35 things

I’m 35. I realize I have a whole lot more life to live (hopefully), but I also think I’ve learned a thing or two in my 35 years on this beautiful, complicated planet spinning around the sun. I thought I’d share.

1. This too shall pass. I know it’s a cliché. I know. But it’s really true. Even if it feels like it will never end, it will end. It’s true for both the bad things and the good things.
2. You will not be happier if you reach your goal weight. You may be healthier, but not necessarily happier.
   • This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t lose the weight. You should focus on your health, just don’t expect your weight to equate to your happiness.
3. Motherhood changes you to your core.
4. Friendship is super important for marriage. Friendship and laughter. That quote from Big in SATC is true…you really do just want to be with the one who makes you laugh in the end.
5. Be vulnerable, but selectively so. Be transparent always.
6. Kindness over judgement.
7. Patience also over judgement.
8. God will help you do it. You may not feel Him at the time, but when you look back, you’ll realize He was there.
9. Travel. Travel, travel, travel. Expose yourself to a plethora of people, culture, food.
10. It’s ok to take medication. For a headache. For anxiety. For whatever.
11. A good Therapist is a gift.
12. You need help to parent well. Accept it. Be thankful for it.
13. Take naps. Or, at least lie down.
14. You’re not the only one. Whatever it is, you’re not alone.
15. Dogs are such a gift from God.
16. You can do hard things:
    • Have. A. Baby.
    • Survive & overcome a crippling anxiety disorder.
    • Hike/climb Beehive
    • Typhoid, boarding school, cross-cultural moves, Figure Skating competitions
17. One. Day. At. A. Time.
18. Sometimes you have to face a fear more than once to beat it. Persevere.
19. It’s ok to prefer to stay home and read a book instead of going to a party.
20. Life is both beautiful and terrible at times. Sometimes, it’s both at once. Bittersweet.
21. It’s ok to be sensitive. Cry. Feel it all.
22. We are all unreliable narrators. We only see our side of the story. When someone is difficult, try to walk in their shoes.
23. Exercise really does make you feel better.
24. Black really is slimming.
25. Never stop praying for someone.
26. If you hear something from the Holy Spirit, write it down.
27. Motherhood is as exhausting as everyone says it is. It’s also as worth it as everyone says it is.
28. People pleasing leads to burnout. And frustration. And resentment.
29. Very few things in life are black and white. Some things are.
30. Get to the airport early. Just, trust me.
31. Don’t be too worried if you’re doing it right. There probably isn’t a “right way” anyway.
32. There will be a plethora of annoying parenting advice. Do your best not to stress. Most people are trying to be helpful.
33. Look at the benefits as well as the salary.
34. No matter how terrible you may feel, you can heal. You can overcome. Where there is life there is hope.
35. The redemptive story of the cross is still the most important, the most hopeful, and the best news there is.