I’m pretty sure the year 2016 will be one to go down in history. Between a contentious election and the Pokemon Go craze, there was no shortage of big moments. But 2016 also marked a big moment for me personally: turning 30.
While my busy schedule kept me from thinking about the milestone too much, it certainly has been looming in my mind for quite some time now. I sometimes look back and think, “How did it go by so fast?” In just three decades I’ve gone from diapers, to little league softball player, to big sister, to college graduate, to entertainment reporter, to health coach, to wife, to travel writer, to business owner (any many more things in between).
That’s been my journey: one filled with ups and downs, and I look forward to more ahead. And though the next decade of my life is still a bit of a mystery (thankfully), there’s one thing I know for sure, and that’s that I want it to be a healthy one.
On my blog and in my newsletters I write about living a healthy life based on both mind and body. What we think affects us physically, and what we do physically can affect us mentally. So with that mindset I decided it would be best to take a look back at my wellness journey and pick out the top things that made a difference in my life so far.
Here Are The 30 Health Lessons I Learned Before Turning 30:
Eat greens every day.
Diets don’t work. Lifestyle changes do.
Happiness is a choice.
You can’t change someone. You can only change how you react to them.
Walk 10,000 steps a day.
Guilt is not a real emotion.
Forgiveness is empowering, not a sign of weakness.
Feng Shui works.
Sit in silence once in a while.
Surround yourself with positive people.
Not every day is a good day, but there is good in every day.
Your future starts with your next thought.
Do everything with intention.
70 percent of your immune system is in your gut, so take care of it.
Spaghetti squash is an excellent substitute for pasta.
Indulge from time to time.
Travel.
Cry. Sometimes it’s the only way to release that energy and refocus.
Write a letter to those who hurt you. Even if you never give it to them, at least it’s no longer affecting your soul.
Go to bed early. Trust me, your memories at 6 a.m. are much more magical than at 3 a.m.
Give back.
Stop creating a story for yourself.
Carbs aren’t the devil.
Pain is a sign something needs to change.
Miracles happen every day.
Drink more water and less alcohol.
Dreams and goals will change. Be flexible with yourself.
Focus on making memories, not money.
Not all calories are created equal.
Don’t judge yourself or others. Everyone’s journey is different.