29 Things I’ve Learned at 29 Years Old

At 29 years old, I find that while this may not seem like a long stretch of time in the grand scheme of life, it has certainly been sufficient to gather a wealth of insights about the world and my place in it. As I mark my 29th journey around the sun, I feel compelled to share some of the lessons I’ve learned, wisdom that I wish my younger self could have embraced earlier. These reflections aren’t ranked by importance, but rather represent a collection of personal experiences and realizations that have shaped my understanding of life. From the value of genuine relationships to the extent of self-compassion, I hope these thoughts resonate with anyone looking to navigate their own path a little more smoothly.

Over the past 29 years, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of life’s cycles, enduring the loss of over 10 loved ones, including my childhood friend and a grandparent who played a significant role in my upbringing. I’ve navigated the emotional complexities of three breakups, learned valuable lessons about love and self-worth, and celebrated the joy of one marriage that has shaped my understanding of commitment and partnership. The arrival of three beautiful children has brought unparalleled joy and has taught me the depths of unconditional love and resilience.

– Other people’s perspectives of you aren’t your business.

– Money can solve some of your problems.

– Your friends shouldn’t compete with you.

– Apologies don’t always mean that someone is truly sorry.

– Habits are just as important as setting goals.

– Explore the world before settling down to start a family.

– Some people are better left in your past.

– Keep a journal.

– Take control of your future before someone else does.

– Learn to play an instrument.  

– Read.  

– Social media shouldn’t stand in the way of becoming who you want to be.  

– The boys you thought were cute as a teenager are not that impressive anymore.  

– Find a mentor you would want to switch places with.  

– Discover your own voice.  

– It’s okay to have a different perspective from your parents.  

– Celebrate the small wins.  

– No one remembers those embarrassing moments as much as you do.  

– Be the one who got away, not the one who stayed.  

– Embrace your wild side at least once.  

– If you feel the need to check his phone, it’s time to check out of the relationship.  

– Don’t let a man tell you he doesn’t want you more than once.  

– Your best friend would date your boyfriend.  

– You won’t always have the right answers; it’s okay not to have an opinion.  

– Some people want to see you upset, so don’t fall for trolling.  

– Even grown-ups don’t always know what they’re talking about.  

– Yes, how they treated you was wrong.  

– You’ve made it to 29 all by yourself.  

– What’s for me isn’t always for everyone else