33 Lessons from a sage 33 year old

Today I turned 33, here are 33 things I've learned...

1.Eating in bed is the best and should be seen as legal by more people.

2. My mom and I walked past a homeless man when I was a kid, she noticed I grabbed her hand just slightly tighter and she asks me, “Chloe, do you know what the difference is between you and him?” I say, “No.” she replies, “Nothing”.

3. Invest in friendships, they are what will carry you through life. It’s even better if some of them make you laugh.

4. You do not need to remain connected to someone, if a person is toxic to your life, release them.

5. There’s no one way to be a parent even if the mommy blogs tell you there is.

6. Being open and vulnerable with someone will help them to be open and vulnerable.

7. Always say “hello” to those you pass by in the office hallway (aka don’t be that guy.)

8. Your upbringing will shape you, but it does not need to define you. You are not too powerless to change.

9. “And control all your urges to scream at all the people you hate. Cause shade never made anybody less gay” - T Swift. Open your hearts and eyes.

10. Even within your realm of expertise, you always have more to learn.

11. Sports/organized activities give kids more than something to do after school.

12. There’s nothing more selfless than a parent who doesn’t laugh in your face when you look at them when you’re 13 and scream, “But I am going to marry him mom!!!!” if you’re ever in that position, keep a straight face, it is their whole world they are screaming nonsense about.

13. Be honest with yourself about where you are at in any season. Not every season is meant for hustle. Some seasons are meant for retail therapy.

14. Find a pocket at work where you can stand out and be bold in sharing it.

15. Your ego is crushing more than you know, humble yourself. Oh yeah and go to therapy.

16. Being able to genuinely apologize is essential.

17. There is never a good reason to send a rude email. Imagine a world where everyone stopped?

18. Your beliefs are allowed to evolve. Spend time reflecting, praying, meditating, reading about something that is bigger than you.

19. Thoughtful gifts > expensive ones

20. Find a way to enjoy vegetables, even if you have to smother them in cheese.

21. Stop holding on, feeling guilty for, comparing yourself to an old version of you if you have grown.

22. Document the funny/cute things your kids say, as adorable as they are, you will not remember them.

23. People who have been taking advantage of your boundaries will not like when you finally enforce them, remain firm anyway.

24. Accountability buddies are gold! (For exercise, finances, growth, goals, mindset changes)

25. Tell people you love and appreciate them as often as you can.

26. There’s a lid for every pot, sometimes your soul mate is a friend, a pet, a kid, a lifestyle.

27. The first year of parenting is super hard. Actually, all the years are hard. But aren’t they so cute?

28. Play the question game at family gatherings and give everyone a chance to answer. You will find out more about them and garner more life advice than you can imagine! (If you need help, start with “what is the greatest piece of advice you’ve been given?”)

29. There is NO excuse for abuse. They do not love you. Reach out, get out.

30. Gratitude and pessimism cannot co-exist—try it!

31. Being a preteen feels impossible, I promise there will be brighter days—keep going!

32. Watching a movie on repeat only makes it better.

33. There is no finish line with exercise but there is a starting line, and no one is counting how many times you have to go back. Just keep going!

34. Be unapologetically yourself.