30 things I’ve learnt in the first year of my thirties

Today is my 31st birthday and it’s hard to believe that the first year of my 30’s is over. But what a year it’s been! While my twenties were fun, they were also tough. A decade spent trying to work out who I was, what I wanted, how I fit into the world and what was in store for me. But already my thirties feel different. I feel more confident in who I am as a person and what I want from life. I may still feel like an 18 year old in my head, but the experience and knowledge I’ve gained in my twenties are starting to make me feel like my thirties really will be my best decade yet. So here are the 30 things I’ve learnt in the first year of my thirties.

1. When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time
2. Actions really do speak louder than words
3. If you believe it, anything is possible
4. Surround yourself with people that believe in you
5. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to do, do it. Time is short, don’t waste it all on things you don’t want to do
6. Surround yourself with positive people. The haters are always going to hate, but don’t let the negative people bring you down
7. Be kind to everyone
8. It really is none of your business what other people think of you
9. So don’t try and make someone like you. It’ll always end in failure
10. Just remember that not everyone will like you, but not everyone matters
11. Learn to say ‘No’. You need to protect your time so that you have the time for what, and who really matters in your life
12. But also, learn to say ‘yes’ a little more to things that scare you, and feed your soul
13. After all, you can’t grow as a person if you stay in your comfort zone
14. Money doesn’t buy you happiness, but it does buy shoes and handbags and that’s kinda the same thing right?
15. Support other women and celebrate their success.
16. The only person you’re in competition with is yourself
17. So don’t compare your chapter 7 to someone else’s chapter 17
18. Just stick in your lane, work hard and be the best version of you
19. Success doesn’t just come from hard work, it comes from commitment as well
20. Insanity really is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result
21. Be OK with being OK. Stop chasing perfection. It doesn’t exist
22. You really do create your own luck. So work hard, believe in yourself, surround yourself with positive and supportive people and have the right attitude to achieve what you want to achieve
23. You’re stronger than you think
24. When an opportunity presents itself, take it
25. Remember that nothing really happens by accident
26. It’s not a sign of weakness if you ask for help
27. Treasure true friendships
28. Don’t forget to smile and have fun
29. Travel as often and as far as you can
30. Find what you love, what you’re passionate about and do it!

And if this past year is anything to go by, I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me now I’m 31.

Thank you to Sarah for the pictures