30 Things I’ve Learned in 30 Years

1. Kindness is what you do, and how you act when no one is watching you.

2. Goals, goals, goals. Have them, and go towards them.

3. Life is hard. Period. End of sentence.

4. I have no idea if everything happens for a reason. But it all happens, and you have to find a way to work with all of it.

5. It’s okay to get stuck sometimes. To falter, waver, and regret sometimes. As long as you have people beside you to pull you out and cheer you on.

6. Everyone, and I really mean everyone can teach you a lesson. Especially the people you don’t like.

7. Big hugs make pretty much everything brighter.

8. There is so much in the world to see, find a way to see it.

9. Be lazy sometimes. Like, eat cookie dough and watch Lifetime movies all day kind of lazy. It’s good for the soul.

10. Be accountable. Do what you say you will do. Mean what you say.

11. There is absolutely no replacement for a best friend.

12. Take chances. Jump. Leap.

13. Daydream. Sometimes your daydream will turn right into your life.

14. Listen to your gut. It’s always right. Really.

15. Complain less. It’s even worse than worrying in terms of productivity. And it brings everyone down around you.

16. Go on “The Price is Right”

17. Smile at strangers on the street. Even in NYC and LA where they’re likely to scowl back.

18. Step outside your comfort zone. Often.

19. Find a way to help kids. Or have kids. They keep you laughing. They keep you connected to a world that you leave behind when you enter adulthood.

20. There is no magic moment when you become an adult. It’s just a process.

21. Laugh. All the time. And hang out with people who make you laugh.

22. Sing. In the shower. In the car. While you’re walking down the street. Sing your soundtrack.

23. Exercise. For real. It helps.

24. Take pictures! Document moments. Your memory will fail you, but the proof that you were there won’t.

25. Help others. Not because you should, but because we’re all in this together. And they are you. They are not below or beneath you.

26. Tell the truth. It’s easier. Except if it’s something you can easily blame on your older brother.

27. Treasure moments with your loved ones. You never truly know if there will be another moment.

28. No one is perfect, and what fun would it be if you were? Stop trying!

29. Celebrate moments. Birthdays. Holidays. Accomplishments.

30. Share yourself with others.