35 Lessons as I Turn 35

I’ll keep this one short, but I’ve been doing A LOT of reflecting over the last few days/weeks/months. I’ve thought about my life, who I am, who I want to be, and what my future might look like. My birthday is March 20th – usually its the first day of Spring. I consider my birthday a time of new life, growth, and fresh starts.

Its safe to say I’m not at all where I thought I would be at 35. I’ve come to terms with my past, and am excited for the future. I wanted to make a list of things I’ve learned in life, and want to share them with you here. If any of these resonate with you, I’d love to know!

1. You don’t have to have it all figured out—growth is lifelong.
2. Confidence comes from action, not just waiting to feel ready.
3. It’s okay to change your mind and take a different path.
4. Saying “no” is a form of self-care, not selfishness.
5. No one is thinking about you as much as you think they are.
6. Comparing yourself to others only steals your joy.
7. Happiness is not a destination; it’s built in daily choices.
8. Trust your intuition—it’s rarely wrong.
9. Life doesn’t get easier; you just get stronger.

10. Your job doesn’t define your worth.
11. The best investment you can make is in yourself.
12. Saving money is freedom, not deprivation.
13. Passive income is a game-changer—build it early.
14. Learning to negotiate can change your life.
15. Taking risks in your career often leads to the biggest rewards.
16. The “perfect time” to start something doesn’t exist—just start.
17. If you don’t build your dream, you’ll work for someone else’s.

18. Your body deserves love at every stage, not just when it looks a certain way.
19. Sleep is a priority, not a luxury.
20. Movement should be something you enjoy, not punishment.
21. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
22. What you consume (food, media, conversations) shapes your mindset.
23. Small daily habits make a bigger impact than drastic changes.
24. Hydration and stretching solve more problems than you think.

25. Not everyone is meant to be in your life forever, and that’s okay.
26. Good friendships require effort, but they’re worth it.
27. Boundaries are necessary, even with family.
28. Communication is everything—assumptions create unnecessary problems.
29. The right people will never make you feel like too much.
30. It’s okay to outgrow relationships that no longer align with you.
31. Love should feel safe, not like a guessing game.
32. People show you who they are—believe them the first time.

33. Travel is one of the best forms of education.
34. Joy is found in simple moments, not just big achievements.
35. You’re never too old to try something new.

I’m also learning to embrace the nerd within – sharing updates on my Star Wars cross stitching project, getting a Nintendo Switch so I can play more games, and not feeling embarrassed to share that I love Disney! I love travel, hiking, nature, and going offline, but I love so many other things too!