42 Things I've Learned in My 32 Years of Life

We're never too old to play dress up.

In honor of my 32nd birthday today, I’m passing 42 life lessons (32 + 10 bonus ones!) I’ve learned in the realm of self-care, relationships, style, and more unto you. Take them or leave them, but please do read them!!

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1. Dressing for the life you want is a thing, and it works. Get the investment blazer.

2. Finding the right workout for your body type is a game-changer — as is mixing up your workouts.

3. Dressing for your body type — not giving a damn what size the tag says — is a game-changer.

4. Trying to impress other people in order to “fit in” will only break your spirit.

5. Choosing to look at people’s good qualities (instead of dwelling on the not so good qualities) will make you a MUCH happier person.

6. While happiness is a choice, it’s also a daily practice.

7. Gossiping does nothing but makes you feel like shit.

8. A great outfit really can make your day. Don’t underestimate it.

9. The expensive coffee is always worth it.

10. The expensive shoes are always worth it.

11. If you believe in your business idea, other people will, too.

12. Self-affirmations, when recited daily, will give you unshakeable confidence.

13. Eating healthy is always the right thing to do.

14. Making yourself small for someone else’s benefit will do serious damage to your self-worth. Don’t do it.

15. When you find a good friend, hang onto them for dear life — good people are hard to come by.

16. A glass of wine at the end of the day takes the edge off. More than that usually leads to trouble.

17. When you have an idea you think is brilliant, roll with it. Don’t second-guess yourself.

18. Worrying is the biggest waste of time…and will give you wrinkles.

19. Never underestimate the power of a red lip.

20. Owning who you are is the most attractive trait.

21. Making other people feel good should be your goal every day.

22. Singing is one of the best stress relievers.

23. Life is short. Book the Mexico trip.

24. Eat when you’re hungry.

25. Flirting with your husband will DRASTICALLY reduce any marital tension floating in the air.

26. As will having his favorite snacks in the pantry!

27. Being proactive with your mental health is EVERYTHING. Put your needs first every day.

28. Asking for help isn’t weak, it’s smart.

29. If you aren’t laughing every day, you need to find a way to do so.

30. Surrounding yourself with good people will make you a better person, a better *business professional,* a better wife, and a better friend.

31. Negative people have no place in your life. Don’t make excuses for them, and don’t make room for them.

32. If you’re bored, make cookies for your neighbors and bring them over in a pretty basket.

33. Playing as an adult — coloring, dancing, reading fiction, playing dress up — does wonders for the soul. Do it more.

34. Have parties just for the hell of it — we don’t need to wait for birthdays and holidays to celebrate life.

35. Stay off your phone as much as possible. Doom scrolling leads to feelings of depression and anxiety, and gives you tech neck.

36. Wear what you want to wear to the PTA meeting. Don’t conform to the mom blouse and jeans just because everyone else will.

37. Don’t play it safe in life — via your outfit, your goals, your career, or your personality.

38. The worst thing you can be in life is mean. The second worse thing you can be is boring.

39. If you don’t know how to cook, learn. Cooking is fun and therapeutic.

40. The energy you put out into the universe comes BACK AT CHU! Make sure it’s positive.

41. Remember your vibe attracts your tribe. If you’re having a tough time making friends or getting along with colleagues, remember *your vibe attracts your tribe.*

42. Trust your gut, always. Women’s intuition is a damn powerful thing.

Sip Sip is a weekly newsletter dedicated to making moms feel SEEN in the realm of mental health. As the editor, I’m committed to easing your mom woes — one newsletter at a time — through advice, lessons, and humor on how to live your life right.

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Be YOU.

Xo, Ash