34 Life Lessons

Today is my birthday (insert party emojis here!) and I am turning 34.  Birthdays definitely aren't what they used to be - no sleepovers, parties at the waterpark or all night bar crawls anymore.  Birthdays have turned in to somewhat reflective days for me.  So today, I thought I'd share 34 lessons I've learned - one for each of my years.

1. Always order dessert.

2. Make time to call your parents.  Even if they have mastered texting, a phone call is much better.

3.  Written thank you notes are mandatory.

4.  Forgive.

5.  Never doubt yourself.

6.  Don't be afraid to fall in love.

7.  Buy the shoes.  You can't take money with you!

8.  Look people in the eye while saying "hello", even strangers.

9.  Make time for your friends.  They become family as time goes on.

10.  Always have a pet that you can cuddle.

11.  Use emojis when appropriate.

12.  Emojis are always appropriate.

13.  Have a glass of water in between drinks.  Or drink vodka/water/soda water with lots of limes.

14.  Send or give cards to the important people in your life randomly, just to brighten their day.

15.  Take at least one day a month without technology.  Turn it all off.

16.  Stop and listen when your children want to tell you a story.

17.  Never say no to cuddles - soon they won't want them.

18.  Save some of every paycheck - you just never know.

19.  Drink water every day.

20.  Remember where you came from.

21.  Don't underestimate the power of a good book, bubble bath and a glass of wine.

22.  Be grateful, even when it seems there is nothing to be grateful for.  (You are alive!)

23. Chocolate is it's own food group.

24.  Cheese makes anything better.

25.  Don't be ashamed of watching those trashy reality shows - everyone needs a little entertainment.

26.  Tell the people you love that you love them, and tell them often.

27.  Be yourself.  Every day.

28.  Splurge on yourself every once in awhile.

29.  Do nice things for other people - be charitable when you can.

30.  Only buy things on sale.  If it's not, wait a week or two.

31.  Learn how to cook a "signature meal".

32.  Try to see the other side of an argument, even if you don't agree with it.

33.  It's ok to say "no".

Lastly, and more importantly:

34.  Find something that makes you happy in every single day.  There is always something, even if you need to dig a little deeper some days!