I’m turning 30 tomorrow.
WHOA.
I used to think I’d be like Joey from FRIENDS mourning the youth of my 20s. But then life hit all at once and by the time I turned 28, I was so over being in my 20s. For a lot of people, 20s were a time to be carefree and frivolous, and that is great! I actually kind of wish I could say that my 20s were like that. But in all honesty, I hated my 20s. And that’s probably because I’ve learned that I don’t adapt well to change and a lot of change happened in my 20s– personally, professionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Not all change was bad though! I got married in my early 20s and started a new life with my husband. We now have two beautiful girls. We have grown up a lot in our relationship, how we communicate. We’ve learned many, many life lessons that have grown us emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.
As I look back at my ‘tumultuous twenties,’ I can’t help but be grateful for the lessons I learned in the last decade. Those lessons have made me a more confident, self-aware, empathic, and kinder person than I was at 20.
30 Random Lessons I Learned In my 20s
- Friends change and that’s okay. God always puts the right people in your path at the time you need each other most. Some friends are there for a reason, some for a season, and others for life.
- Early mornings are the best time to get things done.
- Mom and Dad are getting older. Appreciate them and spend time with them. Days are numbered.
- That faint line on a diaper turns blue when your baby wets themself.
- You can make friends with people over the internet. Just be smart about it.
- Learn the enneagram, not to make excuses for yourself, but to better understand your quirks and triggers.
- Podcasts are life, especially when commuting.
- Nothing Bundt Cakes is the best thing in life.
- Never trust TV because they’ll kill off a beloved character out of nowhere.
- Never ask your toddler what they want to wear because you’ll create a little fashionista monster.
- Don’t be so serious all the time. Let loose, laugh, and be silly.
- Having two kids less than two years apart will be fine. You’re changing diapers and are already sleep-deprived anyway, so don’t sweat it.
- Marriage takes work. More importantly, for Christ to be the center of the marriage, He has to be the center of each individual person. If one person is off-kilter, the marriage is off-kilter.
- Have grace for those who aren’t like you. God’s commandments are summed up in two phrases: Love God, love others.
- Walk a mile in someone else’s shoes before mouthing off something judgmental.
- Take walks in the evening. It’s refreshing.
- It’s okay to introvert. Spending time alone to mentally recharge is good for your health.
- It’s okay to stand up for yourself– especially against adults who have known you since childhood. You aren’t a kid anymore.
- When friends move away, make an effort to stay in touch.
- Traveling with a 4 and 2-year-old isn’t bad at all. And keeping car trips electronic-device free for the kids was really good for them.
- Get those essential oils. Who knows if they actually work, but at least your house smells good and your kids go to sleep after getting their nightly lavender rub down.
- Don’t do any MLMs. Just stay away.
- The church does not define Christianity. Do not place your definition in man. Jesus Christ defines Christianity.
- Legalism is more than who wears skirts to church and who doesn’t. It’s a heart issue that can swing both directions.
- Don’t let circumstances determine your joy. Your joy comes from God.
- Cooking is easier than you think. Especially after watching Supermarket Stakeout.
- Amazon Prime’s monthly Save and Subscribe is the best thing ever.
- It’s possible to pay off debt in less than a year.
- Communication is so important in marriage– learn HOW to communicate. Learn how they communicate.
- Despite all the ups and downs in life, God will carry you through. Stay faithful to Him. God’s promises are true.
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