This week has had me thinking about who I am, where I am, what I’ve learned in my life, and where these lessons will take me. In typical J fashion, reflection leads to writing, and writing leads to this: thirty things I’ve learned in my thirty years…
one - there’s more to life than what you achieve for yourself. In my opinion that more is what or how you give others.
two - be humble in all you do.
three - singing even if you can’t & dancing even if people are watching is important. It’s okay to be you.
four - don’t fear the rain & be like a buffalo. Face your difficulties head-on. It’s easier said than done, but it’s also easier when done this way.
five - it’s okay to say no, even without a reason. Everyone isn’t entitled to you.
six - you won’t ever regret waking up for a sunrise when it’s all said & done.
seven - ask for strength & you might just realize you have it in you.
eight - a man isn’t defined just by how he acts, but more specifically how he reacts to things.
nine - write thank you notes, write letters too.
ten - in weird irony…learn to let the small things go, but always put extra effort into the details.
eleven - work hard at everything you do no matter how small the job, but never lose sight of the things that matter more than your work.
twelve - being positive is a choice, be strong enough to make it.
thirteen - popular or not, gratitude is a trait that will change your life.
fourteen - experiences are better than just about any possession, especially when it’s travel.
fifteen - cooking is just following instructions with food, and the challenge leads to a gold medal you get to eat.
sixteen - giving someone your time is a sacred thing, don’t take it for granted when they give theirs & don’t give yours too freely. Sharing yourself with someone is special, and shouldn’t be reserved for just anyone, be selective about who really gets to know you, see your face, hear your dreams, and know your heart.
seventeen - sometimes things take time. Don’t add pressure on things and learn to have patience. When it’s time you’ll know, and then run forward.
eighteen - true love it out there, give it time.
nineteen - words are special, and it’s rare you find someone who speaks your language.
twenty - there is an opportunity to do good every single day if you look for it (and really you don’t have to look too hard).
twenty one - storms are inevitable. It’s okay to hurt & it’s okay to be sad. But always remember the storm won’t last forever.
twenty two - have faith, hope, and, love - especially love.
twenty three - invest in yourself daily, with spiritual time, exercise, reading, developing habits, practicing characteristics, and enjoying hobbies.
twenty four - the mountains are amazing & climbing them is important.
twenty five - grow where you’re planted & make the most of your situation. Because every season is a season to better yourself.
twenty six - social media is a dangerous game. Always remember the numbers and affirmation don’t bring true happiness & life happens when you’re away from it.
twenty seven - starting your day with prayer & meditation is better than coffee (after that though coffee is great).
twenty eight - actions speak louder than words. And actions that confirm words are just lovely treasures through & through.
twenty nine - trust God has a plan.
thirty - you’re braver than you believe, stronger than you feel, smarter than you think.