31 Things I’ve Learned in 31 Years

1. There is so much you can learn about life by really listening to your grandparents when they speak.
2. It’s okay to still not know what you want to be when you grow up.
3. Don’t automatically say “yes” when asked to do something. Pause to consider what’s being asked of you, even if it means not giving an answer right away.
4. Always tip 20 percent. People make their lives off of this, not the hourly wage they get on top of it.
5. It’s exhausting to compare yourself to other people.
6. It’s much easier to add layers when cold then remove layers when hot.
7. Money can’t buy good taste.
8. Just because I’m an introvert doesn’t mean I don’t have anything to say.
9. A good cup of coffee can instantly improve your mood.
10. There’s never a perfect time. Just do it.
11. I express myself much better in writing than by speaking.
12. There’s something about adding sprinkles to your ice cream that makes it that much more of a treat. Go for it.
13. It takes all kinds.
14. You can make life-long friends later on in life.
15. It’s never too late to go back to school (and I will again, someday).
16. A fresh manicure can make you feel instantly pulled together and is a good move before that big presentation. Just remember to talk a lot with your hands to show it off.
17. It takes twice as long to do something with a child, but that thing is often more worth doing because the child is with you.
18. It’s not worth holding a grudge.
19. Standing up for yourself can be really hard…but really worth it.
20. We all have a place. We just need to find it.
21. Good grammar always leaves a good impression.
22. You can be spiritual without being religious.
23. Young people need to be trusted to make the big decisions (and the big mistakes), otherwise they’ll never learn.
24. A good meal is worth spending money on.
25. The grass is greener where you water it. – Neil Barringham
26. I’m a night owl who longs to be a morning person.
27. It’s important to have that one friend who tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.
28. Sharing feels better.
29. Simply smiling truly is an instant mood lifter. So is dancing like an idiot around the room. And live music.
30. That thing you daydream about is probably the thing you should make your living at.
31. I’m not done yet.