30 Lessons I've learned in my 30 years

I had this post mostly written and meant to post it sooner but with all that's happening other things took priority. Anyway, I'm 30 now and here are "30" lessons I've learned over my 30 years.

1. Growing pains never stop! You are not who you were a year ago and accepting yourself is a lifelong process although it gets a little easier every year - this isn't to say it isn't still hard though.
2. Who your family is is your choice. Genetics be damned!
3. Female friendships are the best.
4. True friendships will survive distance and time.
5. Hang out with friends one on one, it's lovely. Not saying group outings aren't great but one on one is the best for intimacy and not feeling lonely.
6. Take the risk and be vulnerable, if it's not received well they're not worthy not you
7. Don't overthink it (okay, I lied, I am still learning this lesson)
8. The power of habits is no joke. Breaking bad habits are just as important (if not more important) than building good habits.
9. Most of your habits are hidden, take some time to really look at them.
10. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. Just make sure to ask the right person.
11. Never stop learning.
12. Leave your comfort zone more often.
13. If there is something you want to try, stop making excuses and try it!
14. Putting yourself first is not selfish. Full stop.
15. The greatest reflection of your priorities is your time (okay so I didn't come up with this).
16. Being late is fucking rude and inconsiderate - it's saying your time is more important than the others. Thank you Dad for teaching me that anything other than 5 minutes early is late. But for real be on time. 
17. Your shit stinks too. Keep this in mind when it comes to being empathetic and forgiving of others. We're all human and no one is perfect. Let the little things go.
18. Expectations set you up for failure - be open, be present, be mindful.
19. Spend time outside everyday!
20. Stop comparing!
21. Drink more water!
22. You might not be able to control your emotions but you can control your reactions. Take a breath and a moment to decide what you want to do.
23. The human body is extraordinary, it does amazing feats, respect yours and celebrate it instead of always focusing on what it isn't or can't do. E.g. I am always blown away by how quickly a body can make mucus, like is this something I enjoy? Absolutely f*cking not but to say it's not amazing is an an understatement.
24. There aren't rules for roommates, significant others, or adults - people have different views on how to live life and that's okay but that doesn't mean either of you are wrong just maybe not compatible. 
25. Just get started (also a lie because I'm definitely still working on this!).
26. Saying no to others is usually saying yes to yourself.
27. Read more, if you don't like reading listen to a damn audiobook.
28. It's okay to have a pet hamster in your late 20s, even into your 30s. Hi Zinc!
29. Learn to be honest with yourself without judgement. Self reflection helps you grow the most.
30. Know that you have the power to change if you want to. Key word want. If you don't want to then learn to accept it. If you do want to, be patient with yourself and give yourself reasonable time to make this change.
31. Having life figured out is a lie, there will always be a next hurdle, if you get stuck on this you'll be stuck on this until you die so might as well ditch this terrible concept now. Having it all is BS!
32. Be kind to yourself. If you don't know how imagine whatever it is you're struggling with is what a friend is struggling with and then give yourself the love and advice you'd give them.
33. Rules are social constructs and social constructs are fake. So f*ck them. That's why this list is longer than 30 because ain't no "real" rules! **Getting arrested though is very real. 
34. Wear sunscreen.
35. Be true to yourself!
36. It's never too late!
37. Sorry for listing cliches but it's not like the idea of a post listing life lessons for a birthday is original anyway... And you know what those cliches are cliches for a reason. May not be original but they are true. So I guess I need to make this a lesson in which case who cares if you like shit that's not original, we all do. Own what you like no matter what. Now bring me some pumpkin spice!
38. Find an outlet (e.g. bad blogging, journaling, screaming, running).
39. Don't let someone claim you're not being grateful or appreciative or whatever for wanting to seek out more or better. Because guess what? You can be both grateful and appreciative while still wanting more. Tell them to STFU because they are a hypocrite because they are full of sh*t if they claim they don't do the same.
40. But do be grateful and appreciative. 
41. "The cure for anything is salt water — sweat, tears, or the sea." - Karen Blixen Okay, so this is a quote but it's also a lesson because it is so true!
42. You don't have to be good at something to enjoy doing it. 

Okay so this poor quality photo is from my 29th birthday but we're gonna work with it. I didn't do anything big for my 30th because I'm old and tired. Well not really but I am definitely tired because grad school (my very valid excuse for everything). Don't worry I did have a nice dinner out though.