Birthday Run and 33 Lessons in 33 Years.

I am back…I promise I have not abandoned you this week! My birthday was yesterday and yes, I did some birthday running to celebrate. 33 miles of running to be exact! Running your age on your day off is definitely kind of a crazy thing but I actually had fun getting it done.

I did some loops around the lake and looked at some gorgeous houses in East Dallas. I felt like I was watching an episode of some show on HGTV or something. House hunting does make the time fly by faster.

So speaking of turning 33 and things like that, I thought it would be fun to do a post about some of the lessons I’ve learned in my years on this beautiful earth. And yes, they will all be incredibly random things. So buckle up.

1. Work/life balance is vital. Honestly I don’t know how I could get through the hectic times in my career without this very realization. Sure, I think it’s important to pay your dues in your job but just having a balance and knowing when to step away to breathe from the constant emails will save you from going absolutely nuts.

2. Don’t ever pass up the opportunity to let someone know how much you care about them. A simple ‘I love you’ goes a long way.

3. Talk to your parents as often as you can. Sure, we can’t all live close to our mamas and dads but as they age it’s important to be around them and take time to call them. Listen to their constant ramblings. You will one day miss them nagging on you.

4. For God sakes, put your phone down. Look people in the eyes when you talk to them. People can tell when you’re not listening to what they are saying. I am especially horrible at the phone thing and it’s a nasty habit that we all need to break.

5. Get some fresh air. Slow down and admire nature in all it’s beauty.

6. Spend time alone. Learn to enjoy being by yourself. Whether it is having dinner by yourself, or going to a movie solo. Recharge your batteries.

7. You may not be someone’s cup of tea, but you are definitely someone’s shot of whiskey. I enjoy the whiskey better anyways.

8. People won’t always remember what you say…but they will always remember the way you make them feel.

9. Encourage people as much and as often as you can. The entire world right now needs it.

10. You never know what someone is dealing with…be it mentally and/or physically. And you definitely don’t know what is going on behind someone’s pretty picket fence.

11. Take social media with a grain of salt. It is nothing but a constant highlight reel.

12. Be genuinely happy for people when they do well or are successful.

13. Wear something colorful as much as possible. A pop of color can brighten up your day and your mood.

14. Travel with your favorite people. You will create memories that you will never forget.

15. Stay in touch with your old high school/college friends if you can. Sure, you all may have babies/get married/buy a house, but those bonds are something you’ve created for a reason. Give them a shout even if you don’t live in the same state.

16. Call people on the phone. Texting is impersonal.

17. Eat the cookie.

18. Buy the fancy outfit. Or the shoes.

19. Budget for the interests/hobbies you enjoy. There is a great website by the name of Mint that tracks everything from your credit score to your daily expenses. It’s amazing for the finances.

20. Don’t watch a lot of tv. I got rid of my cable a few years ago. And yes I work in television. HA. Best decision I’ve ever made. I still have the basics like (the channel that I work for lol) HD/antenna but that is all I really need.

21. Dance sometimes, whether you are at work or in public. Even if you are not very good at it.

22. What people think about you is none of your business.

23. Be cordial to people you don’t even really like. One day those people may be the ones to help you out when you need it most. Funny how that happens.

24. Compliment someone as often as possible. Sometimes I will think someone’s hair or outfit is cute but I will think it then forget to compliment them. Do it when you are thinking about it. It may turn their entire day around.

25. Laugh. A lot. Be around people who love to laugh.

26. Also be around people that love to eat. The ones that love to eat (and actually take the time to savor it) are always the best kinds of people.

27. Kiss in the rain.

28. Cry. Let your emotions out. Don’t hold it in and grow cold.

29. Work hard. Get your rest. Save some time for play. Rinse and repeat.

30. Never let the sun go down on your wrath.

31. Savor the moment. Stay In the present.

32. Believe that you are capable of the impossible. Face the fear, whatever it is, head on.

33. We don’t have to have it all figured out. Thank goodness for that, right? Always keep doing, keep learning.

What are some life lessons you’ve learned over the years?