30 Things I've Learned in 30 Years

I turned 30 recently and I gotta say, it feels DAMN GOOD. 🥂 Honestly, my head is still spinning. Like, HOW am I thirty years old? I always thought that 30 was the age to have it ALL together. Career, love, life... Everything! Boy was I WRONG! We're all figuring it out as we go and that's okay.

Did I do everything I set out to do in my 20's? NO WAY!

But I learned some really great lessons, made new longstanding friendships, got rid of unnecessary baggage, traveled and experienced SO MUCH PERSONAL GROWTH (Amen)! I'm honestly really proud of the woman I am today. Oddly enough, I couldn't sleep the morning of my birthday so I did some self-reflecting and decided to share 30 things I learned over the last decade.

30 things I’ve learned in 30 years!

1| Stop Wasting Time!

We’re all terminal! Between now and dead.....do you want to make changes in your life? If so, DO IT! Stop wasting time on the wrong things and people.

2| Give Others Grace.

God gives us SO MUCH grace, even when we don't deserve it. Do others a favor and extend them grace. Be kind. Be patient. Express gratitude.

3| Sometimes, it's You.

Did you know that maybe, just MAYBE.... the problem is YOU sometimes. (crazy, right?)

4| If it Feels Wrong, It Is.

Trust your gut. Always.

5| Shut Up. Silence is Golden.

Never miss a good opportunity to be quiet. Pick your battles wisely.

6| Choosing Yourself isn’t Selfish.

Choose YOU. Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything that no longer serves you, grows you, or makes you happy. That goes for ANYTHING!

7| Don’t Compare Your Life to Others.

Comparison is the THIEF of joy. 

8| True Growth Happens When You’re Uncomfortable.

I still struggle with this! But there were so many situations in my 20's that made me SO uncomfortable. Did I die? NO. I made it through every situation and came out stronger.

9| Haters Gone Hate.

*shrug*

10| Not Everyone Will Like You.

And that's perfectly OKAY. You won't like everyone you come in contact with either.  

11| Enjoy Being Single.

A MOOD, okay? Sis, get to know yourself, go out on dates, learn what you like and dislike.

12| Car Parties Are Necessary!

Catch me jamming every morning and evening on my commute home, okurr? Music can be so transformative. Whether I need to let loose or a good cry, there's a track for it!

13| Relationships Shouldn’t be Hard Work.

Unpopular Opinion here! I don't think that friendship or relationships should be continuously difficult. If you've found your relationship with someone is filled with more struggles than pleasures, REEVALUATE! Trust me, there is a whole blog coming on this subject. 

14| Listen.

Really listen. People appreciate it. And you just might learn something.

15| Transparency. 

This is an ongoing lesson for me but the joy I've gotten just from sharing my story, testimony or personal experience has been SO rewarding.

16| Make Sleep a Priority. 

Catch me snoozing every night by 10:30 pm (and my phone is on SILENT). 

17| Karma.

Believe it. You reap what you sew. 

18| Treat Yourself.

Whether it's a day off, a solo dinner or a new piece of jewelry, every once in a while, I treat myself! It makes me feel good!

19| Stop Complaining (& Listening to Other People Complain). You have to put GOOD in to get GOOD out. This includes you and those around you. Be very cognizant of your energy and do not allow people to suck the life out of you. Chronic complaining is draining (and annoying!)

20| Don’t Count Yourself Out.

Step out on faith. You have the last say on your success. 

21| A Negative Mind Will Never Give You a Positive Life.

22| Never Dim Your Light Just to Make Others Feel Comfortable.

LOVE THIS ONE! You can’t let other people make you feel insecure about what you’re doing or who you’re becoming. Shine! People will always find things to criticize and judge you for.

23|  Manifest it.

Speak positivity, speak LIFE. 

24| Stop Overthinking. 

Control your thoughts. Don't allow yourself to go to that toxic, negative space.

25| Buy Spanx.

Listen, I am NEVER going to look like I did at 20 (nor do I want to). BUT that doesn't mean I don't want this waist cinched. Investing in a good pair of Spanx? = major key.

26| There’s Never a “Right” Time.

Do not wait. There's never a perfect time.

27| Save Your Money!

Uh, HELLO!! I didn't start saving until my late 20's but it was one of my best decisions! No one ever taught me the importance of saving and financial responsibility. Your credit and savings are SO important.

28| Learn How to Effectively Communicate!  I've learned that overall, most people are not great communicators. I put much more effort into being clear, open and honest about my thoughts, feelings and expectations of others and it's made life much easier.

29| Don't Settle.

In anything. Don't settle for "okay" or "good enough" - you'll always regret it. 

30| I’m Dope.... af. 

Period!

I am so excited about this next chapter of life. Bring it on 30's!

XoXo,

Kenn