Upon My Birthday Eve

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.