There’s something about turning 30. Society or culture makes a huge deal about it. And to a certain extent, it is. However, some people see it negatively, like they’re getting older, like it’s too late to accomplish certain goals, or like you have to rush to get married. But I’m more excited about my thirties than I was about my twenties. I’m more comfortable in my own skin, and I’m happy with where I’m at in life. I only see this as the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what God has prepared for me in the future. That being said, I reflected a lot on the past 10 years and on what I’ve learned, which I’d like to share in this post.

1. Communication is key. Don’t assume anything, but communicate and take the time to listen.

2. There’s no better tool than prayer. There really isn’t!! Of course, we must partake in all the sacraments, read our Bibles, participate in the liturgy. However, in all circumstances and at all times, we must pray about everything, even for the things or people that harm us. Prayer changes you and makes you stronger.

3. You know a lot about a person by the way they leave.

4. “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.” You are the five (that’s what studies say?) people you hang out with the most. Choose wisely and keep your soulmates.

5. Don’t let anyone define you. It’s not because they label you that you are what they say you are. Only you can define yourself.

6. You are not your flaws, nor your sins/mistakes, but do your best to protect your innocence.

7. We all have an impact or an influence on people whether we want it or not, whether we know it or not.

8. Don’t ever think you’re cursed. When you have God in your life, there’s no such thing as being cursed or unlucky.

9. No one will love you unconditionally as much as God and your parents (generally speaking).

10. Boundaries are a must.

11. Not everyone is your friend, but don’t forget to see God in everyone.

12. Service will change your life, or as my father of confession says, “it fixes you”.

13. Trust your gut (the Holy Spirit) inside you (and don’t forget to keep the fire within lit up).

14. Patience is key. Take your time (in everything you do or every decision you take). But know that it’s not the end of the world if you make a bad decision. If you make one, you can always fix it. God can always fix it.

15. Nothing happens for nothing (no such thing as luck or coincidence).

16. Get out of your comfort zone.

17. Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power.

18. Money comes and goes, but not memories (enjoy to the present moment; money is the root of evil).

19. Music affects the soul!!! Listen to this podcast: https://youtu.be/wYxRoZIgIiU?si=FTDIhF1yXRhR4oVx

20. He did say our lives will be difficult, it’s our choice to live a Christian life or not, to choose the path that leads to sanctification). We cannot escape sacrifice, or else how can we expect to become Christlike?

21. There’s a difference between someone who wants you and someone who’ll do everything to keep you.

22. It’s not about if they like you or not, but more about if you like who you are when you’re with them.

23. Be yourself, it opens doors. I remember when I had just started working my first big adulting job, and I felt like everyone around me had it all. No one showed any emotion, whether it was stress or uncertainty. One day, I spoke to a colleague over lunch and asked her how they all did it at work. And she admitted to me that everyone knows how to hide well behind a “mask”. Don’t cover your quirks, your qualities, anything that makes you shine and set you apart. It makes you who you are and will bring you far.

24. The Truth will set you free. The closer you get to the Source of Light (God), the more you are aware of your own darkness.

25. Qui ne risque rien n’a rien.

26. You can’t please everyone and not everyone is for you, but again, remember that we are all children of God.

27. Travelling is one of the best ways to grow and learn (about yourself).

28. Books are great companions too, especially the Bible, the guide to living life!

29. Life (and Christianity) is meant to be simple. We, humans, complicate it.

30. Growth (becoming sanctified) is a lifetime process and I’ll forever be learning lessons.

What are your most important lessons learned? Comment below!

And more pictures…