Birthdays are moments in life where we can look back and reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed next. While most stress out about entering their 30s, I’ve embraced it. Here are 35 life lessons for my 35th birthday.

In February, I turned 35. Yes, 35!

Turning 35 feels so surreal. It doesn’t feel bad to be 35, but it feels a little weird honestly. Like, where did the time go? It feels like it was just yesterday when I was 18 and preparing to graduate from high school. It does not feel like I finished college 13 years ago or that it’s been nearly nine years since I became a mom. This past year was also a blur. God had me in a season of isolation, and I was heads-down and focused on growing my relationship with Him. 

But I digress. 

My life now looks remarkably different than my life in my 20s. As I sit and take a moment to breathe and reflect, so much has changed. In a good way of course. Just in the last five years, I’ve learned so much about faith, life, love, motherhood, the joy of contentment, and everything in between through the eyes of God. I am so grateful for me and for learning exactly who I am in Christ now more than ever before. 

Read: I Got Dressed for 30 Days, and It Changed My Life

Here are 35 life lessons I’ve learned over the past 35 years 

1. Life is a journey, not a destination. Embrace every moment and cherish every step.

2. Patience is a virtue. It’s not about waiting, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.

3. Kindness is never wasted. It makes a difference in the heart of the giver and the receiver.

4. Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself. It frees you from the burden of carrying anger and pain.

5. Love is the most powerful force in the universe. It can heal, inspire, and transform.

6. Gratitude is the key to happiness. It shifts your focus from what’s missing to what’s present.

7. You are stronger than you think. You have overcome challenges before, and you can do it again.

8. Change is inevitable. Embrace it and see it as an opportunity for growth.

9. Dreams do come true. Believe in them, work for them, and watch them unfold.

10. Laughter is the best medicine. It heals the soul and makes life more enjoyable.

11. You are unique. Celebrate your individuality and let your light shine.

12. Life is short. Make the most of it by living with purpose and passion.

13. You are enough. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise.

14. Failure is not the end. It’s a stepping stone to success.

15. The only constant in life is change. Embrace it and grow with it.

16. Happiness is a choice. Choose it every day.

17. You can’t control everything. Let go and let life happen.

18. The best is yet to come. Keep the faith and keep moving forward.

19. You are the author of your own story. Make it a good one.

20. Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath and start again.

21. You can’t please everyone. Focus on pleasing yourself.

22. Life is what you make it. Make it beautiful.

23. The only limits in life are the ones you set for yourself.

24. You are capable of amazing things. Believe in yourself.

25. It’s okay to ask for help. We all need support sometimes.

26. You are loved. Never forget that.

27. It’s okay to make mistakes. They are opportunities to learn and grow.

28. With God’s help, you have the power to create the life you want.

29. It’s never too late to start over. If you’re not happy, make a change.

30. You are worthy of all the love and happiness in the world.

31. Trust your intuition. It’s usually right.

32. It’s okay to say no. Your time and energy are precious.

33. You are beautiful, inside and out.

34. Life is full of surprises. Embrace them and enjoy the ride.

35. You are a mom. And that’s the most amazing thing in the world.

Well, that pretty much sums up the last 35 years. Here’s to continuing to live authentically. I am so grateful that God has allowed me to see year 35, and I can’t wait to experience how He moves in my life for the next 35 years.  

I hope these 35 life lessons resonated with you or inspired you too to self-reflect. My prayer is that you learn to see yourself through the lens of God and live life daily as a walking vessel for His kingdom.

Share any lessons you’ve learned since turning 30 below. I can’t wait to read them!