20 Thoughts on Turning 30

Today, I have successfully amassed 10,950 days on Earth. A lot of has gone down in 30 years…

The year I was born the New York Mets were the World Series Champions, the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded and Top Gun was the number one movie at the box office.

Cell phones, DVDs and Facebook were not on the scene.

We still used TV guides, Netflix wasn’t a thing and we still rented movies from Blockbuster. Strange, right?

I’ve learned quite a bit, and I’ve got a ton more to learn in the next 30 years, but here are some of the more profound realizations I’ve had over the past 30 years of trying, failing, laughing, loving and crafting a life I love.

• I am not special – there are literally millions of people born on “my” birthday. They are all dealing with their own problems, blessings, successes and tragedies. I am not special – not better or worse than you, your cousin’s dentist or your aunt’s hairdresser. And that’s ok with me – we are all created equal in God’s eyes and if I’m special enough for Him, that’s all that counts.
• People and experiences are so much more important than material things.
• Prayer works. It really does.
• My parents were right. Mostly.
• Life is too short to dwell on the past – worrying about something from two years ago is not doing anyone one damn bit of good. Move on. Get over it.
• I have finally learned how to say “no” and it feels great.
• Similarly, I am much more protective of my time. Out of town wedding for college acquaintance? Sorry, I will send you a card but I want my weekends for family and rodeo.
• There is no specific time when I am going to wake up and say “Oh, I’ve got ahold of my life.” I had hoped that at 30 I would have things all figured out, but in reality, we’re all just winging it.
• Quit comparing yourself to other people – they haven’t walked in your shoes and vice versa. You are your own wonderful self – own it.
• I don’t care if you like me. My family likes me, my husband likes me and there a handful of folks I call friends who tolerate me. Do I want more friends? Yes. But I won’t change my values or opinions just to impress you.
• Speaking of values – all you have is your word which translates to your values and morals. And if you sacrifice your values and morals for the sake of a reputation or your ego, THAT becomes your reputation.
• That business about sticks and stones is a lie. Words do hurt – don’t say something that can wreck a relationship because you’re angry.
• The best friends you will ever have are the ones you make in high school and college. They come to love you while you are learning who you are, and they love you anyway. Cherish them and don’t let them go.
• I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up – I have goals but do I know what the future holds? No and that is really exciting.
• Learning how to budget is an undervalued part of your high school and college years. Learn it. Practice it. Your 30-year old self will thank you.
• I have failed. You have failed. Success is getting up after you fail the last time.
• You cannot get through life on your own. You need a tribe. Let people help you and help others in turn.
• I’ll never cook as well as my mom and grandmas.
• Great horses are few and far between. Take care of them.
• Work hard. Be kind. Stay humble.

Here’s to the next 30,
~ Buzzard ~