33 Life Lessons from a 33 Year Old

I can't believe I'm 33 years old. I remember being in my early 20s and thinking it will be forever until I'm in my 30s! And yet, here I am! I'm not sure where I expected my life to be at this point, but I feel confident that this is exactly where I am supposed to be. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the fantasy of a different life, what I would do if my life turned out differently. But it didn't turn out differently, this is the life I've created, and the life I wanted. The life I want.

Of course, I'm still young and there are many things I still hope to do, places to see, things to accomplish, in my life! But for the present day, I love my life. I love my home. I love my husband. I love my son. I love being at home with my son. I have great friends. I am content and happy. But I haven't always been this way...when I first had my own apartment, I didn't like being alone. I didn't know how to just "be". But that's the cool thing about growing up - you learn life lessons along the way - and those lessons ultimately shape you into a better version of your previous self. Or at least, I think they do.

I don't necessarily think I have any wisdom to share that hasn't already been said by someone else, but nonetheless, here's a list of 33 things I've learned along this journey called life.

1. You'll never be bored if you learn to love to read.

2. Never under estimate the power of a good nap.

3. Speeding gets you nowhere. Except to the next red light beside the person you passed earlier.

4. The best of friends will pick up with you wherever you left off last with them.

5. The internet can be a scary place, but when used correctly, it's also pretty awesome. I've made some of my closest friends off the internet.

6. You do not know the extent of your patience, or lack thereof, until you have a child.

7. A king sized bed is worth it.

8. Pictures of just scenery are boring. Try to include yourself or your travel companions in photos whenever you can! Your older self will thank you.

9. You will never wear that dress or top you never wear, while on vacation. Don't pack it.

10. McDonald's is still the best hangover cure.

11. Marry your best friend. You have to spend a lot of time with that person, so it should be someone who's company you enjoy.

12. Be kind to others, because being kind is just the right thing to do.

13. Life is too short to hang out or be "friends" with people you don't like.

14. Pay your bills on time. Interest on bills is wasted money.

15. Start a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA). The money is still yours, you can access it anytime without repercussion, but it's a great way to save.

16. Do your own taxes, by hand, at least once.

17. When a day is really bad, just remember, "this too shall pass".

18. If you can't afford to travel to other countries, be a tourist in your own city/province/country. Sometimes the most beautiful and interesting places are close to home.

19. Learn to say no. It will liberate you.

20. Go with your gut feeling. It's usually right.

21. You don't have to be flexible to do or enjoy Yoga.

22. Play sports as an adult. You don't have to be "young" to enjoy adult soccer, dance classes, ultimate frisbee or dodgeball (to name a few).

23. Get a library card. They're usually free and you will have access to thousands of books, CDs, audiobooks, and DVDs.

24. You'll get to a point where "uncool" things become "cool".

25. Think twice, three times even, before you get a dog. They are a huge responsibility.

26. Run at least one race in your life, even if you aren't a "runner". It's a great experience.

27. Carry a book with you always. You never know when you will be stuck waiting somewhere and a book fills the time nicely.

28. Make eye contact with the homeless. They are people too and deserve to be acknowledged, even if you have nothing to give them except your smile.

29. Join a book club. It will get you reading and you will meet new people.

30. Have at least one tried and true recipe under you belt that you can rely on for potlucks. It's so much more satisfactory to bring something homemade than store bought.

31. Don't save "special" things for a rainy day. That rainy day will never come and before long, you will have a closet full of unused special candles, special underwear, special shirts, special bath products. Instead, make everyday a little bit special.

32. Learn how to cook a turkey. It's actually not that hard and you will feel like the ultimate adult when you do it.

33. Baby wipes aren't just for babies. Everyone should carry a small pack with them. You never know when they will come in handy.



What valuable life lesson would you share with me?




*linking up with Jill for Living a Life of Fitness Health & Happiness