35 life lessons at 35

Anyone else feel like time moves faster as you age? It’s almost like the years are evaporating. Looking back to my college days, I always thought I’d feel mature and “adult” when I reached 35. I imagined I would have crossed off all the goals on my bucket list. Instead, 35 has arrived—and I’m still a work in progress. But you know what? That’s OKAY. In fact, the best part of aging is gaining the wisdom to admit you don’t know everything! Life is about learning, adapting and growing. So, allow me to share a few kernels of knowledge I’ve picked up along the way… 35 life lessons at 35.

These tips are a motley assortment and in no particular order. Just things I wish I could have told my “younger” self.

35 life lessons at 35

Family/Relationships

1. Life is short. Appreciate your loved ones while you can. Tell them you love them—and tell them often!
2. Planning ahead is wonderful, but take time to enjoy where you are at now. Life always looks sweeter in the rear view mirror. Why let beautiful moments pass you by?
3. Never go to bed angry.
4. Being a parent is challenging, but will make you a better person.
5. Friendships are like gardens. They take time and attention to bloom. Cultivate and nuture the relationships that matter to you because it is always time well spent.
6. Need advice? Trust your family members, especially your parents. They know you better than anyone else.
7. Don’t be afraid to marry your best friend. Marriages built on friendship have rock-solid foundations.
8. Opposties do attract. Furthermore, your life partner might fall into your lap when you least expect it.
9. Baby smiles make everything better
10. Forgive and forget. People make mistakes. Holding onto anger or grudges will weigh you down.

Life skills/Personal Development

1. In any situation or circumstance, kindness is always the right choice.
2. Conversation is an art and a two-way street. Listen and ask genuine questions. No one wants to talk with someone who only speaks about themself.
3. Never stop learning. Education continues long after college. Be intellectually curious, pick up new skills/hobbies and find things that engage your creativity.
4. Learn to laugh at yourself. You’ll enjoy life more and consequently be a more enjoyable person to be around.
5. Give compliments when you have the opportunity because it could radically brighten someone’s day.

Navy Duster (similar) | Low-High Dress (similar) | Denim Leggings 

Career Advancement

1. Use competition as a motivator, but don’t let it consume you.
2. Want something? Whether it’s a promotion, a raise, or more help around the house, people can’t read your mind. You must ASK!
3. Talent can only take you so far. You need to put in the work.
4. Success won’t come overnight. Set big goals, but be patient with yourself. For instance, mini-goals can help keep you on track.
5. Your job does not define you.
6. Feeling nervous about something? Over-preparation is the key to confidence. Practice makes perfect!
7. Treat your resume/CV as a living document. Keep it updated as you go.
8. Networking is powerful. It’s another way to leverage your connections and get a foot in the door.
9. Want to look more confident? Practice good posture. Stand up straight, hold your shoulders back and lift through the core of your body. Your back will thank you and you will instantly look more self-assured.
10. Learn your worth. Don’t jump at the first offer and always negotiate! People respect polite negotiators.

Health/Fitness

1. Drink TONS of water. You’ll feel better, look better and function better.
2. Diets don’t work (Atkins, South Beach, cabbage soup… I tried them all in college and have no idea why. What a colossal waste of time!)
3. Healthy lifestyle choices do work. I don’t count calories. Instead, I focus on whole grains and vegetables. Eat healthy 95 percent of the time, but allow the occasional indulgence.
4. One of the best things about aging is feeling more comfortable in your skin. I may be picking up gray hair and a few wrinkles, but I have never felt more beautiful. Finally, I understand who I am and what matters to me.
5. Listen to your body. Rest when you need to. Otherwise, aim for 30 hour of exercise 3-5 times per week.

Style/Odds & Ends

1. Don’t get hung up on clothing sizes. Sizes fluctuate wildly from brand to brand. Always bring multiple sizes into the fitting room.
2. Have slightly frizzy hair like me? Do your self a favor and DON’T wash it daily! Took me 20 years to figure out second/third-day hair is my “best” hair.
3. Tailoring can make a s0-so garment look like a million bucks. Don’t be afraid to make small alterations to clothing you already have.
4. Traveling fuels the soul and broadens the mind. If you have the opportunity to go somewhere new, take it, even if you feel it’s “not the right time.” We worried living in Australia last summer with our baby was crazy, but are SO grateful to have had that experience.
5. Elegance and modesty > sexy. You don’t need to show skin to be alluring or beautiful.

Get the Look

These photos are all from our time in Tasmania, Australia this past summer. It was never a place we expected to visit, but was so jaw-droppingly beautiful. I’ve never seen such a varied landscape. In some places it looked like the Swiss Alps, in others coastal New England, still others… Napa Valley. I’ll be doing a full post about Tasmania, so stay tunned for much better views!

—-With love and gratitude, Lindsay