I celebrated my birthday yesterday and I’m now 32. THIRTY-TWO. Wow. It seems crazy to type that. While I know I’m still young (right?!), 32 sounds so adult. Maybe it’s because we have a two-year-old and I’m six, almost seven months pregnant with our son (all the deep breaths), but I feel like as monumental as the past couple years were this one will be especially big…I can feel it in my bones.
Thanks to the breakfast in bed and outpouring of LOVE I felt all day from my people + my pregnancy hormones I’ve been reflecting a lot on all the lessons I’ve learned in my life so far. Through trial and error, good and bad seasons, mistakes and mishaps, I’ve learned: God is in control – not me, kindness goes a long way, there is always so much to be thankful for, and popcorn + peanut m&ms is always a winning combination. Here are a few other lessons I’ve picked up over the years:
God’s timing is always best
Dreams change and it’s okay to change your direction
Sleep is important and 9pm is a totally acceptable bedtime
My parents are super cool and know all the things
Put God first and everything else will fall into place
Dry shampoo is a staple
You don’t have to be in the same stage of life to be friends with someone
Becoming a Christian and choosing the right spouse are the two most important decisions you’ll ever make
Take time to get moving every day and HYDRATE
The honeymoon phase does last – it just changes and gets better and better
Pregnancy is hard, but beautiful and amazing and all the things
Good friends, the ones you do life with, are gifts from God
Gratitude changes everything
Being a mom is hard but holy work
Learning when and how to say “no” is so important
Reading a good book is one of life’s many simple pleasures
It’s okay not to be okay – this too shall pass
Your house doesn’t have to be sparkling clean all the time
Accept a compliment and freely give sincere ones
Forgive, forgive, forgive
A hand-written thank you note goes a long way
Dating your spouse is FUN and date nights are a necessity
Show yourself the grace you show to others
Some friendships are seasonal, and that’s okay
Not everyone is going to like you, and that’s okay
Having people in your home is always a good idea
Your body is beautifully and wonderfully made – be nice to it
Speak up, even if you’re terrified
Finding mom friends is important – and so sweet when your kiddos become bffs
Writing is a form of therapy
Mascara and concealer are a girl’s best friend
Invest in experiences, not stuff
Katie Powell Bell 