Today is my 34th birthday. Crazy to think the first birthday post I wrote on this blog I was turning 26. That feels like a lifetime ago. I often think about my 20’s and the things I should change or do differently, then I remember that my life wouldn’t be what it is today. So today, in honor of turning 34, I am sharing 34 things I’ve learned in 34 years that are mostly life lessons, advice, etc.
34 Things I’ve Learned in 34 Years
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
Never go to sleep with your makeup on… no matter how tired… or drunk you are.
Invest in timeless pieces not trends. That super popular handbag may seem cool but it won’t be next year. Buy the knockoff and invest in something that will stand the test of time like an amazing leather jacket, or classic pumps.
Call your parents… and grandparents as much as you can.
Spend time with them too, you’ll regret the days you didn’t.
Friends come and go but family is everything.
Some people truly are just meant to be in your life for a fraction of time. Love them, embrace them, and let them go when you need to.
Becoming a mother will humble you in more ways than you ever imagined.
There are VERY few things that a venting session can’t solve.
Sometimes it’s OK to unplug
Don’t underestimate how good it will feel to go to sleep early.
Don’t carry credit card debt, it always catches up with you.
Love fiercely.
Personal growth and learning never ever stop so embrace it.
Everyone needs alone time, don’t worry about what others are doing, check in with yourself more.
Chipped nails are never a good look
Invest in jeans that make you feel amazing.
What others say about you has NOTHING to do with you and EVERYTHING to do with them
Hurting people hurt people
Most of what you read online about other people is NOT true, take it with a grain or pound of salt
Going to movies alone is THE BEST
The same goes for traveling alone
But nothing beats traveling with those you love and experiencing new places together
Marriage is a lot of compromise and reminding yourself “this is not the hill I want to die on today”
It’s 100% worth the “work”
Find your passion, strive to meet your goals every day
Reward yourself
Treat others the way you want to be treated #goldenrule
Figuring out your wine of choice makes you realize you’re an adult
Go to the doctor, and dentist, and eye dr when you’re supposed to. Don’t put it off.
Apply the sunscreen, embrace the pale
Your natural beauty tops any product
Weight is just a number, if you feel great that’s what matters
You are ONLY as old as YOU feel
I hope you can find a little fun advice or helpful tips in the 34 things I’ve learned in 34 years.
I would LOVE to know something you’ve learned that you’d want to share with others!
Ah the magic of 84, same here!!! Totally agree with all of them but mostly 32. There’s freedom in no make up and accepting our natural and most important inner beauty. Took me more than 10 years to master that one.
34 so true as well. I’m still a child at heart. Sometimes I giggle when I remember I need to be the responsible parent. 🙂 happy 34
Wow, I’m 10 years older than you and I wholeheartedly agree. 22 really resonates with me.
I traveled solo for my 30th birthday to Europe and for my 40th birthday to LA.
There’s something freeing about going where you want – when you want – without waiting for anyone to come with you.
TRAVELING ALONE is just SOOOOO GOOD FOR PEOPLE! I traveled alone to AUS and NZ at a time in my life where I just needed to get away and it was THE MOST BENEFICIAL THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF. Now I love traveling “alone” with my husband. Seriously. He is just like me thus it’s SO EASY to travel with him. Plus I get someone to cuddle with at night!
Happy Birthday! Definitely some good advice – especially the idea that some people are only meant to be in your life for a certain amount of time. I need to remember this.
Happy birthday! Hope you’re having an amazing day. I’m starting to learn these lessons myself, I agree with all of them. Something I learned the hard way is, whatever it is you want to do, the most important thing is to start now. It’s easier to stop later if it’s not for you than to regret never having started.
I started my blog when I was 24 and I totally agree, feels so long ago! It’s amazing how much the years can change us. Just gotta learn from it and keep on moving.
That’s a fun giveaway and I love how you listed out 34 things you’ve learned in 34 years! That makes me want to do this for my 37th in October 😉 Such a fun time learning more about you, Happy Birthday!
Well, happy birthday to you! I love the sunscreen advice since now I am having to visit my dermatologist annually and he always finds at least one spot to burn off from younger days of not wearing my sunscreen! I also related to not carrying debt. I hate debt!
Happy birthday Neely! So many gems of wisdom here. I absolutely agree with them. And I’d add be kind to strangers, it might be the best thing that’s happened to them that day 🙂
Omg love the list!!! So agree about the makeup part!!! I use to fall asleep with my makeup All the time when I was younger. Not anymore lol… gives me anxiety thinking about it lol
I see that you have made the most of your years. I never really feared growing older, because every year brings new experiences, new lessons learned, and the realization of the importance of things you never even considered when you were younger. May you have a blessed birthday and wishing you all the best in the years to come.
First, I would like to greet you a happy birthday! You sure are wise beyond your years. Experience is the best teacher really. I think I need to heed your advice (#30) because I still do that – putting off seeing a doctor when I really need to.
Great list! I’ve learned that a person shouldn’t worry as much as they do. After all the worrying we do, the situation wasn’t as a big deal as we thought.
Ah the magic of 84, same here!!! Totally agree with all of them but mostly 32. There’s freedom in no make up and accepting our natural and most important inner beauty. Took me more than 10 years to master that one.
34 so true as well. I’m still a child at heart. Sometimes I giggle when I remember I need to be the responsible parent. 🙂 happy 34
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Neely! 🙂
Loved this post, such a quirky idea, hehe 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Love this! Happy birthday to you! Wishing you many more, and thank you for sharing these important reminders.
Wow, I’m 10 years older than you and I wholeheartedly agree. 22 really resonates with me.
I traveled solo for my 30th birthday to Europe and for my 40th birthday to LA.
There’s something freeing about going where you want – when you want – without waiting for anyone to come with you.
Love you and Happy Birthday!!! I am so proud of your growth over the past few years. I am immensely proud and blessed to call you my friend.
Great advice! Happy birthday and many more!
Number 10 is a big one
TRAVELING ALONE is just SOOOOO GOOD FOR PEOPLE! I traveled alone to AUS and NZ at a time in my life where I just needed to get away and it was THE MOST BENEFICIAL THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF. Now I love traveling “alone” with my husband. Seriously. He is just like me thus it’s SO EASY to travel with him. Plus I get someone to cuddle with at night!
Happy birthday!! Love these lessons!
Lovely post to read! I can already agree/relate to some things on this list, the rest it yet to come my way 🙂
Perrine
Happy Birthday! Such great, solid life advice! 🙂
Love love LOVE this post! Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday! Definitely some good advice – especially the idea that some people are only meant to be in your life for a certain amount of time. I need to remember this.
-Lauren
Love this list 🙂 My favorite thing about spring is the farmer’s market returning!
These are great! I love getting advice/reminders from others! Thank you for sharing and happy birthday!
Happy birthday! Hope you’re having an amazing day. I’m starting to learn these lessons myself, I agree with all of them. Something I learned the hard way is, whatever it is you want to do, the most important thing is to start now. It’s easier to stop later if it’s not for you than to regret never having started.
Happy birthday! #11 made me laugh. The older I get the truer this becomes!
Love this. Number 10 is a good one!
Happy birthday! And my favorite thing about spring is the warmer weather!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEELY!
I started my blog when I was 24 and I totally agree, feels so long ago! It’s amazing how much the years can change us. Just gotta learn from it and keep on moving.
So happy to have you as part of the giveaway!
That’s a fun giveaway and I love how you listed out 34 things you’ve learned in 34 years! That makes me want to do this for my 37th in October 😉 Such a fun time learning more about you, Happy Birthday!
#24! After laughing out loud, that has never rang more true. (and we’re just at 1.5 years of marriage)
Well, happy birthday to you! I love the sunscreen advice since now I am having to visit my dermatologist annually and he always finds at least one spot to burn off from younger days of not wearing my sunscreen! I also related to not carrying debt. I hate debt!
It’s definitely okay to unplug sometimes. As a matter of fact, it is good to unplug sometimes for your own sanity.
Happy birthday Neely! So many gems of wisdom here. I absolutely agree with them. And I’d add be kind to strangers, it might be the best thing that’s happened to them that day 🙂
Omg love the list!!! So agree about the makeup part!!! I use to fall asleep with my makeup All the time when I was younger. Not anymore lol… gives me anxiety thinking about it lol
I see that you have made the most of your years. I never really feared growing older, because every year brings new experiences, new lessons learned, and the realization of the importance of things you never even considered when you were younger. May you have a blessed birthday and wishing you all the best in the years to come.
happy birthday lady! so many wise words.
I am loving this list so much! I just turned 37 and would love to write a list about everything I learned!
First, I would like to greet you a happy birthday! You sure are wise beyond your years. Experience is the best teacher really. I think I need to heed your advice (#30) because I still do that – putting off seeing a doctor when I really need to.
These are all words of wisdom the younger ones could pick up on now. Happy birthday!
The warmer weather is my favorite thing about spring!
Great list! I’ve learned that a person shouldn’t worry as much as they do. After all the worrying we do, the situation wasn’t as a big deal as we thought.
The weather can be amazing during the spring time. It’s not too hot and it smells really nice. That’s what I enjoy the most about spring time.
i was searching for that kind of article and now i found it .. thankyou very much 🙂
I’ve always been interested in how I would do on an test. I thought it was hard and took a lot of time