30 Things I’ve Learned at 30

It’s interesting how much lessons life teaches us and yet we only truly understand most of these lessons as we age. Of course, there’s no age standard when it comes to realizing these lessons however, I believe that we tend to accept and interpret these lessons differently as we get older. Since I just turned 30 over 2 months ago, I thought it would be interesting to share the 30 Things I’ve Learned at 30 to all of you as a way of sharing my realizations and learnings these past few years. I hope you’ll find it relatable and helpful!

 

30 Things I’ve Learned at 30

1. Do not use your age to limit your dreams/goals 

I chose this as my number one since I have a bad habit of practising this mentality even until today. The difference is that I am now aware that I should stop using my age as an excuse for achieving my goals. No one is too old or young to pursue a long time plan or dream or even to try new things. Age is just a number and as cliché, as it may sound, it’s actually 100% accurate! 

2. Never let other people’s opinions deter you!

Throughout your life, you’ll meet people who’ll voice out their opinions about your actions, decisions or personality. Not all of these opinions are encouraging but never allow these negativities to stop you from living your best life! Although it’s a process to learn how to ignore other people’s negative comments or actions, always keep in mind that it’s YOUR life and other people’s opinion always comes LAST. 

3. Not everyone will stay forever.

This was one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned in my late teens. When I was younger, I thought I’ll always be with my childhood friends until we graduate college, we’ll attend each other’s weddings and our kids will be best friends too! Wrong! Everyone (including your closest friends and family) has their own journey and needs to take a different path as you. We’ll create and lose multiple relationships throughout our life and that’s just how it is! 

Of course, you’ll have your fair share of lasting friendships and other relationships. Treasure these people and relationships as much as you can!

4. It’s okay to feel lost!

There comes a time in our early or late 20’s where we’ll feel extremely lost. As if we don’t know what to do next. Just dead end. But you know what, don’t spend too much time worrying because you’ll soon realize what you truly want to be, do or achieve. It may take time but you’ll get there! Just keep going!

 

5. Be Patience! You’ll have your TIME!

This is basically a follow-up for point number 4. When you are planning or aiming for something, be patient! Don’t put so much pressure to yourself if you haven’t achieved it yet or if your friends have already achieved certain things before you. Keep in mind that we all have our own unique timelines in life. Some people will reach their goals or plans earlier than some of us and that’s fine.

6. Don’t RUSH things!

Always remember that we make more mistakes when we rush things! In everything that you do, take your time! Believe me, you have as much time as you need!

7. Be Grateful! ALWAYS!

8.  Don’t live by too many RULES!

Although it’s good to set some rules, having so much may stop yourself from experiencing wonderful things in life. It’s okay not to live by the book and it’s okay to bend some rules so long that you are happy and you’re not intentionally hurting someone.

9. It’s okay to make mistakes!

Making mistakes seems to be so scary when you are younger but to be honest, it’s normal to make mistakes! Of course, you have to consider and accept the consequences of your actions but always look at these mistakes as lessons learned and it’ll guide you on your next step. 

10. Fall in love as many times as you want!

Ah! There’s something exciting when reminiscing your previous relationships or the times when you fell in love with someone regardless of the outcome. But more than just the memory and experience, be open to falling in love! It’s beautiful, exciting and will allow you to learn so much about yourself. 

Yes, you have to still be smart and be aware of your limitations but never stop yourself from experiencing different types of love. At the end of the day, it will leave you with so many lessons and personal growth!

11. Heartbreaks will teach you the best lessons in life!

Yes! Heartbreaks! All the levels of heartbreaks that you’ve experienced! Believe it or not, the pain that it made you experience can completely change your outlook in life. It can change you for the better and would help you realize so many things. So, as painful as it may seem to be, accept every heartache and use it to better yourself and the future!

 

12. Learn to forgive. It’s for your own good!

Along the way, you’ll meet people who will cause you pain be it intentionally or not. What I learn is to never hold grudges because it only brings heaviness in your heart and life. Forgive. It could be very difficult at times but that’s okay. Take as much time as you need but always choose to forgive! At the end of the day, none of us are perfect.

13. Being successful does not mean having a hefty bank account.

Success is easily attributed to the amount of money that we have in our bank accounts but this is not always true. We can find success in so many different ways and funnels. So long that you’re contented and happy with whatever you have, you could be successful. Money is not everything!

14. It’s possible to travel the world!

We all dreamt of being able to travel one day but in the same breath, we doubt that we could ever achieve this dream because of the costs or time that it requires. However, if you are financially disciplined, this is very much possible! Travelling allows you to experience so many things, learn different cultures and languages and even meet different people. 

15. SAVE!! SAVE!! SAVE!!

When we are younger, saving money is not very appealing to everyone. YOLO, as they say so, might as well buy the things you want, right? Wrong! Learn to budget the moment that you are receiving an income and set aside some funds (regardless of the amount) for your future. Start saving for your first car, house or even retirement as soon as you can and you will thank yourself later!

16. Invest in healthy relationships!

No man is an island! This is so true but you have to carefully choose the people that you’ll surround yourself with. Invest your time and friendship to people that are genuine, allows you to grow and to people that have the same values as you. These people are the ones you should keep for life!

17. Go out and experience as many things as possible!

18. Pursue what you love.

Regardless of the time that it takes you, make an effort to do what you truly love. Even the small things. If you love to hike, do it. If you love to write, do it! Never imprison yourself with the things that don’t make you happy.

19. Be kind. ALWAYS!

Regardless of how people treat you, choose to be kind ALWAYS! Never be quick to judge others. In the end, what you show to other people is what you’ll receive!

20. Everything happens for a reason!

We may not understand certain things that we encounter or experience but it will soon make sense. Every single detail is a part of our journey that will complete our sense of existence so regardless of what you are going through, always remember that it’s for your own good.

21. Love yourself!

Another cliché you may say but this is very important! You have to fully love yourself first. Once you do, it’ll help you attract nothing but love from others and everything that you decide to do! Remember, you cannot give out love e to anyone or anything if you can’t love yourself!

 

22. Always find the good in every situation!

When you are going through tough times, it’s difficult to appreciate things. It’s way easier to dwell in what’s bad. However, every situation has a good effect on us, our future and the people around us. So, regardless if you encounter some hurdles, keep going and focus on what you’ll gain from the situation.

23. If you have the opportunity to move somewhere, GO!

My grandmother once told me that the world is vast. I didn’t understand it at that time but as I grow older, I realized what she meant by this statement. This world is our playground and we are free to roam around! Whenever life gives you a chance to move to another city or country, go for it! You’ll find possibilities that you may not find in if you stay in your comfort zone.

24. Be YOU and let others be THEMSELVES!

We hear this a lot because it makes perfect sense! There’s no need to pretend just so you can fit in. Be yourself and the right people will come into your life. At the same time, allow others to embrace and be themselves! Do not be so easy to judge!

25. It’s okay to prioritize what YOU want.

Prioritizing what YOU want in life is not selfish! You owe it to yourself. It’s okay to help or sacrifice for other people but do not feel guilty if you decide to choose yourself at times. 

26. Not all of your dreams, plans and goals will come true.

Yep! This is a sad reality!  As young adults or when we were in our teenage years, it was so easy to visualize or plan for our future. Like having a house at 28, having a stable career at 25 and so on and as you age, you realize that life is not that simple. You win some, you lose some. However, it’s not supposed to stop you from moving forward in life. Keep working hard until you achieve as many dreams as you can!

27. Celebrate the little things!

We often neglect the little things, especially with our busy schedules. We tend to always find a justifiable reason before we celebrate or even give ourselves a pat at the back. This usually creates more stress, thus, an unhappy life. Keep in mind that big successes come from small achievements. Enjoy every little success you achieve and it’ll help you do greater things!

28. Take care of yourself.

Always remember that health is wealth! Any successes that you achieve will be wasted if you are ill at the end of the day. Live a balanced life. Practise a sport, go to the gym and eat healthily!

 

29. It’s okay to be different.

As I’ve said previously, there’s no need to fit it. It’s okay if you look different or if you like things that are not appreciated by everyone! As long as you are happy then there’s nothing wrong about it. It’s good to be UNIQUE!

30. Have fun!

Lastly, never forget to have fun and enjoy it! Life is beautiful after all. Not perfect but beautiful! Go out and discover new places, enjoy every morning and appreciate the weather!

 

Till next time!