10 lessons since I turned 30 (and had two children)

 Hello world! 

Back at it and happy to share today's post. 

When I was about to turn 30, my biggest goal was to be able to say "NO" without further explanation. I'm currently 33 years old, and I think I've done a good job at that so far. NO. It's a full sentence and I stand by it especially when it comes to setting boundaries with people who always want to cross said boundaries. 

Aside from being able to say No, here are a few other lessons and things I want to share. I know people typically share posts like this when it's their birthday or the beginning of a new year, but I just felt like doing this now, so here we go!

1. Self-acceptance: Understanding and accepting myself, including my strengths, weaknesses, and imperfections. After my car accident in 2008, I believe I've done well with self-acceptance physically, but my body continually changes (hello new baby)! Being able to love myself at every weight has definitely been a lesson! I have also started using the world "disabled" freely, without feeling as though it makes me "less than" or that it somehow means that I no longer have faith that I will someday walk again. 
2. Prioritizing mental and physical health: Recognizing the importance of self-care, healthy habits, and managing stress. This, like many others on this list will be an ongoing lessons. Some days are better than others, but I am more aware and willing to take actions now than before. I have children now, and I want to be here as long as possible and set good examples for them. 
3. Building meaningful relationships: Focusing on quality over quantity when it comes to friendships and relationships. Chileeeeeee! Let me tell you something! This one is actually KEY to a lot of the growth I've seen in myself since I turned 30! QUALITY OVER QUANTITY is not just a saying! This helps me show up for my friends in better ways as well. 
4. Embracing change: Being open to new experiences, personal growth, and embracing the unexpected. One thing about having children is that you've never done it before and you will be thrown some curve balls. Only those who are willing to be flexible and learn on the job will survive. I thank God for the kind of husband I have because phew, he helps me through this one!
   
5. Setting boundaries: Understanding the importance of setting boundaries in relationships and learning to say no when necessary. As I mentioned at the begining of this post, saying "NO" without explanation is currently my greatest flex. Of course this is not to say you should go around being rude to people, but setting boundaries will change the course and quality of your life. I am telling you, start today!
6. Financial responsibility: Recognizing the importance of saving, budgeting, and planning for the future. I shared this on my blog before but stepping into financial freedom has been a huge lesson this season. Check out THIS post and THIS one to learn more on how we were able to pay off our debts. 
7. Career and professional growth: Assessing career goals, exploring new opportunities, and pursuing personal development. I finally stopped caring about the fact that I graduated school with a nursing degree and fully embraced my passion and career in social media influencing and content creation. The results were phenomenal. I started to accept opportunities and made changes that has now made me a full time entrepreneur who enjoys what she does and makes money doing it. Hiring people who make my job easier. Outsourcing, cutting loses etc started becoming easier. 
8. Valuing experiences over possessions: Prioritizing experiences, travel, and creating memories over material possessions. Yes! No further explanation needed here!
9. Gratitude and perspective: Understanding the value of gratitude, appreciating the present moment, and gaining perspective on what truly matters in life. Family, love, health, enjoyment, stress feel life. I started to keep a gratitude journal. I use the app called Presently. It helps to write things down and it also gives a perspective change. Speaking of perspectives, because I now have solid people in my life and I've been able to build meaning relationships, I no longer feel the need to "be right", "look smart", "argue", "prove myself" or waste time doing things I did before. I want to hear other people's opinion, I genuinely want to accept their advice, I want them to have a different perspective than I do. Now I know it's all OKAY. You don't have to think like I do. Everything doesn't have to be perfect. 
10. Time management: Recognizing the importance of managing time effectively and prioritizing tasks and commitments. LISTEN! My new name is "OUTSOURCING QUEEN". If Get somebody else to do it was a person, I would be HER! House cleaners, ordering cooked food, photographer, video editors, contractors? EVERYTHING! My time is precious, I may know how to do something, but I need somebody who can do it faster. Of course getting our finances and budgets in order also helped with this, but YES, I will move money around to be able to manage my time better! 

Anyhoo, if you've read this far, well done! I know that everyone's experiences and lessons can vary. Personal growth is a lifelong journey, and these lessons can continue to evolve and expand as you age.

I definitely know I will continue to grow, learn and balance some of these out. I look forward to coming back to this list in the future and seeing what has changed or what more I can add. 

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Thanks for reading, till later!