35 Lessons From My 35 Years

Well, my 35th birthday has arrived.  September 9.  I love my birthday, and since this is somewhat of a milestone, I've created a list of 35 lessons I've learned in my 35 years.  Here goes:

  1. Always continue learning.
  2. Be nice to others, you don't know their struggles.
  3. Don't try to define yourself by your possessions.
  4. Accept constructive criticism. 
  5. Say you're sorry and admit your mistakes.
  6. Never go to bed angry with your spouse.
  7. Don't take anything for granted.
  8. Work at being healthy, it doesn't just show up on your doorstep.
  9. People who judge others do so out of their own insecurities.
  10. Some people are simply not nice, forget them and move on.
  11. The car one drives is not necessarily a symbol of his success.
  12. If you suspect a health issue, see a doctor before it's too late.
  13. Say "I love you" more often, you never know when it will be the last time.
  14. Some people in the world are more successful, richer, more intelligent, thinner, more attractive than you. An equal amount of people in the world are less successful, poorer, less intelligent, heavier, less attractive than you. Be happy with yourself. 
  15. Be proud of your accomplishments.
  16. Don't be too proud you dismiss others' ideas or comments.
  17. Choose your words carefully.
  18. Think before you react...especially using the written word.
  19. Try new things.
  20. Don't be afraid of failure, for it is just a mere stepping stone on the path of self-discovery.
  21. Save for retirement & your kids' college....
  22. Cherish your family & friends.
  23. If you cannot buy an item outright, you cannot afford it (a home and car excluded).  Credit isn't free money.
  24. Understand politics.  It's your life, your tax money, your freedoms, your rights, your children's futures...you have a vested interest, so get involved....or at least vote.
  25. Be able to answer the question "what was the last book you read."
  26. Surround yourself with people who make you happy and feel good.
  27. Help others in distress.
  28. Donate items, most especially if you have the financial means to do so.
  29. Open a bank account for your kids, and teach them about money from a young age.
  30. Beware of giving advice when it's not wanted.
  31. Sometimes it's best to keep your mouth shut.
  32. Braggarts can be spotted a mile away.
  33. If you look good, you feel good.
  34. Confidence comes from within.
  35. Be humble, be kind, give, smile, love and relish your birthday.
I'm curious which of the above are your favorites...comment below.  Do you have some that are not on my list?  I'd love to read them!

    32 comments:

    Golden Butterflyz said...

    Happy Birthday to you! I am nearly there myself. This is a very thoughtful list. It is hard to narrow down the favorites. My favorites are not going to bed angry, saying I love you often, teaching kids the value of money and understanding politics. Great to visit you via VB!

    MsAngelStarr said...

    Excellent list! I make it a point to learn something new every day, even if it's just a word. I'm always trying new things and confidence definitely does come from within!!
    I'm a new follower coming by from Voiceboks! Looking forward to reading more!
    Angela @ First Comes Baby...

    Kim Bee said...

    2 and 26 stand out to me. I love the idea of a list like this. It helps your readers know you better. Which is always a good thing. Happy Birthday!

    Emily said...

    Happy Birthday to you! I am enjoying my last few days of being 35 myself. What an adventure!

    New follower from the hop, hope to see you on my blog soon!

    Best,
    Emily from Nap Time Is My Time

    Kathy said...

    Happy Birthday!! What a great way to mark your special day and milestone birthday! I loved your whole list and agree with every one. Today the ones that stand out for me is 2, 20 and 26. I was always so afraid to try new things in case I "failed" I have learned in my 45 years that I have learned so much from my "mistakes", I am who I am becasue of all that I have gone through. I hope you have a wonderful day celbrating!!! Thanks for a really great post!!

    Tracy said...

    Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone! The realization has hit that I am no longer in the 25-34 category, but in the 35-44 category. OH well. I'm enjoying reading all your thoughts on my list. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Christie said...

    Happy Birthday!!!

    Following you from the Finding New Friends Bloghop

    chorzcorner.blogspot.com

    Katy said...

    Happy Birthday, Tracy! You still look like the 20 year old girl I met. No one would believe you're 35, which is still young. I related to your whole list, but as life changes, the two most important to me are 22 & 35. The ones I wish people realized are so important are: 2,5,7,8,9,10,13,16,17,18,24,26,27,28,31 & 34. Life is difficult especially when there's no one to count on. Your blog is excellent because it is honest & for the good of the people.

    coronaryrn said...

    Happy Birthday! I am trying to catch up on my Thursday Blog Hops! Love your list! I may borrow the idea one of these days if that is ok! Follow back @ http://www.pargasjunkyard.wordpress.com and / or on facebook @ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pargas-Junkyard/259287017434763

    Michael Ann said...

    Happy Birthday! Stopping by from VB. I LOVE this life! I am going to print it up for myself and i love the idea of making a list on your birthday like this. Mine will have to be quite a big longer though... :-)

    http://thebiggreenbowl.blogspot.com
    http://thinkinginmyheadma.blogspot.com

    Laura said...

    That's a great list. In 2 years, I might write the 50 lessons I've learned. OMG! I can't believe I'm getting old!

    Well back to you...Happy Birthday Young Chick!

    I know I'm a little late, but stopping by from Members to Remember!

    Kris Frye said...

    First, might I say that I love when my email dings in the 5 o'clock hour, as it is usually an update from your blog. I love to read what you have to say. <3

    Second, Happy Birthday, my dear friend. Welcome to the next age group. We'll share one for a short time. :)

    Lastly, I love many of your points above: Particularly fond of 2 (be nice), 7 (take nothing for granted) and 13/22 (cherish your friends/family while saying I love you more.) All very goods lessons for daily life.

    I trust this will be a delightful year for you.
    <3 K

    Little Lilly Polka Dot Bedtime Blog said...

    I like the CONFIDENCE COMES WITHIN IN one. SO very true!!

    I am following you from the Blog Hop! Could you kindly follow mine? www.littlelillypolkadotbedtimeblog.blogspot.com

    THANKS! :)

    Keesha said...

    Happy Birthday! What a wonderful idea to celebrate your years - to acknowledge them and be proud. Every one of these lessons we should try to not merely follow, but to inhabit. They are simple, but not easy, to live by, especially in our often materialistic, rich and famous worshipping, tear-down others to make ourselves feel better culture. My faves were 3, 4 and 14. Admitting mistakes/accepting constructive criticism (3,4) are so vital to our personal growth. And of course, accepting ourselves while striving to be the best we can be is what I take from 14.

    Rosann said...

    Happy Birthday and what a fabulous list! My favorites are:

    Say "I love you" more often, you never know when it will be the last time.

    Understand politics. It's your life, your tax money, your freedoms, your rights, your children's futures...you have a vested interest, so get involved....or at least vote.

    Open a bank account for your kids, and teach them about money from a young age.

    **I'm personally really bad about the politics one. If it weren't for my husband pushing his political passion on me (almost everyday! LOL!) I'd be clueless about what's going on in our world.

    Blessings,
    Rosann

    Mommy LaDy Club said...

    Happy Birthday! Looking through your list, I think mine is almost identical. The one that stood out, because I'm the oldest girl in our family with 2 younger brothers and sisters...I tend to offer them advice probably a lot more than they want to hear it;) I have to watch that!

    Ashleigh/Merely Momma said...

    Love this post (and blog)! Found you via vB ... definitely following you!

    GJT said...

    Happy Birthday, fellow Virgo! What a great list. I think #31 is the hardest, yet most true. This goes for all folks, including my kids. Sometimes I want to just keep explainin' and explainin', and sometimes it might be better if I just shut up!

    Gina from vB
    www.totallyfullofit.com

    jenni863 said...

    Happy Birthday! Im a little late lol, But I hope you had a wonderful one!!
    Stopping by from the Grow your GFC blog hop, already a follower, so im following Via FB.
    I would love to invite you to follow me if you havent already :), J'S REVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS
    Thanks so much! have a great day!

    Tracy said...

    Thank you for all the birthday wishes! Also, thanks for all your comments, I really enjoyed reading your opinions. After a very busy weekend, I need to play catch up, and I stop by and say hi to each of you in the next couple of days!

    Sarah said...

    Happy birthday! This is a very inspirational post and I agree it helps us readers understand the woman behind the blog better! I think the message about being more involved with politics is important and not one that we hear enough. We hear a lot of complaining about the government, but too few people working to change it!

    Judy Haughton-James said...

    Happy Belated Birthday greetings coming all the way from Jamaica to you! Love this post! Very important points made. Take care and all the best to you.
    Judy

    Tracy said...

    Wow, I truly enjoyed reading everyone's comments! I believe I am all caught up now...I commented if I could, but my google acct. is acting up on my pc so I wasn't always able to :(.

    Great Beauty Buys said...

    Happy Birthday - I love your list - I'm going to share it with my 15 year old. I'm following from VB Friends to Remember. Hope you are having a great week.

    Dayna

    Tracy said...

    Dayna,
    Wow, I'm touched you want to show my list to your 15 year old. She probably thinks 35 is really old! Reminds me of how when I was younger I shrugged off my mom's advice, then years later I told her "Mom, I opened my mouth & there you were." Moms' words do stay with us.

    Spilled Milkshake said...

    Happy belated birthday!! I really love this list, you've learned some awesome things. My favorites are 7, 13, and 31.

    Visiting from voiceBoks Members to Remember!

    Christina

    Becky Jane said...

    Happy 35th birthday! Your list has a lot of good things learned...I especially like #5 and #14.

    Visiting from voiceBoks
    Thanks, Becky Jane
    http://riseaboveyourlimits.blogspot.com/

    GIna @mommyposh.com said...

    Happy birthday! what a great list....

    Following your from BV!
    Gina
    www.mommyposh.com

    Shannon Milholland said...

    Happy, happy Birthday! This a fantastic list of wisdom. Think I'll make it required reading for my kids... ;)

    Michelle said...

    Happy (late) Birthday! This is a great list!
    Stopping in from vB members to remember!!

    Lisa said...

    Happy belated birthday! I love your list....and I can't pick a favorite. They're all good and true. I think this would be a great tradition every birthday!! Stopping by from vB, so glad to have found you.

    Jansen Family said...

    Happy Birthday!! This is a wonderful list...I really like all of them! I think 1,2, and 8 might be my favorites!

    Carla @ Jansen Family Adventures

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