY not to succumb to gossip or rumors. It’s hard, but try.
- Call your parents, not every day, but at least once a week. And don’t forget your dad, he likes phone calls too.
- Take time to unplug. Relax, put the phone down and just breathe.
- Don’t hold grudges. Forgiveness may take time, but try.
- Stop splurging on trends and invest in the classics. Great jeans, nude pumps, a white v-neck tee and a black blazer are my staples.
- Experiences over things. You’ll only keep the things for awhile, but the memories last forever.
- It’s okay to want something and then change your mind. You’re human, cut yourself some slack.
- Take time for yourself, but don’t be selfish.
- Stop comparing yourself. Comparison is the thief of joy. Someone is always doing better than you and someone is always doing worse.
- The only hangover cure is not getting drunk to begin with.
- The days are long, but the years are short. Love, pray and laugh as much as possible.
- Have one amazing thing you know how to cook. It will be your go-to for life.
- Tell people important to you that you love them. As much as possible.
- Be nice. It’s more rewarding and fulfilling than you can imagine.
Dress / Bag (similar here and here) / Heels / Bracelets / Sunglasses / Earrings
Those are just some things I’m working on daily. Life is always a work in progress. Have a great day friends and thank you for making this blog something I am proud of each and every day, each and every year.
XX
Brittany says
Love!!!! All of these are great advice and I totally need to remember every one of them! Sunscreen and exercise have been my two major changes since turning 30! I’ve started to notice the difference when I don’t use them!
Brittany 🙂
http://www.kingdomofsequins.com
Lee says
Happy Birthday! All great tips.
xo, Lee
Nataly says
Happy Birthday to you! Hope you have a great day! xo, Nataly
Taylor Aube says
This is such a sweet post! I love reading life advice like this – you are so wise! And looking lovely as ever in these pics!
http://stopdropandvogue.com
Ashley DTKAustin says
Such a great post!! I always love reading fun facts about fellow bloggers!! 🙂
docdivatraveller says
Happy Birthday Amy! I have been reading your blog since 2013 and look forward to doing so! All the best! You rock!
http://www.docdivatraveller.com
Makayla M. says
I love this post!! All of those are so insightful!
Xo Makayla
http://www.fashionablykay.com
SABRINA TAN says
such a gorgeous dress and awesome post!
Sabrina | Gypsy Tan
Morgan says
So many of these I’m still learning! Happy birthday!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Mariah says
Happy Birthday! These are so helpful and good reminders. Thank you for sharing.
http://moosmusing.com
Anna Cobbs says
We’re dress twins!!! I love this dress and it looks so beautiful on you!!
xx – anna
fleurdille.com
Heidi says
I absolutely adore this post! You put words to so many life lessons! Happy birthday lady.
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
emily says
1. This dress is AMAZING on you!
2. Love love love all of your lessons… I need to take note on a few 😉
3. I can’t wait to see you next week!
Anna English says
Happy birthday beautiful girl! Hoping this is your best year YET!
Adaleta Avdic says
This is such a beautiful outfit, and I just love the white dress. The patterning is just so beautiful. This post is so powerful and I love all the things you’ve learned in your 30s. Sunscreen became so important to me when I moved to Arizona because it is HOT AF all the time, year round and the sun is beating down on us. I do like the idea of saying no and not giving a reason. Not everyone needs to know why I’m saying NO. Leave me alone haha! xx Adaleta Avdic
Mariam says
Love all those important life lessons! Thanks for sharing
Maggie says
I loved reading this!! So many true statements there 🙂
http://www.maggiealamode.com
Leah says
Great post! I did a similar one when I turned 30, but I have to say I learned so much more from 30-31, than I had all years past! Funny how life works. Love that dress!!
Jessica says
Happy birthday! Wearing sunscreen and calling my parents often are definitely things I learned in my 20s too!
xo Jessica
http://www.whatsfordinneresq.com
Alex says
Okay, so basically all of these are serious gold! I wish all of us soon to be 20s and people like me in mid-20s could read this, because it’s so true!
http://adoredbyalex.com