Last Day in my 20's.

Today is my last day of year 29.  '30' is a milestone that many people dread, but I can't say that I feel any type of way about it.  I'll be bringing in a new decade with a visit from my mom and a dinner with my closest friends, which I am looking forward to tremendously.  It marks my 30th birthday, my mom's first visit to DC since I've lived here (almost 8 years), and the first gathering of all my close friends (from DC) in one spot. 

But today is just another day.  I'm at work.  The computers are down.  My supervisor called out sick. The people in the front lobby are exceptionally loud.  I'm planning another trip to Ikea, cleaning my apartment, and making sure I have a "to do" list for my mom's visit this evening. 

And of course, obligatory lesson's of the last decade, brought to you by the number 29:


1. Follow your own path.  It's great to look for others for guidance and inspiration, but no two people have the same story, path, aspirations.  Don't compare yourself to others, it only hinders your journey.
2. Get out of your own way. Repeating the same behaviors will result in the same outcome.  Have faith in your abilities.  We are all capable of greatness.

3. The older you get, the faster time goes.  Don't waste it.
4. Listen to your mother. Unless she's got a case of attention seeking/overbearing behavior.
5. If you don’t like it, you can leave. An unhappy relationship, a stupid movie, a boring conversation, a crappy spin class. Life is so, so short.
6. Get that dirt off your shoulder. You'll make mistakes.  People will wrong you.  Get back up and try again.

7. Be social and respectful.  Smile at people when you pass them on the street.  Learn about other cultures.  Tolerate those different from you. 
8. Be brave enough to say the hard things. Especially Thank you and I’m sorry. Life is short.

9. Let go of grudges. (very difficult for me) A friend sent me a quote the other day that said : "Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different."

10. When you listen, try to let go of what you’re going to say next. Just listen.  Take it from a therapist, listening is a key quality of a friendship. 
11. Wear shoes you can walk in.  Heels make my second toe on my left foot go numb, and that can't be good.  Also, I've had a few miserable nights at the club hobbling around, and it's not a good look.

12. Keep an open mind. About everything: new people, politics, ideas, travel, food, clothes, music, sex, high art, low art, etc. You never know where the road will lead. 

13. Be careful with credit cards.  7 years can be a really long time.

14. Be honest about who YOU are. 
15. Work is like a relationship. You spend most of your time (as an American) at work.  Pick something you enjoy, and can grow in. 
16. Speak carefully. Words can very hurtful.

What did you learn in your 20's???