30 Things I’ve Learned in 30 Years
Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash
A handwritten card will mean more to you than many Instagram “hearts” or Facebook “likes”. Don’t waste your time caring about the later; appreciate the effort that the former requires.
Many jobs and careers have potential to be demanding; it’s okay to have a work and life balance. Work as hard as you can when you’re on the clock, and when the work day is done, check out.
Friends who care deeply for you, who cheer you on, and who support you are to be cherished. Make sure they know how much they mean to you. Show them the same level of care and support in return.
Social media is an addiction. You will regret the hours wasted on social media apps. Your children and in-person ministries and relationships are infinitely more valuable.
Only read fiction based on recommendations from people whose taste you trust. Grabbing a random book from the library’s “new releases” wall likely won’t result in something that is your taste. Life is too short to read unpleasing books.
Find a high-quality dark chocolate that you love, and splurge on it. Bonus points if it doesn’t include refined sugars (my favorite is HU salty dark chocolate bar).
YouTube “ambiance” videos are a great way to elevate afternoon writing sessions while the kids nap, especially with a cup of tea.
A frugal lifestyle really does pay off.
Learn to love cooking from scratch! It’s healthier and much more delicious.
Don’t be afraid to dream a big dream, and then act on it. The results may surprise you! However, make sure you begin and continue each endeavor in much prayer. This is God at work in you. Offer your dreams to God and seek his wisdom through prayer as you take each step.
Make church and ministry a priority after having a baby. It’s tempting to think that the effort isn’t worth it—that’s wrong. You will set an important example for your children and you will be investing in your own spiritual life.
Set up and stick to a cleaning routine. Your future self will thank you for not putting off the toilets one more week.
When possible, study the Bible with a group of women. This won’t be an option in every season, but when it is, take notes and get all you can out of it.
Pride comes before a fall. Don’t mistake arrogance for strong leadership. The consequences of this will quickly become evident. Do everything you can to stay humble.
If you move to a new state or new church, say “yes” to as many invitations as you can, even if you don’t feel like it. This will help you to build relationships and community right away, setting a strong foundation for the future.
In dating: don’t lower your standards. Allow your dating relationships to be led by prayer, not your own desires.
When you become a mom, understand that you can’t control everything, but you have much power to cultivate your children’s life and environment. Routines and structure are your friend, not enemy.
Befriend women in different seasons and stages of life than you. When you do so, don’t talk about yourself all the time. If it’s difficult to connect with people who are different from you, ask how you can pray for them. Make sure you do it.
Learn the value of staying silent. Then, learn how to listen to people. When needed, let God defend you.
Let your convictions guide you; they are more important than your career or hobbies. Use these things to point to Christ. I don’t want to stand before God knowing that I wasted opportunities he gave me.
Learn how to receive feedback and criticism, knowing that humility is necessary for growth.
Don’t force God’s plan; you will only be frustrated. Hold everything with open hands and prayer.
Give yourself time to practice creative pursuits. Re-learn how to play the piano. Read poetry. Purchase a craft project kit. Learn how to knit or crotchet.
Have “a little spot of earth”, like Mary from The Secret Garden. Cultivating it will be good for your soul.
Taking parenting class before having children will help you enter parenthood with a biblical foundation, rather than “figuring it out as you go”.
Likewise, you can’t figure parenting out as you go; it requires much intentionality and knowing God’s Word. However, you also won’t be an expert on parenting, so be humble and seek wisdom.
Avoid the tyranny of the urgency, even if it takes you 29 years to learn how to do so.
Learn how to plan your time, goals, and life. Invest in a planner or tools that will help you do so. Life will be infinitely less stressful.
Release yourself from perfectionism; it’s a form of pride.
Practice gratitude, but it’s important to remember that it is God you need to thank!
