39 Things I've Learned
Tomorrow is my 39th birthday. That sounds weird to write. I don’t feel 39. I don’t look 39 either. #Blackdon’tcrack. Regardless of how I feel or look, I am entering the final year of my 30’s. And I have to tell you - they flew by. It feels like I just turned 30 and was just getting the hang of this “30’s” thing and now it’s nearly over. I felt the same way about my 20’s. I was finally getting my bearings and then it was done. Life comes at you fast. My 30’s have taught me a lot. I’ve learned more about myself during this time then at any other point in my life. And so in celebration of my birthday I want reflect and look back at what I’ve learned over this near decade. Yowzer.
That I am not a blouse kind of girl
That when worn strategically, leggings can in fact double as pants
That I am good at setting boundaries
I enjoy being single
That I am a cat lady and I’m perfectly okay with that
Therapy is great even when you are feeling okay and especially when you’re not
That it’s okay to not be okay
That I am picky about most things in life but especially the important things
That most things in life are not a zero sum game
That doing nothing is sometimes a great way to spend your time
Music is a salve
That while I want children I think I would be okay if I didn’t have them
Walking away from toxic people is a necessity for my well being
Not all opinions need to be voiced and sometimes it’s better to just be quiet
Learning new things makes me feel alive
That routine makes me feel safe
That routine can sometimes her really boring and it’s fun to shake things up
To give myself credit more often and not beat myself up so much
Deep breathing is an anxiety neutralizer
Faith and belief have to be reaffirmed everyday
Worrying doesn’t change or fix anything
That soulmates come in all forms and are very often not romantic
Being able to admit you’re wrong is the one of the first steps to maturity
I am proud and happy to be a black woman
I am proud and happy to be a Muslim
Taking care of one’s mind has to be just as important as taking care of one’s body
Learning never stops
That I am a city girl through and through
Life can change on a dime
I am more capable than I ever realized
Family is everything
That friendships change and that’s okay
Kindness is more important than being nice
Investing in myself will always yield a good return
Being brave means being afraid and doing it anyway
Long walks are a great form of therapy
Sunscreen is a must
That you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style
Always listen to your gut; it’s never wrong
