Happy Birthday to Me!

In honor of celebrating my 32nd birthday last week, here are 32 things I have learned throughout my life.

1. There are no coincidences

2. Invest in quality pillows

3. Make your bed everyday – it makes a difference!

4. The most frustrating and infuriating moments often turn into hilarious memories

5. Confidence is attractive

6. “Do for one what you wish you could do for many” – Andy Stanley

7. Learn to play an instrument at some point in your life

8. Always pack a small flashlight on vacation

9. Never eat popcorn with braces

10. Do not get a serious boyfriend in high school

11. One dessert a day is not good for the waistline, but it sure is good for the soul

12. Always keep a frozen pizza in your freezer

13. Always pack your liquids in a Ziploc bag

14. Snail Mail never gets old – See previous post HERE

15. Purchasing playing cards from different cities is a ridiculous souvenir…you just end up with a ton of playing cards that you sell for .25/each at a yard sale eventually

16. Always use the restroom before hopping in the car – you never know when you are going to get stuck in traffic!

17. Never tell a pregnant woman that her face has “filled out” or is “nice and full”

18. Always straighten your house before leaving for vacation

19. Moms are ALWAYS tired

20. Learn how to change a tire. You never know when you might need to change your manager’s tire at a team building event

21. Crying is not a weakness

22. There is never a “perfect” time to have a baby

23. Admit when you are wrong – say I’m sorry

24. Rejection of an idea or an activity is not a rejection of you

25. Always carry a book with you – you never know when you are going to be stuck waiting for someone or something

26. Messes can be cleaned up so get messy and make the memory!

27. Make your own celebrations – throw your own birthday party; create silly anniversaries like Honeymoon Booking Day (it’s a real thing)

28. Look for God in the mundane and small things

29. Do not avoid people who are different from you – as a mom to a child with unique needs, I beg you!

30. After a grocery run, always check to make sure you brought the milk inside – “old milk in a car” smell takes a LONG time to go away

31. Be upfront about your expectations for holidays or experiences – eliminate the guessing games and inevitable disappointment afterwards.

32. Invite loved ones to share in your pain and sadness and fears

Let’s add to the list! What are some things you have learned? Tell me in the comments.