30 Things I’ve Learned in 30 Years

Scary! I was on the “Panteras” dance team in high school ha ha!

Above are few pictures that take a trip down memory lane!

Welp, the day is almost here and my head is spinning. I’m turning 30 this Sunday, March 19th. How am I 30?! I can’t stop thinking about the fact that high school really doesn’t seem like it was was that long ago. And then I think about all that has happened since then, and it’s a lot. But still…do you remember when someone told you they were 30, and you thought that seemed so old? And you really didn’t think that you would ever get there. Now I’m here.

My mom told me that 40 wasn’t hard for her, it was 30 that really made her feel like she was an official adult. When you’re 30, you’re officially old too. I mean, I’m not saying I’m going to order a walker any time soon (maybe next year…), but it’s just a crazy thought!

One good thing about turning 30 is that you have some experience under your belt at this point, and you can use that experience to make your life better. You’ve made some mistakes, you’ve gone through really hard things, and hopefully you’ve taken those experiences and turned them into action on how to act better and be kinder.

30 things I’ve learned in 30 years!

1. Everyone goes through hard challenges. Everyone. Don’t judge someone’s actions so quickly; they could be going through something that you know nothing about. We are all facing a difficult battle.
2. I love being a mom more than I ever thought possible. I wasn’t the teenager that dreamed of being a mama. I was actually genuinely concerned that I would never really get that motherly instinct. When it was the right time, though, it came, and those babies bring more joy to my heart than I really even thought was possible.
3. Running sucks. It’s hard on your joints. I didn’t like it in middle school when my lungs were about to burst in cross country, and I don’t like it now. I love working out, however, and I rarely feel better than I do after a good workout like lifting weights and the elliptical.
4. Music makes life a lot better. Turn it on and turn it up, and sing and dance. Tyler and I did this before the babies came, and we still do it now.
5. Marrying the right person is the most important decision of your life. My life is filled with joy and laughter every day because I married Tyler. He always sees the glass half full, and he always focuses on my good characteristics and ignores my fault. We all deserve someone like that.
6. We are all just trying our best.
7. It’s important to take care of yourself. I always make sure to do something for me each day so that I feel mentally and physically well to take care of others.
8. People are more worried about how they are being perceived and how they look than they are about you. No one cares if your hair doesn’t look perfect, or you have 10 extra pounds that you need to lose. No one notices the things that you’re so worried about; they’re too busy focusing on themselves. This is a good thing. Relax!
9. Don’t take life so seriously. We could be gone tomorrow. Laugh and love and appreciate everything you have, every single day.
10. Worrying doesn’t help. It hurts. Breathe!
11. Family is everything. Stay close to your family, and let them know how much you love them. Cultivate good relationships with them.
12. Never suppress a generous thought. You can really light up other people’s days by acting kindly.
13. Have FUN!! Have fun when you’re working, have fun when you’re cleaning…life is too short to not have some fun every day.
14. Sometimes, things do taste better than being skinny feels. Eat the chocolate cake.
15. Speaking of food, I told my mom when I was little that when I get her age, I will eat candy all day because I’ll be able to make my own decisions. That’s not true. Sorry, 8-year-old Jenica. You’re disappointed, aren’t you?
16. Being outside is good for your soul. Sunshine on my face can make me feel new again.
17. Don’t ever speak while you’re really, really angry. You’ll say things you don’t mean and have to clean up the mess afterward. If you hold your tongue, you’ll more often than not realize that what you’re mad about may still be frustrating, but you’ll be glad you didn’t just make things worse.
18. Don’t compare yourself to others. You’ll never find happiness in doing this. Focus on your blessings and gifts.
19. Always have something to look forward to, whether that be getting your nails done, going on a fun trip, or even just leaving the house and going to Target by yourself. It makes the hard moments much less difficult.
20. Focus on your spouse’s needs more than you focus on your own. Take care of them, and if they do the same, you’ll always be taken care of and fee loved.
21. Be anxiously engaged in a good cause. Look outside of yourself. When I do that, I find that my worries seem to dissipate.
22. Popcorn is one of God’s greatest gifts to the world.
23. Speaking of God, having a good relationship with Him will change your life. When I am praying and reading my scriptures regularly, I feel so much more calm and able to enjoy my life as well as handle the challenges that come my way with a better perspective.
24. Going through hard things only makes you appreciate the good things that much more.
25. I consider going through infertility one of my greatest gifts because it changed me to become a mother who truly values the gift that motherhood is. Each smile is that much sweeter, each laugh is that much more precious, each day that I spend with Harris and Goldie is a day that I treasure. I remind myself every single day that I was never guaranteed motherhood. This is something I wasn’t promised. This is a gift and a blessing. I let the small things go more easily and don’t get frustrated.
26. Every person has a story that I can learn from. I really value those people who share theirs because it allows me to learn without having gone through specific challenges myself. It enables me to appreciate all that I have.
27. Birthday weeks are the best. I think I would be a great Queen.
28. Jumping out from behind somewhere and scaring people really is fun. Thanks for teaching me that one, Tyler.
29. When you really get to know someone and learn about their experiences, you have a love for them. Your judgements are turned away and your heart is opened.
30. Life is short. It truly, really is. I’m going to blink and I’ll be turning 60. Really, really live each day. Breathe in each moment. Don’t wish for days ahead or past. Today is the only day that I’ve been given and I’m going to LIVE.