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This 1991 baby turned 30 on September 12th, 2021! From what I’ve heard from friends and family, the 30s are one of the best decades ever! I choose to believe that will be true for me. My 20s consisted of the highest of highs and also the lowest of lows. I am looking forward to ending one chapter of my life and starting another. As I reflect on my life so far, there are a few things I learned along the way, and I want to share these 30 lessons I learned with you.

Note: This is written in second person, but it’s written more to myself than to you specifically. Therefore, if you come across something that doesn’t quite fit for you, move right on to the next one. So, let’s dive in!

Walt Disney World, Cinderella Castle, Fantasyland, Minnie Ears
30 Lessons I Learned by my 30th Birthday

30 Lessons I Learned by 30

  1. You can always be a child at heart, no matter your actual age.
  2. Age is just a number, and 30 is not too old for (fill in the blank). Neither is any other number for that matter.
  3. My mom is one of my best friends and biggest fans.
  4. People grow and change, and so do friendships. So, let them.
  5. Some people are in your life for a season, some are in your life forever.
  6. You don’t have to compete with (her). There is enough room for everyone at the table.
  7. It’s fun to build up other women and celebrate each other’s wins.
  8. Stay in your lane and don’t focus on what the girl next to you is doing.
  9. You don’t have to be married, have kids, have money, or be famous to be successful. Only you get to define what “successful” means to you.
  10. You can pivot, start over, and reinvent yourself at any age. I have over and over and over again!
  11. Your health is one of the most important things in life, so never stop working at it.
  12. Sleep, water, clean eating, and exercise is a power combo.
  13. You can’t eat whatever you want and expect your body to stay the same. (But I wish I could.)
  14. If you love your workout, it doesn’t feel like work!
  15. Therapy is worth the time, money, and effort.
  16. The things you love to do are not random—they are part of your calling and the reason you are here on this earth.
  17. Do what makes you happy, not what makes other people happy. (As long as it’s not hurting you or anyone else.)
  18. It’s never worth it to change, deny, or suppress parts of yourself to please other people.
  19. Other people’s opinions do not matter in the grand scheme of things. There may be a few people who have opinions worth caring about, like your significant other or your bestie. But in the end, go with your gut.
  20. You can choose not to be on social media if it is taking away from your life rather than adding to it.
  21. Letting go of physical, inconsequential things can prepare you to let go of significant, emotional things that are holding you back.
  22. Saying goodbye to things of the past allows you to live in the present and prepare for the future.
  23. Saying no to one thing allows you to say yes to another.
  24. Laughter is the best medicine.
  25. There is an answer for just about everything these days. Do not choose to be confused, especially if you are working toward a goal. So, figure it out!
  26. Just because it’s “on sale” doesn’t mean you have to have it. You are still spending money, even if you are technically “saving money.”
  27. Budgeting is your friend. It’s also a life skill to work at for the rest of your life.
  28. Start using anti-aging cream while you are young. Be proactive, not reactive.
  29. There are some really great guys out there—don’t lower your standards or settle just because you haven’t met one yet.
  30. We are meant for community with others, not to live in an isolated bubble. Find your people, love them hard.

Which numbers resonated with you the most? I love to hear!

If you are a Disney fan (like your girl here!), you might want to check out my list and free download of 75 Instagram Captions for Your Next Disney Trip!

If you like my birthday ears, check out Park Hopper Design!

  1. Bethany says:

    Hey! I have learned a lot of these lessons in life as well. It’s awesome that we have a similar mindset on things! I especially like what you said about not choosing to be confused about things.

    • Hillary Zama says:

      I’m happy to hear that this resonates with you! The idea of choosing not to be confused is still tough for me. It’s easier and more comfortable to remain stuck than to figure it out!

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