Yesterday I celebrated my 30th Birthday and while it was not the original Thailand celebration we had planned, Lake Como was not too shabby. As mentioned last week I will be spending the next two weeks in Italy to celebrate both my birthday and Mark’s. The last few days have given me a chance to think and reflect about what I have learned in the last three decades. And as much as I love material things the things I am most proud of the relationships I built, the hard decisions I have made, and how I carry myself,. And none of those can be properly captured in a picture so you get a photo of me above, being genuinely happy.
I shared a bit of my birthday musings on Instagram but I wanted to share a bit more here. And while I originally started writing this post defining each of the 30 items below I decided to erase them as they are quite self explanatory. In my mind, pack more punch that way and if any of them don’t make sense, feel free to sound off in the comments and I’ll be happy to add more color! Without further ado, the 30 things:
– – – –
- There is no perfect timeline in life.
- If you dress up, it is more likely you’ll feel good.
- Board games are fun no matter how old you are.
- Age does not matter, you can be a boss at any age you want.
- Let your success be your noise.
- Traveling should be required for all humans.
- Do not be afraid to ask for help.
- Spending quality time with family and friends is the best use of your time.
- It is okay to change your plans.
- If it feels morally wrong, it probably is.
- Do not take anything less than you deserve.
- Go ahead and ask for more, the worst that can happen is someone says no.
- Experiences matter more than things.
- It is okay to agree to disagree.
- Always follow up.
- There is more than one right way to do most things.
- Do whatever you want, but do it well.
- Always write back, call back, or text back.
- Punctual hand written thank you notes will get your far.
- Read everything.
- Find loopholes in the system.
- Be nice to everyone.
- Take photos but do not forget to actually experience the moment.
- Sometimes things do taste better than being skinny feels.
- You can learn a lot more about someone by watching what they do rather than listening to what they say.
- Work as hard as you can at the job that you have.
- Sometimes a glass of wine, a good cry, and a bubble bath can fix the problem.
- Keep in touch with people.
- Complement strangers.
- Give back in whatever way you can; time, money, or skills.
And at the end of the day – fundamentally we are all the same. Everyone is trying to make money and find love and be happy. And I’m looking forward to starting this new decade building on the last and finding ways to improve just a little bit every day.
Beauty Marks at My Birthday Party
Three Years Living Abroad
Making Mistakes
Birthday Presents
Sandy Sandhu says
Happy Birthday. You look beautiful.
https://www.fashionwithbeauty.net
Angelica says
Im with ya on so many things from this list! Hope you had an amazing birthday all all the best!
XX Angelica
https://eraenvogue.com
TAMMY says
Happy 30th birthday. This is a big one. I hope you are having a blast in Italy. I wish I could take all these vacations. Most years I travel to 1 place. I am lucky if I get a 2nd vacation each year.
Zoe says
Never thought about doing a list like this. Thoughtful and comprehensive.
I am turning 28 soon and thinking about copying your idea. Definitely a lot of food for thought.
BigCostaJ says
You are a self centered cunt. As an aside, you have big fatty thighs that only mark’s wandering eyes could desire.
Leslie says
I feel bad sometimes for people who do not give of their time, money or skill set.
I get so much gratification from giving. Weather it is organizing a clothing drive, working in a soup kitchen, mentoring a student and yes, for writing a check which is always the easy way out. If I can, I try to roll up my sleeves and get involved personally and make as many connections as I can. If people can put a face behind the check or the good deed I think they feel more connection from both the giver and the recipient and that it helps people feel that those that are more fortunate really do care.
People who do not give are missing that thrill. Do you agree?
BTW, good list.
Terrie says
First let me wish you a happy birthday.
I always enjoy complementing strangers as I walk past them or encounter them and see first the shock on their face and then a smile. You never know how much those little random acts of kindness can make the difference in somebody’s day. It doesn’t cost anything and it’s easy to do . If we all spread a little bit more love in this world It would be a much nicer place to live in.
Sabrina says
Your morally wrong comment is one that I try to use as a guide post as well.
Also liked the if you are going to do something, do it well. I always try to look for that quality in my friends and people who I hire. If you don’t take pride in your work nobody will .
Linda Hilliard says
Nice List Kelly!! I share many of your same philosophies in life which results in a very happy life!
Rebecca says
Nice list and wishing you a wonderful birthday 🎂.
Nice way to spend it. Enjoy 😉