30 Lessons I Learned Turning 30

I turned 30 last week, and I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that has led me to this milestone. Life, as we know, is full of highs and lows and everything in between. Yet, amidst the highs and lows, I've dedicated significant time to personal growth and learning, and I thought this would be a good way for me to show my vulnerable growth and connect with others who might be scared of hitting the big 3-0. Although I'm only a few days into 30, it's not scary, and I can't wait for the next 30. I'm optimistic that they will be even better than the last. These are just a few of the lessons I've learned. There's a lot of exploring, learning, and growing to do, but I wanted to celebrate some of my favorites.

1. Don’t sweat the small stuff?
2. Live in the moment and stop reflecting on the past and what your future will look like
3. Everyone’s paths look different?
4. Family comes first and don't take them for granted
5. Find interests outside of work that make you happy and fulfilled?
6. Be adventurous and explore the world
7. Don’t be afraid to take chances?
8. It’s. Ok. To. Be. Vulnerable.?
9. You'll learn more about yourself from experiences in dating, relationships, and heartbreak than you think. Date young and date often.
10. It’s ok to not have the answers for everything?
11. Don’t forget to call people and tell them you love them
12. “Be curious, not judgmental” - Ted Lasso
13. Laugh everyday
14. It’s also ok to cry if you need to
15. Everyone you meet has a meaning in your life, whether it’s 1 hour, 1 year, 10 years, or forever. They’re meant to teach you something about yourself that will shape you into the person you’ll become.
16. Don’t undervalue your health
17. Stop comparing yourself to other people
18. Have strong opinions
19. Go to therapy, whether you need it at the time or not. There is always something to be discussed and learned from it.
20. Go workout and stay in shape
21. Try and become a better version of yourself every day
22. Spend your money on people and experiences, not tangible items or stuff
23. Trust your instincts... they usually know best
24. "You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with" - Jim Rohn. Make those 5 people count!
25. Set goals for yourself and start manifesting them
26. You can't get what you want in life without any action. Sometimes it's as easy as asking for it and putting in that effort.
27. Get comfortable with being alone and enjoying "me" time. There's going to be a day when you have a family running around at all times.
28. You control your own thoughts. If you're feeling anxious or pressured for any reason, just know you can change how you feel.
29. Never. Stop. Learning.
30. Love yourself

As I write this from London—yes, London—I reflect on the journey and the reasons behind my presence here today. If it weren't for my Co(ach)-Founder, Andrew Zessar , and me leaving our full-time jobs 14 months ago to embark on this journey called CoachCorner | The platform elevating youth sports , to getting denied into Techstars in November, which is one of my most prominent startup accelerators only to have received a call in March asking us to join the London program with just a week's notice. Being in London and having the opportunity to surround myself with so many incredible people, and also living in a country rich in history, sports, culture, and much more — it's an experience of a lifetime, and I am humbled and honored to be here. This leads me to my bonus lesson: everything happens for a reason, and to trust that things will work out the way they are supposed to.

For me, life is all about experiences and the people alongside you on this journey of life. I hope that you can reflect on what turning 30 means to you and be able to have these conversations with your family and friends. I know I have and am grateful for them all.

What else have you learned that I'm missing? What do you agree or disagree with?