30 things I am thankful + grateful that I learned in my 20's

Well, it finally happened. I turned 30. And, honestly - I cannot tell you how EXCITED I am about it!

FROM TRIALS + TRIBULATIONS, GROWTH + SUCCESSES, HIGHS, LOWS, UPS. DOWNS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, MY 20’S WERE DEFINITELY SOMETHING ELSE.

From moving out on my own at age 21 into a shoebox of an apartment, to losing my mom at age 23 to heart failure, to finding my calling at age 24, to starting my own business at 26, my 20’s were a decade of life experiences that I honestly would not trade for the world.

WITH THE SPIRIT OF THANKSGIVING IN OUR REARVIEW MIRROR, I WANTED TO TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO SHARE 30 THINGS I AM THANKFUL + GRATEFUL THAT I LEARNED IN MY 20’S.

My hope is that you chickadees (+ my dudes out there reading this, too!) in your 20’s read this + get inspired about these next transformative, crazy, rollercoaster-filled years of your life, so that when you finally do reach 30, you feel prepared, excited + ready for your new chapter. And if you’ve already gotten the “30’s is the best decade of your life” party started, well, I hope you can find some inspiration here, too.

LIFE + LOVE

1. You really will be happiest flowing with the ebbs + flows of life instead of trying to control everything.

2. Check yourself before you wreck yourself.

3. Boundaries, boundaries, boundaries!

4. No matter how broken your heart may be, it will heal itself. Just give it time.

5. Not everyone will like you, and that’s ok.

6. You are your own best friend.

7. There is a reason + a season for everything + everyone who comes into (and exits out of) your life.

8. Family is important. Make time for them.

9. Your “person” will find you when you least expect it. It’s not just a myth. Be patient. He/she will be worth the wait.

10. Never say never. I’m not really a big fan of “Always” + “Forever” either.

11. Don’t get caught up in old narratives of your past.

WORK + BUSINESS

1. Sometimes your path will change. Just go with it. You don’t know where it will lead you to next.

2. Don’t be afraid to say no to clients who you feel aren’t going to be a great fit. Your sanity is worth more than gold.

3. Under promise + over deliver.

4. Don’t stress yourself out by creating unnecessary deadlines.

5. Efficiency is everyyyything.

6. Once you take the emotion out of every single decision you make when it comes to work + business, you’ll be a lot more respected.

7. Stay true to who you are.

8. Using bullet points + plus signs in emails make them that much more concise + easy/enjoyable to read. Say goodbye to block-y, paragraph-y emails.

9. Life would not be possible without to-do lists.

10. Embrace being a multi-passionate.

11. Being adaptable + empathetic will get you a long way.

FRIENDS + SOCIAL LIFE

1. Real friends will understand when you need to say no to social events, or take some time for yourself.

2. Friends come + go.

3. When in doubt, dance it out.

4. Traveling is such a magical experience. Travel as much, and as far, as you possibly can.

HEALTH + LIFESTYLE

1. Drinking water is a necessity - NOT optional.

2. Hot yoga is THE best form of exercise. Not only for the body, but for the mind + spirit, too.

3. Your body is always telling you what it needs. All you have to do is listen.

4. Cooking food for yourself + loved ones is not only an act of thoughtfulness, but saves you money + is healthier than eating out. Win, win win!

What did you learn in your 20’s that you are thankful + grateful for? Let me know in the comments, below!

DANIELLE LEILANIDECEMBER 4, 2019