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30 Things I’ve Learned In 30 Years

Nope, it is not my birthday, but I just realized that I am 30 years old now going on 31 LOL! One thing I do know is that I have grown so much since my early twenties. The start of my 30th year of life was life-changing. Change and growth are good so don’t ever let anyone tell you it’s not. Here is what I have learned about myself in 30 years.

  1. I am not perfect. I am far from perfect. But, I realize that I have grown so much in just the last few years, and I am happy with the woman I am becoming.
  2. You can make new friends as an adult. Friendships are seasonal, and that is ok. To be honest, I lost a few friends in my late twenties, and while I am sad that we could no longer continue our friendship, I am glad to see them doing well. I have made new friends in the last few years. I thought as an adult there was no way that I could make genuine friendships, but I was wrong.
  3. Learn to prioritize your relationships. Everyone will not be there for you plain and simple. Some family members are simply “relatives.”
  4. Follow your passion. Life is way too short to spend it doing something you hate. When you do what you love the possibilities are endless. Believe in Yourself!
  5. Credit is important. I have always had good credit, but I realized even more how important it is to keep up your credit. Every major purchase requires good credit so get that in order!
  6. Self-Care is imperative. Growing up I never learned about the importance of self-care, I have learned that it is essential for my mental health as well as my physical health. Take time for yourself there is only one you.
  7. Never stop learning. You can learn something new every day, even if it’s just taking a simple coding class or learning to sew. Learn something new!
  8. Invest in yourself. PERIOD. Invest in your dreams.
  9. Networking is the major key! I have gotten so many opportunities just by simply networking with people. You never know who knows who and how you can potentially collaborate or work with someone.
  10. Making mistakes is ok. At my last job, I beat myself up over making small mistakes. My boss made me feel stupid for making mistakes. I learned that I am human and I make mistakes. I have learned to grow from them.
  11. Positive is better than negative. My life has totally changed since I changed my mindset. Being positive has had such a great impact on my life. Just opening up your mind to the endless potential of believing in yourself and just having faith that it will all work out no matter what struggles you may be facing.
  12. Share your testimony. I learned that my testimony is not for me. I need to share my story to help someone else.
  13. Networking is key! Your next opportunity could be waiting in the most random place.
  14. Being a mom is amazing. I never knew that I could love someone as much as I love my daughter. She is truly a blessing.
  15. Don’t waste your time on people who don’t matter. Some people just don’t care about you at all. Please don’t waste your time on them.
  16. Don’t Compare. I know it’s super hard because of Instagram and other social media outlets, but it’s important to live your life. Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing.
  17. Positive Energy over anything. I will not allow myself to be negative nor be around people with negative energy. Ever since I let the negativity go in my life, I have felt so much better.
  18. Quality over quantity. I would rather have quality anything in my life over quantity.
  19. Wine is good. There is nothing like a good glass of wine.
  20. Everything won’t always go as planned. Plain and simple.
  21. Set Goals. Write down your goals and make moves to reach them.
  22. Share your story. I never thought that this blog would help so many people, just by sharing my story with others.
  23. Pay It Forward. Giving back is so necessary, but it’s also the best form of gratitude.
  24. Don’t Compete, Collaborate. There is no need to compete with women, collaborate with them. It’s super dope to collaborate.
  25. Don’t Care about what others think of you. I stopped caring a long time ago. Say what you want, I am who I am. Why are you worried?
  26. Be Nice. You never know what the next person is going through. Be nice to others.
  27. Be Present. Put your phone away when you are having dinner with family and friends. Engage in conversation, ask questions, tell stories, and create memories be THERE. Your phone will always be there.
  28. It is ok to say no. 
  29. But say YES to a lot of things, things that scare you!
  30. LIVE YOUR LIFE! You only have one!

Xo Michelle

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  • Courtney CJ
    March 13, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    I tried picking some of my favorites but I couldn’t. All of these are great gems. I’ve definitely had to let go of the perfection bone and self-care has become a necessity. And hey, it might not be your birthday, but a lesson is a lesson!

    • Michelle Thames
      March 13, 2017 at 10:05 pm

      Thanks girl!

  • Tia | Pennies In My Pocket
    March 13, 2017 at 10:35 pm

    This is a great list! Happy Birthday!

    • Michelle Thames
      March 14, 2017 at 2:44 pm

      Thanks! My birthday was in September LOL! I was just reflecting 🙂

  • Joanna
    March 14, 2017 at 9:41 am

    Great points. I’ve learned soooooo much in this year. I think turning 30 last year allowed me to pay attention to things more and be intentional rather than put things off or “not caring” like I was in my 20s. I’m also saying No a lot more too.

    • Michelle Thames
      March 14, 2017 at 10:14 pm

      Yes!!!

  • carlana charles
    March 14, 2017 at 11:34 am

    Life is a learning process.You are never to old to be taught a new lesson. As you grow older things that would have mattered in your teens or 20’s become unimportant and of no consequence in your more mature years.

    • Michelle Thames
      March 14, 2017 at 10:14 pm

      Yes, I agree!

  • Felecia Monique
    March 14, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    As I approach 30 I realize there are so many things I’ve learned. Especially the saying no more and saying yes to things I’m scared of. Great post!

    • Michelle Thames
      March 14, 2017 at 10:13 pm

      Thank you!!

  • Mimi Green
    March 14, 2017 at 6:21 pm

    These are all great tips for sure. I learned a lot about myself in my 30’s. Wine is amazing.

    • Michelle Thames
      March 14, 2017 at 10:13 pm

      Yes wine saves lives LOL!

  • Lauren
    March 14, 2017 at 11:56 pm

    All great lessonos but #30 is by far my favorite. Live the life you have. YOLO!!!

    • Michelle Thames
      March 29, 2017 at 1:14 pm

      Yes! YOLO!!

  • Christine St.Vil
    March 15, 2017 at 12:38 am

    I love it! So many great lessons learned here. I shared a similar post for my 35th. I love going back to read it and add new lessons.

    • Michelle Thames
      March 29, 2017 at 1:14 pm

      Thank You!!!

  • EaNesha
    March 15, 2017 at 4:41 am

    Happy Birthday! Follow your passion is my motto.

    • Michelle Thames
      March 29, 2017 at 1:13 pm

      🙂

  • Tione
    March 15, 2017 at 11:12 pm

    I truly endorse these tips and I see myself doing them now and also in the future.

  • Vany|Misscoilyhair
    March 16, 2017 at 11:41 pm

    Love your post! Amen to wine, collaboration, setting goals, being positive etc… You made some very good points. 30 going on 31 just like you and I am learning a lot of things on my end as well (or maybe I’m just paying more attention).

    • Michelle Thames
      March 29, 2017 at 1:13 pm

      xo 🙂

  • Elizabeth
    March 20, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    I have also said many of these 30 things. It is so nice to feel liberated. Thanks for sharing.

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