30 things I've learned in 30 years

According to Father Time, I'm in my last few days as a 30 year old. #30flirtyandthriving It's crazy because most days I still feel like a fresh 18 year old and other days I feel like I have 260 years full of infinite wisdom. Obviously that last part was a joke. It's okay, I'm totally cool with aging. I've learned a lot and I love every step of the way. I'm sure grateful for everything that has lead me to be the woman I am today! (Woman? I'm still a raging 18 year old.) Here's some of my infinite wisdom I've gained in the last 30 years:

Communication is key.

Although this advice mainstreams with marriage or relationships, use it in all your relationships.

It's okay to say no.

In fact, PLEASE say no if you want to. You're not put on this earth to please everyone.

Say YES to everything

with caution. Find adventure... Also say YES when your mother in law offers to help with dinner. Say yes to the baggers offering to take your groceries to the car. Say YES to help, because we could all use it.

Spontaneous dance parties can cure almost anything.

Self care is SO important.

Take care of yourself before you have to. Prevention.

You don't need a special occasion to celebrate life.

Treat yourself to the expensive bottle of wine. Go out dancing. Pop some bubbly. Use your fancy china. Buy the m&m's in the check out line. You catch the drift.

Reality is in the eye of the beholder.

Don't always assume that everyone has had the same experiences as you. Remember people see things through different lenses, so communicate!

When in doubt, call your mom.

Questions about equity? Call mom. How to navigate a job interview? Call mom. How to clean your oven? Call mom! Advice for just about anything under the sun is hiding inside that woman!

Your intuition is usually right.

Even if you don't want to believe it.

Not everyone will get you.

You won't always vibe with everyone, and thats ok. Just be kind.

Work is not everything.

When I was young I literally never imagined even having children because I was afraid it would interfere with everything I worked so hard to achieve. I'm very proud of my career accomplishments, and I understand we need to make a living but don't let it take over your life.

You are who you hang out with, so choose wisely.

If you have the chance to move somewhere new, do it.

Take a chance, be adventurous. Enjoy it!

Eat your veggies and stay hydrated.

Give yourself 24 hours to collect your thoughts before you reply to something that ticks you off.

You'll be happy you did, even if you really want to give someone a piece of your mind.

Stand up for yourself.

Be tactful about it but you will always feel better afterward rather than letting people take advantage of you and ultimately you will be more respected.

Never say no to an opportunity to make a new friend.

You'll never regret an appointment with a therapist.

Mental health is so important and 100% a good idea.

Save your money.

Invest it, even. Be smart, take a percentage of each pay check and put it straight into savings.

Floss ya dang teeth, yo.

Manifest your dreams and be specific.

Vision yourself where you want to be and work your tail off to get there. You can do whatever you put your mind to.

Don't take offense to everything.

Most of the time it's not personal. Usually whatever that person is going through in their life at that moment gets vomited up on you, or the place they're coming from is a good place but just comes out wrong. You'll be happier.

Gossip Girl is a great show, but don't be a gossiper.

"Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Asking for forgiveness is way easier than asking for permission.

If the shoe fits, buy it.

There is absolutely nothing more magical than meeting your newborn child for the first time.

Don't take life too seriously.

Keep your inner child alive. Dance in the rain, sing karaoke, laugh until you fall on the floor.

Being a jack of all trades is equally as fulfilling as being a Master of one.

It's okay to be good at a lot of things and get your feet wet trying it all out. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there! Use your talents to pivot yourself into trying other venues.

If you know me, you know I've creatively dabbled in being a cupcake baker, a tee shirt maker, a photographer

& a blogger.

Anxiety can cripple you, don't let it run your life.

Not only does anxiety affect YOUR lifestyle, but it really takes a toll on your loved ones as well. Be in control, seek help, take the wheel on your life.

ALWAYS consider the source.

Don’t ever take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.

If you've read this far, you surely deserve a dang high five.

Or a Coffee... Wine... Whatever... THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

With grace & gratitude,

Caitlyn