In honor of my 35 years of life today, I wrote a little something for you all (don’t act surprised!). Read on for some of my most cherished lessons learned along my journey…

35 things I’ve learned in my 35 years of life:

1. I’ve learned that the world owes you nothing. It was here first. (Repeat that out loud).
2. I’ve learned that life is not a fairy tale. If you lose your shoe at midnight, you’re drunk.
3. …that if you’re going to start cutting out foods that are bad for you, make sure you do the same with people.
4. …that big hospitality has nothing to do with the size of your house.
5. ….that anger is merely punishment we give to ourselves for somebody else’s mistake.
6. I’ve learned not to devalue or hurt anyone in this life, circumstances can change at anytime. You may be powerful today, but time is more powerful than you.
7. I’ve learned that the dead receive more flowers than the living bc regret is stronger than gratitude. Be grateful today.
8. …that everyone is gifted but many people never open their package.
9. I’ve learned not to give pieces of myself away just to keep someone else whole.
10. …and that direction is far more important than speed.
11. I’ve learned that if someone’s absence brings you peace, you didn’t lose them, you found yourself.
12. I’ve learned that the key to happiness is to do things for others. And the key to misery is to expect them to be grateful.
13. I’ve learned (ladies) that sometimes your knight in shining armor turns out to be an idiot wrapped in tinfoil. Learn the difference.
14. I’ve learned that the road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision. Right or wrong, be decisive.
15. I’ve learned that we are never hurt by love, but by someone who didn’t know how to love.
16. I learned a long time ago that you should stop searching for your other half. You are not a half.
17. I learned that when someone looks at you and sees the person that you hide so well and loves you anyways, they are your person.
18. I’ve learned, and firmly believe, that finding the courage to say no without giving an excuse is a superpower.
19. I’ve learned that it’s absolutely impossible to be sad when you’re holding a cupcake.
20. I’ve learned that the easiest way to shop is without kids.
21. I’ve learned to deal with the faults of others as gently as my own.
22. …that we all eat lies when our hearts are hungry.
23. I’ve learned that the people who break you will never be the ones who can put you back together.
24. I’ve learned that when you find that place that brings out the human in you, go there often.
25. I’ve learned never to judge by appearances, a rich heart may be under a poor coat.
26. …and that if you want the rainbow, you have to be willing to put up with the rain.
27. I’ve learned that silence is golden. Unless you have kids. Then silence is just suspicious.
28. I’ve come to learn that intoxicated people, children, and leggings always tell the truth…
29. I’ve learned that your trauma is not your fault, but your healing is your responsibility.
30. I’ve learned that marriage is not a lifelong commitment. It’s a daily commitment.
31. I’ve learned that the version of you that people create in their minds is not your responsibility.
32. …and that God gave us mouths that close and ears that don’t…that should tell us something.
33. I’ve learned that wherever you should stand, be the soul of that place.
34. I’ve learned that’s sometimes it’s about removing chairs from the table. Read that again.
35. And I’ve learned that life is short. Eat the darn cake while you still have teeth.

Wishing you all love and light ✌️🌟💛

xxoo,

Maura