It’s here my friends…today is my 30th birthday. Honestly, I can’t believe I’m the big 3-0 because I don’t feel like I am that “mature” (no, I won’t refer to 30 as old). It’s crazy to think that a mere five years ago I was gallivanting around Nashville, single as a bird, and now I am married with two kiddos…time flies and things can change so very quickly and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I feel like I have learned a thing or two and am here today to share my life lessons/things I know/what I’ve learned…I have actually been drafting this post for the last year so that I would have enough to share and wouldn’t forget some of the important stuff. I am hoping I can add to this list as I “mature” (no, still not going to say get older) and that maybe there will be at least one lady out there to learn something from the experiences I’ve encountered thus far-here goes nothing!
Things I Know/Lessons I’ve Learned
1. Sunscreen is essential. Tanning beds are horrible. I wish I could undo all the years of damage to my skin from sunburns at the beach to hundreds of minutes spent in the tanning bed trying to get that perfect tan. Now, I use SPF on my face everyday and I get a faux glow with a spray tan.
2. As an adult, it takes not one, but two days to recover from a night of drinking. Gone are the days of chugging Gatorade and taking Tylenol to cure a hangover. I can’t hang like I used to. 1 or 2 drinks suits my fancy and lets me avoid the sloppy drunken mess that might have happened one too many times in my younger years.
3. You change and so does your circle of friends. People come and go in and out of our lives and that’s life. I have come to realize I would rather have a small, close group of girls who have the same interests/beliefs/values than a bunch of “acquaintances” I can’t really relate to. Remember, friendships are a two-way street and both must give equally.
4. Never put anyone else before your husband/partner.
5. Tattoos aren’t easy to remove. It was a stupid decision in Cancun during the summer of 2001 and I am still paying for it today. I don’t live with regret, but this is the ONE thing I would undo if I could. I foresee removal in my future one day.
3. You change and so does your circle of friends. People come and go in and out of our lives and that’s life. I have come to realize I would rather have a small, close group of girls who have the same interests/beliefs/values than a bunch of “acquaintances” I can’t really relate to. Remember, friendships are a two-way street and both must give equally.
4. Never put anyone else before your husband/partner.
5. Tattoos aren’t easy to remove. It was a stupid decision in Cancun during the summer of 2001 and I am still paying for it today. I don’t live with regret, but this is the ONE thing I would undo if I could. I foresee removal in my future one day.
6. Real friends love you for you. They love you no matter what…they love the good, the bad, and the ugly and Lord knows I have all of that. They stand by you through thick and thin and they will be the first ones to call you out when you need it.
7. Being a mother is much more difficult than I ever imagined. It’s amazing and I know I say that all the time, but it’s HARD work and sometimes I get scared because I am the one shaping our girls’ lives/molding them into who they are going to be. I thought being a mom would be glamorous, yet on most days it involves lots of messy diapers, food all over the floor, and temper tantrums…but on the other hand, there are WAY more hugs, kisses, and smiles and that makes life worth living.
7. Being a mother is much more difficult than I ever imagined. It’s amazing and I know I say that all the time, but it’s HARD work and sometimes I get scared because I am the one shaping our girls’ lives/molding them into who they are going to be. I thought being a mom would be glamorous, yet on most days it involves lots of messy diapers, food all over the floor, and temper tantrums…but on the other hand, there are WAY more hugs, kisses, and smiles and that makes life worth living.
8. I changed the most through my relationship with God. I wasn’t a Christian until I was 25 years old…that’s when I got saved and baptized. Growing up, we went to church but I never longed for that spiritual relationship until I was in my mid-twenties. That’s when I got serious, started going to church every weekend, and put all my faith in God. He hasn’t left me since.
9. Working out is good for the body AND the soul. Fitness and maintaining an active lifestyle has always been important to me, but I really started getting into the groove a few years ago when I was training for my first half marathon and was in wedding mode. Since then, I try to workout at least a few times each week and I think it helps me keep my life a lot more balanced. And those added endorphins don’t hurt either!
10. It’s normal to change your mind, or your opinion.
11. Work hard, but don’t work so much that life passes you by. I am always having to remind my husband of this, as he is a die-hard workaholic. He loves his job so it’s hard for him to take a step back to see the big picture. I tell him to live in the moment and remember to savor this time we have because they will only happen once. A career is important, but family comes first.
12. There is no one I aspire to be more than my mom. She offers a wealth of knowledge, and I learn from her each and every day. When I get myself in a pickle, I’ll try to think “what would she do?” or “how would she overcome this obstacle?” She is THE greatest role model in my life and her wisdom and guidance never fail me.
13. Everything in moderation. I’ve never been one to jump on the bandwagon for the fad diets and such, I just go by the motto to do everything in moderation…including eating the foods you love and having a cocktail every now and then. If I quit something cold turkey, like desserts, then you better believe I will gorge on them when I have the opportunity rather than just “sampling the goods”.
14. It’s OK to celebrate success. I used to be afraid to shout it out when we had something great happen, for fear that others would be rude or say unkind things. I just have to remember it’s a good thing to be happy when things go our way and to get excited!
15. You’re never too old to learn something new.
16. Time alone AKA being independent is a must for me. I love time with Jeff and the girls, but sometimes I need a clean “break” from them, even if only for a little bit. This could mean a solo trip to Target, a drive with the windows down to get my favorite cherry limeade from Sonic, or whatnot, but alone time helps me think/cope/deal and I relish in that moment of peace and quiet.
17. Live your life for YOU and no one else. It is the ONLY way you’ll ever be truly happy. I can’t say this enough…and sometimes I struggle with this because I am a people pleaser. But at the end of the day, I have to live my life the way I want to and who cares what others think…you can’t please everyone so you shouldn’t even try.
18. Just like a fine wine, we get better with age. We learn, we grow, and we evolve into the people we’re meant to be…never be afraid to grow up/mature for there are some good perks, too!
19. Visit the doctor annually. Yes, there, I said it…I am guilty, as I hate going to yearly checkups-particularly the dermatologist-but it will help you in the long run to make sure everything is working properly and you’re the healthiest you can be.
20. Live without regret.
21. People are ALWAYS going to judge you. It’s a fact of life that no matter what you do, someone is going to judge you in some form or fashion. Whether it be what you do for a living, how you spend your money, what you do with your free time, etc, it’s inevitable. But at the end of the day, remember it’s your life and who cares what others think.
22. Making mistakes is OK. Let’s face it: you can’t be perfect, nor should you try (yes, I am saying this statement loud and clear as it applies to me). The best thing to do is learn from your mistakes and come back better than ever.
23. Don’t save things for a special occasion.. Everyday of your life is a special occasion and we’re not guaranteed tomorrow!
24. Be kind to everyone you meet. Yes, everyone, even though sometimes that can be difficult. You don’t know what they are facing in life.
25. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. God created you for a reason and be proud of who you are.
26. Never leave the house without mascara and lip gloss. That’s a personal rule for me, but it’s one I live by…never know you will run into and it’s ALWAYS when you look like a hot mess.
27. You’re never too old to watch Disney movies.
28. Vacations make life worth living. We love to travel and have a list of all the places we want to go and visit at some point in life…one can only dream we will make it to all of them, but travelling is so much fun and a great way to see other cultures.
29. Playing dress up is fun as a child…and as an adult.
30. Always say please AND thank you. Showing gratitude goes a long way.
9. Working out is good for the body AND the soul. Fitness and maintaining an active lifestyle has always been important to me, but I really started getting into the groove a few years ago when I was training for my first half marathon and was in wedding mode. Since then, I try to workout at least a few times each week and I think it helps me keep my life a lot more balanced. And those added endorphins don’t hurt either!
10. It’s normal to change your mind, or your opinion.
11. Work hard, but don’t work so much that life passes you by. I am always having to remind my husband of this, as he is a die-hard workaholic. He loves his job so it’s hard for him to take a step back to see the big picture. I tell him to live in the moment and remember to savor this time we have because they will only happen once. A career is important, but family comes first.
12. There is no one I aspire to be more than my mom. She offers a wealth of knowledge, and I learn from her each and every day. When I get myself in a pickle, I’ll try to think “what would she do?” or “how would she overcome this obstacle?” She is THE greatest role model in my life and her wisdom and guidance never fail me.
13. Everything in moderation. I’ve never been one to jump on the bandwagon for the fad diets and such, I just go by the motto to do everything in moderation…including eating the foods you love and having a cocktail every now and then. If I quit something cold turkey, like desserts, then you better believe I will gorge on them when I have the opportunity rather than just “sampling the goods”.
14. It’s OK to celebrate success. I used to be afraid to shout it out when we had something great happen, for fear that others would be rude or say unkind things. I just have to remember it’s a good thing to be happy when things go our way and to get excited!
15. You’re never too old to learn something new.
16. Time alone AKA being independent is a must for me. I love time with Jeff and the girls, but sometimes I need a clean “break” from them, even if only for a little bit. This could mean a solo trip to Target, a drive with the windows down to get my favorite cherry limeade from Sonic, or whatnot, but alone time helps me think/cope/deal and I relish in that moment of peace and quiet.
17. Live your life for YOU and no one else. It is the ONLY way you’ll ever be truly happy. I can’t say this enough…and sometimes I struggle with this because I am a people pleaser. But at the end of the day, I have to live my life the way I want to and who cares what others think…you can’t please everyone so you shouldn’t even try.
18. Just like a fine wine, we get better with age. We learn, we grow, and we evolve into the people we’re meant to be…never be afraid to grow up/mature for there are some good perks, too!
19. Visit the doctor annually. Yes, there, I said it…I am guilty, as I hate going to yearly checkups-particularly the dermatologist-but it will help you in the long run to make sure everything is working properly and you’re the healthiest you can be.
20. Live without regret.
21. People are ALWAYS going to judge you. It’s a fact of life that no matter what you do, someone is going to judge you in some form or fashion. Whether it be what you do for a living, how you spend your money, what you do with your free time, etc, it’s inevitable. But at the end of the day, remember it’s your life and who cares what others think.
22. Making mistakes is OK. Let’s face it: you can’t be perfect, nor should you try (yes, I am saying this statement loud and clear as it applies to me). The best thing to do is learn from your mistakes and come back better than ever.
23. Don’t save things for a special occasion.. Everyday of your life is a special occasion and we’re not guaranteed tomorrow!
24. Be kind to everyone you meet. Yes, everyone, even though sometimes that can be difficult. You don’t know what they are facing in life.
25. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. God created you for a reason and be proud of who you are.
26. Never leave the house without mascara and lip gloss. That’s a personal rule for me, but it’s one I live by…never know you will run into and it’s ALWAYS when you look like a hot mess.
27. You’re never too old to watch Disney movies.
28. Vacations make life worth living. We love to travel and have a list of all the places we want to go and visit at some point in life…one can only dream we will make it to all of them, but travelling is so much fun and a great way to see other cultures.
29. Playing dress up is fun as a child…and as an adult.
30. Always say please AND thank you. Showing gratitude goes a long way.
Honestly, I am so excited to enter the next decade of my life…a lot of people tell me their thirties were the best years-you know who you are and you know what you want. God has blessed me these past 30 years and I am looking to the future to see what He has in store for me next!
Happy Birthday Natasha! I'm turning 30 in a few weeks….I loved reading this list!
Happy birthday!!! đ This is a great list and so very true when we step back and look at the big picture! Have a splendid day!
What an amazing list! Happy Birthday! My 30th is in about 3 months…
Happy birthday!!! I love reading your blog because you always have such good advice…today is no exception! Hope your day is wonderful!
Happy Happy birthday sweet lady! I turned 30 a few months ago and am feeling like fine wine. You give great advice and I love reading your blog. Hope your day is wonderful
Happy birthday!! I've got a few more months… Clinging to my 20's as long as I can!
Happy Birthday, lady! Hope it's a fabulous one. Your list is spot on!
Happy Birthday! đ
Happy Birthday! This list was so wonderful – I'm fewer than 18 months away from my 30th and I'll be referencing your list when I'm having those panic moments about getting more "mature!"
I LOVE your list!! So honest & true. Happy birthday, pretty girl!
Hope it is a wonderful day and year.
Happy birthday there is so much more to come.
Happy Birthday Natasha!
HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY, DEAR!!!!!!!!! I love this list — absolutely solidified why we are friends! I hope that you are spoiled today and loved on like crazy! Sending hugs, cupcakes and mimosas your way! Xo!
Natasha, happy birthday dear girl. I know your family will make sure you have an incredible day. Sidenote, how did I miss the fact that you have a tattoo? Spill it, girl! đ
happy birthday! what a great list! xoxox
One of my favorite posts! Happy Birthday, doll! 30 looks fabulous on you! xo
Happy happy birthday, my friend! Welcome to the 30 club! I've been here a while… As scary as I thought 30 was, 35 is staring me down and freaking me out. But no, it's not all that bad. We just keep getting better with age! đ
Happy Birthday lovely! I agree with so many of these! Great life advice esp the judgement one (hello blogging world lol) Hope you have a fab day with your beautiful family! xo
Love this! So very true…every single one of them.
I hope you have an amazing day! Happy 30th!
Happy birthday, dear! May it be filled with love, lots of spoiling, and plenty of dessert! đ
Happy Birthday! 30 is approaching for me too, thanks for the advice đ
Nicole
http://www.eleganceandclutter.com
A tattoo while vacationing in Cancun; sounds like a great story! I hope you have a very happy birthday!
Happy Birthday!! I just love this piece of advice!
Don't save things for a special occasion.. Everyday of your life is a special occasion and we're not guaranteed tomorrow!
It just spoke to me so much today and it really put things in to perspective! Thank you!
Happy Birthday! I hit the 3-0 next April. A lot of your life lessons I have learned and/or live by as well.
Tiffany
http://shessouthern.blogspot.com
Happy Birthday girl! I hope your hubby and your little ladies are spoiling you today. I love your list – amen, amen to the sunscreen and no tanning! Oh how I wish I could take that back. đ
What a great list of advice – such good reminders. Happy 30th birthday! So far (well, one year in) my 30's have been the best! Enjoy every minute of your special day!
Happy Birthday, Natasha!:) Loving this list – you made me want to start thinking of a list of my own! I still have a couple of years until my big 3-0, but it can't hurt to start thinking about what I've learned now, right? Hope you have a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday!! As a fellow 30 year old myself – I agree with everything on this list. I would also add "You are exactly where you are supposed to be". Even if it doesn't feel quite right, it's what is meant to be for you right now! Hope you have a wonderful birthday!!
I love this list! đ Thanks for sharing the wisdom! Happy Birthday!
I loved these rules to live by. Happy Birthday and thanks for blogging!
Loved this list especially number 8 with you changing the most through God. I think I'm coming to that point in my life where I'm ready to accept him too.. Also number 21.. Judging.. Oh the judging. I'm going through that soooo much right now it's driving me crazy but I'm going for my own happiness..
This was a perfect list for me to read today! Happy Birthday Tash!
Happy 30th Birthday! What a great post. I'm going to reflect back on it when I turn 30 in 5 months! đ
Happy Birthday lady!!! Such a great list! I couldn't agree with you more đ I turn 30 in 6 months…this made me feel a little more at ease đ
Happy Birthday! I love the lessons, especially #3 my changing circle of friends over the past few years has been difficult, but ultimately necessary because we are at different points in our lives.
I feel like this should be a printable that belongs in my bedroom! I died over the tattoo. One day you'll have to tell us what it is!
Happy 30th, friend! Cheers to another amazing year!
I HEART THIS!! In so many ways! Happy dirty thirty my friend, hope your day is as fab as you are!! đ XOXO
I just turned 39 and really my 30s have been the best time of my life. In my 30s I found out a lot about myself and living for what's important – my twins, myself, love, health and happiness… This is a great list. Happy Birthday. đ
Happy birthday. I love your list, and I love that you aspire to be just like your mom – as I feel the same way about mine.
Best wishes to you on this day, this year, and this new decade.
xoxo
Great lessons, lady! I'm in the middle of learning many of those now. I feel like marriage sped up the "maturing" for me quite a bit. A lot less of me and a lot more of Jesus and my husband. Learning how to truly put someone else's needs and desires before my own has started to teach me so much more about love and life. I pray that I look back and see that I've learned as much as you have! Happy birthday, Natasha! I hope it's been wonderful!
Happy Happy 30th Birthday Natasha… Have a fabulous time celebrating! I'm sure your darling girls and husband will have something special planned for you:)
What an Awesome List of life lessons, these are all so true!!!
That is a great list! I really needed to read those. I am 4 years from being 40… now that sounds wierd. Those are great things to live by!!! Happy birthday
These are great! I think I am going to do something like this on my b-day! đ
Love all of these lessons!!!! Every single one of them is spot on! Thanks!! Happy Birthday!
Happy happy birthday! Love your list of tips, great post!
Happy birthday lovely! And I agree…you're never too mature for Disney.
I hope you have a special, happy and memory filled birthday!!!
I loved reading through your list Natasha! I am finally BACK to blogging again – but I have been sure to keep up reading yours over the last few months! Carson is so adorable – congrats on your growing family!
Happy brithday and thanks for the advice!!
Happy Birthday! đ
Happy Birthday! This list is too good, and tells it like it is. I appreciate some of these especially as I 'mature' in my 'later' 20's, but I have much to learn. This is a great post to read, and re-read….BTW, a Tat. Scandalous!!! Happy Day too your mom too because its the day she had you {and got her body back} đ
Happy Birthday! I turn 30 in 3 weeks, this was a nice read for me today
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day and weekend celebrating!
Great job on the list friend! 30 isn't bad at all, is it? =) I had to laugh at 23. Don't save things for a special occasion…it's only fitting that this falls on my favorite number #23!! We got a bottle of wine for our wedding from a dear friend who was traveling in France. I remember her saying in the card to save it for a special occasion – well apparently I'm still waiting – THREE years later!! Haha, Eric always gives me a hard time about it because it's just sitting there in a basket on top of our fridge. Maybe this post will give me enough push to finally pop it open on a random Tuesday night! =) LOVE YOU!
Happy birthday — and PLEASE tell us about the tattoo!
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Hope you had a lovely birthday! As I am quickly approaching my own 30th I can appreciate and relate to about 95% of these things. They all made me think and reminded me of things I have learned myself!
Happy birthday pretty mama – what a wonderful list and all so true! You are an amazing person, well well done x
I've been reading your blog for a little while now, but this is my first post! Just wanted to stop by and say how I love your blog! But, this post was extra great! Love your list of things that you have learned over the years, and I can relate to just about every single one of them! Good for you, embarrassing the big 30 so well! (I'm 28 right now and I can only hope I can handle it this gracefully đ )
Happy Birthday!! đ