In honor of my 30th birthday, I've decided to compile a list of 30 things that has helped me along the way and hopefully helps you at whatever stage of life you're currently at :)
2. Don't be afraid to try new things- Y.O.L.O ( you only live once) can't believe I just wrote that. But it's true :) you should experience things at least once. Never be afraid of what you haven't tried. If you've tried it and are now afraid, then there you go. At least you braved it one time!
3. Don't take things too serious- life is too BIG and WONDERFUL to take serious. Enjoy it while you have it. So many times, people get angry over something so little and it ruins the rest of their day. Learn to adapt and use it to your benefit.
4. Do You- many times people want to please other people for all the wrong reasons. It's best to just be yourself and the right people will come along and create life with you. Those are the lifelong pals you want around, not the ones that are only around you to benefit off you.
5. Marry young-ish :) - If that opportunity arises, take action! Most think marrying young is a mistake but if you have solid ground and are both rooted in each other there is no shame in starting early. Life is best experienced with someone by your side to weather the storm as well as enjoy the sunshine. If it's time, listen to Beyoncé and put a ring on it :)
6. Finish College- I never did get the chance to go back. I was so close to finishing my AA in elementary Ed when I realized it's not what I wanted to do. Then life hit and wasn't able to return. I would go back and finish it now but at this point it's kinda hard to make that commitment. If you can, finish early and enjoy the benefits of that piece of paper :)
7. Make time for family- when growing up, family can almost be a burden. We always want to hang out with friends. As you get older you begin to realize that family is important. Parents get older and you begin to think that they can go at anytime. So cherish those moments with loved ones because when they're gone, you'd wish you'd have been there to hug them one last time.
8. Pick your battles- some arguments can be avoided if you suck up your pride and know it's not worth the breath. This goes for spouses and other outside conversations. People like to be right and will push you to be right. Bottom line, avoid the drama. You'll thank me later!
9. Acquaintances don't matter, friends do- throughout high school you'll have a lot of people you associate with and talk to on a daily basis. Then you have your friends that kick it with you everyday and know you better than your parents do. Those are the relationships you want to invest in. Later on in life it's much more about whose by your side versus who likes your fb status :)
10. Don't burn bridges- there are so many times we feel like we can burn a bridge and it won't matter. Later on in life we'll find out that burnt bridges aren't the way to go. Always end on a good note or at least cordial. You never know if you might need that relationship later. Definitely cut off negative relationships! However, while crossing new bridges, don't be quick to burn the bridge that got you to your next path.
11. Live to Inspire- everyone wants to be inspired to start something or reach a goal. Inspiration is best when we admire the person that it comes from. The impact is long lasting and fulfilling to say the most. When you inspire the next generation, you create a world of endless possibilities for them to explore. Spark the change that you want to see. Lead by example :)
12. Be a role model- there is always someone who wants to be just like you. Whether it's your kids or your next door neighbor. Someone is watching your every move wanting to be your mini me. Be positive and encouraging. Listen and love who they are. Being a role model is tough work but we need great individuals to build up even greater ones :)
13. Drink a little- after a long week of working or inspiring individuals, it's nice to have a drink or 2 with some friends or even sipping something while unwinding in your living room ( juice or something non alcoholic for you tweeners lol) . Getting drunk is overrated. Casual drinking and having fun with a group of friends is way better. Plus you remember everything and aren't too hammered to hold an intelligent conversation.
14. There's always room for dancing- I was reminded last night that there's always room for movement. Doesn't have to be perfect, just be free! Don't be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try. Let yourself experience the joy of dance. Just move :)
15. Exercise- sounds like a lot of work while you're young but you're body will thank you by the time you're thirty! Love it! Stretch everyday and allow yourself to sweat more and more each day. Releasing those endorphins are great and get your day going on the right foot! Plus, it does a body good
16. Smile- need I say more? Studies show that the more you smile, the harder it is to have a bad day. Go figure!
17. Do at least one good deed a month- why not make it 2!!!! If you believe in karma, well, you'll have good things coming your way! Also, it just makes you feel good about doing something that's worth feeling good about! Sure going to the gym makes you feel good and eating that piece of cake. BUT nothing satisfies the soul than to watch someone light up with joy from something positive from you :)
18.Date with intention- I had a hard time with this one until I met my wife. Everyone was a cute face until I got my first real rejection from my wife. Dating with intention means that it's going somewhere other than to Dairy Queen for date night. You actually want to pursue this person for more than their body and your immature hormones. Marriage is a thought as well as a future with this person. When I figured that out, it was an uphill battle but I was ready for the climb!
19. Read books- or at least listen to audio books. Knowledge is power and your mind is a very powerful tool in this life. Enhance your thinking, enhance your life :)
20. Save money- learn to save even if it's for a rainy day. I learned the hard way from various times of over-drafting in my bank account. Don't spend money if you don't have to. No one wants to wait for anything anymore. Everyone needs to have the latest thing. I promise, it's not worth the hype. Plus, a newer version is going to come out in the next 6 months and now your stuck with old news :( save,save,save!!!
21. Run 5ks or 10ks- it's good for you! And they're fun to do. Sign up with friends and have the time of your life doing something fun and healthy!
22. Have a hobby- nothing is more important than having something that your into other than your daily grind. Something that lets you release yourself and is freeing. Something you enjoy doing either by yourself or in a group. For me, it's bowling :)
23. Pamper yourself- we all need that massage or mani/pedi sometimes. Maybe even a lil shopping spree. It's always good to give yourself some type of pampering because let's face it. YOU deserve it!!!!
24. Learn to cook- we live in a fast food world! People get super lazy and don't want to cook so they rather eat fast food. Here's 2 reasons why you should cook. It's healthier for you! (That's a big reason) and 2, it's quality time in the kitchen and with family if you cook together. It's more enjoyable that way too! Instead of standing in line thinking of what to order, you're trying to decide whether or not you should steam the broccoli or sauté it... Yeah I thought so.... Sauté it :)
25. Be patient- having kids has taught me a great deal of patience. I still lose it once in a while but boy do you have to have a lot of it. Teaching dance has also taught me patience. It's definitely something that we all need to work on but when you have a lot of it, getting through something that's super frustrating can turn out to be the ultimate reward when your patient and diligent. Practice makes improvement!
26. Longevity is key- don't work multiple jobs for short periods of time. Work 1 or 2 jobs over a long period of time. It looks better in the long run plus it shows consistency as well as dependability.
27. Don't go in debt- going in debt is inevitable. You have to go in debt to have good credit. If you can lower your debt and stay within 0-10% of your overall balance, you're good to go. Creditors say over 30% is too much. If you can pay in cash, DO IT!!!! If you have to go in debt over something like a credit card, chances are, whatever you put on it wasn't worth it! Pay cash!
28. Be proud of your culture- I'm proud to be Filipino! Be proud of where you come from. Learn your roots and who paved the way before you. You can learn a lot about yourself if you take a look at your past and the path that was blazed for you to be where you're at right now.
29. Go on hikes- or just sight seeing in general. Living in Washington I've gone on my share of hikes. I wish I can go on more and soon I'll be able to :) the scenery out here is beautiful as we get the evergreen forest along with the luscious mountains that surround us. Enjoy nature. There is nothing quite like the vast picture the world paints everyday.
30. Love yourself- it speaks for itself. This should be number one on your list but sometimes you need to be reminded of this. You give yourself too little credit and should be walking away with your head high and heart full! Everything starts and ends with you. The beginning of your day until the end of it. It's all you! So love yourself throughout the whole process of life because chances are, while creating yourself, you'll find out more of who you want to become versus who you want to be like. It didn't take me 30 years to grasp this concept and hopefully it won't for you either :)
Peace love and blessings! Here's to my #DirtyThirty and everyone who is in my life to help me celebrate it! Love you all!
