33 Lessons in 33 Years

On Saturday, I'll be 33.

My brother Ryan and me. I think here I was about the same age as Ester is today  (17 months old). 

My brother Ryan and me. I think here I was about the same age as Ester is today  (17 months old). 

I feel younger than 33, but I also feel as though I've lived ten different lives. I've moved at least twenty times, some of the moves were big, and others were just from one apartment to the next. With age, as they say, comes wisdom. I may not be "wise" yet, but I have learned much in my short life, and I hope to continue learning and growing.

Almost 33 here - Easter 2017

Almost 33 here - Easter 2017

Through pain and adversity I have learned the most; the harder things in life have consistently proven to birth the greatest blessings. Life's fires shape us and keep us raw, they keep us closer to God.

33 Lessons in 33 Years

1. Keep Eternity in Mind

2. Forgive Daily

3. Listen to the desires of your heart

I have always loved hiking. A hike with Sam in Oregon, 2015.

I have always loved hiking. A hike with Sam in Oregon, 2015.

4. Let people take pictures of you

Growing up I watched the women in my family hide from the camera; they thought they were too fat or not pretty enough for a photo. I'm still working through this. I want to be a confident example for the generations that follow, even to my teen sister. And once I'm old it will not matter, and I'll be thankful that there will be photos to share. 

One of those photos I could easily criticize, but would rather just appreciate the sweet moment that was captured. 

One of those photos I could easily criticize, but would rather just appreciate the sweet moment that was captured. 

5. It's okay to be introverted

It really is, and I'm embracing my introverted ways 100%. The world requires all types. 

6. When you get married you start your own family

The better care given to your immediate family (spouses and children) the more genuine energy you'll have for your extended family. 

Sam and me - Fall 2014 - three years married

Sam and me - Fall 2014 - three years married

7. Dog hair is annoying, but worth it

The Three Amigos

The Three Amigos

Out of control

Out of control

8. Listen

9. Live within your means, or beyond them, it depends on the season and the circumstance

Yes, it's important to save, but it's also important to spend.

10. Cry

As Jim Valvano said:

“To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”

11. Break the rules that need to be broken

12. A college degree isn't always necessary

13. It's okay to go to college for the experience and never use your degree

14. Buy flowers, it's not a waste of money

See, they're so pretty. 

See, they're so pretty. 

15. Trust in the Lord, step off the boat

Oregon coast -  August, 2015

Oregon coast -  August, 2015

16. Eat Real Food and occasionally the Hot Cheetos

17. Let your daily life be a testimony

18. Wear your rose colored glasses if you own them

I keep mine on almost always, but Sam will sometimes remind me to take them off and face the facts. I listen, but quickly put my glasses back on, I'd rather find the beauty. 

19. Follow through with people but it's okay to walk away from projects

20. Water your plants, but not too much

Ester and The Plants (January 2017)

Ester and The Plants (January 2017)

21. Each day is a gift

22. Lessen your expectations but have high expectations

23. Not everyone will agree with you, and that doesn't mean that they're bad people

24. Pay your bills 

25. 90% of the time vegetables will rot in the fridge

So why even bother? Just kidding :) 

26. Parenting is a sacrifice, but not automatically, you have to choose to give of yourself

Thankful for my mom and sis during these early days. 

Thankful for my mom and sis during these early days. 

27. Address your guilt and shame quickly, and often

28. People do change (sometimes)

29. You are creative

30. Set boundaries

31. Take a sabbath

32. Always leave a generous tip, even if the service is bad

33. Try not to think of yourself too often, we're merely dust

Colorado sunset - Summer 2013

Colorado sunset - Summer 2013

What lessons have you learned in your time spent on this Earth?