Yesterday was my birthday! And, honestly, I feel so blessed to have entered my Jesus year with good health and an abundance of blessings during these strange times.
Getting to 33 was no breeze. So, in celebration of this birthday, I’m sharing 15 lessons learned before 33.
No. 1 – Protect your peace at all costs.
From the pandemic to the gross disregard of black lives and the evolution of various relationships in my life, 2020 tried it and failed! 2020 taught me that it’s easy to get lost in the negative aspects of life. For example, it’s easy to maintain bad relationships, consume toxic tv, and merely exist in the workplace to the point of burnout. However, it takes a conscious effort to lean into things that bring you peace and happiness. So, ask yourself regularly: does [insert thing] make me happy and bring me peace? If it doesn’t, consider removing that thing or person from your life.
No. 2 – Be kind.
The truth is you never know what people are going through or what demons people are battling. So, it’s your job (as a child of God) to love your neighbors as you love yourself and be kind to everyone. Please note being kind does not mean entertaining negative energy.
No. 3 – Create more than you consume.
Overconsumption can stifle creativity, overwhelm you, and, ultimately, cripple you from creating. Instead of scrolling on your TL, watching a million YT videos, or reading a bunch of blogs, focus on what you want to make. Then, just do it like Nike! Listen, the minute I chose to creation over consumption, my YouTube channel grew from 1k to 8k in months. Focus on your craft and watch your hustle thrive!
No. 4 – If it scares you, do it!
We forego so many excellent opportunities because of fear. Two years ago, I launched a business. Last year, I reluctantly decided to pivot. Ten days into this year, I’ve already started to see the benefits pivoting. So, if it scares you, feel the fear and then do it!
No. 5 – Take your vitamins and oil your scalp.
My skin and hair are thriving. Need I say more?
No. 6 – Create boundaries, personally and professionally.
2020 was slightly exhausting because I failed to draw boundaries at work and at home. I found myself working at odd hours of the night and spreading myself thin because I didn’t draw boundaries. I learned the hard way people will take, push, and pull as much as you are willing to give. So, set reasonable boundaries to protect your peace.
No. 7 – It’s okay to say no!
There’s nothing more to it. If it doesn’t sit well with your spirit or you don’t want to do something, just say no!
Top: Lily’s Kloset | Pants: Shop Safiya Jihan | Shoes: No Longer Available | Earrings: Madewell
No. 8 – Workout and eat right.
I let myself go in 2020. I gain a lot of weight and found myself struggling to get back in shape. Setting vanity and looks aside, being healthy is crucial! Chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are no joke.
No. 9 – Count your blessings often and frequently.
I found that writing down five things that I’m grateful for helps shift my energy, puts things into perspective, and brings me overall happiness because I am so blessed. Try it and watch your life change.
No. 10 – Invite God into your life and read the Bible.
The Bible contains so many lessons and promises for your life. Get into the Bible, take notes, and invite God into your life. I promise it will change your life!
No. 11 – Pursue your wildest dreams today.
Tomorrow isn’t promised, so don’t waste a day!
No. 12 – It’s okay to let go of toxic relationships.
We are continually evolving. We change, people change, and not everyone will be for you. If you have to let some people go, forgive them, forgive yourself and move on. Spend time with people who bring you happiness, and only pour into healthy, edifying, happy relationships.
No. 13 – Save your money, but also live your best life.
This life is not meant for suffering. So, create a reasonable budget, set aside some savings, factor fun into that budget, and live your best life!
No. 14 – Don’t feel pressured to get married before 30.
I know society tells us to rush into marriage because our biological clocks are ticking, our desirability plummets with time, and the list goes on. But, it’s not a competition or a race. More importantly, love will find you when it’s time. In the meantime, handle your business, live your best hot girl life, travel, claim your seat at several tables, and discover who you are. That way, when it’s time to get married, you will be ready for your season of marriage because you served your season of singleness (singleness = not married even if in a relationship or dating).
No. 15 – Invest in yourself and be unapologetically you.
The only way to level up in life is by betting on yourself by investing in yourself. That could mean reading more books, taking online courses, hiring a business coach, starting that business idea, and the list goes on. Self-investment is key. Also, be yourself. It’s too much work to be anyone else.
I hope you find these lessons helpful! Please feel free to share any lessons you’ve learned over the years.
Xoxo, Michelle