I still have a few more years until I turn 30, but I think the friendships point is a great one. I think that it is important for people, in their early 20’s especially, to always value friendships and make them a priority. Be loyal to your friends and show them that you care. If you don’t do this, you probably won’t be friends with them in the next few years. Friendships are so important.

I would also add one that has been striking me hard lately. You only get one life, one moment; So live it the best you can and take care of yourself.

Love this! I am now 6 days away from turning 28 and while I don’t feel bad about it, I think people put a lot of pressure on you as you get older. We don’t have kids yet because my husband is still in medical school but I get asked so much “WHY don’t you have kids yet!?” That is the most frustrating part…people act like my ovaries are going to shrivel up and die between now and next year.

That first one sings to me! Combine it with my strength – both physically and mentally, and you’ve got it right on the money!

Love this list, and it echoes a lot of my own lessons I learned during my 20s. I turned 30 this past Feb, and sadly, I spent much of my 29th year feeling unaccomplished and fearful of this milestone. But you know what? 30, while *completely* different than how I’d imagined it (hello, surprise pregnancy!), is awesome and keeps getting better! The most important lesson I learned in my 20s (& what allowed me to finally embrace turning 30 in that final month as a twenty-something) is to stop comparing myself (my career, body, life, etc.) with others! That was my biggest issue last year, but thankfully I grew and transformed (though I’m still a work in progress) and learned how to be grateful for MY life and blessings.
Enjoy the last days of 29, but trust me then I say 30 is even better! 🙂

I turned 32 a couple weeks ago and what I really find different about my 30’s as apposed to my 20’s is that not everything is a big deal. I mean, I was moving into this mode around 28 or so, but it really hit in my 30’s. I used to think everything was such a big deal and now, it’s just life. I also think that towards the end of my 20’s that I realized that I know very little about the things that we all think we are experts about in our early 20’s (remember back to that feeling of being SO mature and SO adult in your early 20’s? I laugh at that now). I love that I can constantly keep learning about things and admit when I just don’t know, and that is totally fine! And, very much YES to #11. When I hear people complain about how someone was rude on one day or someone is rude to me, I always try to remember that A) I have my moments too, I’m not perfect and B) I have zero idea what’s going on in his or her life, the battles we fight are not always evident on the outside.

Just wanted to add to #9. When someone show them who they are believe them THE FIRST TIME! I believe that was a Maya Angelo quote.

Love these Caitlin! You are very wise. 🙂

#4- it’s so true!! Friendships that use to be so easy, now take legit work to maintain and keep going.
#10- I LOVE drama on TV because I keep it out of my own life- no time for that- and enjoy seeing others drama on the tube.
#11- Always be kind. Even when it’s so difficult and you’re biting your tongue.

Such a great list, Caitlin!

All of these were so helpful to me and I can relate to each piece of advice. Things seem so hard right now 🙁 can’t wait for this phase to pass! Thank you for the encouraging words <3

As a secure 32 year old, trust me 30’s are a magical time, and there is nothing to be negative about. Age is a number. In my 20’s I learned to rely on myself, how to be a wife, mom and what friendships are really important. I also learned that you need to let go and trust your gut. Your 30’s simply become the time when you can laugh at all the “young” kids, and be safe and sound in your own skin. It’s also a good time to enjoy all the things you worked hard to establish in your 20’s. I like #15 and wish I would have learned that at 22 rather than 28. Nice tips.

I am much more content and comfortable with myself in my 30s than I was in my 20s. I prefer it exponentially.

In my 20s, I learned how to chase my dreams. I learned a lot of important lessons about the power of optimism and positivity. More than anything, I learned that you can change your whole life; it’s just a decision.

In my 30s, I’ve learned what I’m made of in a big, big way. It’s harder, and more fulfilling. I wouldn’t change it.

I am still in my 20’s but I have learned so much and I hope what I have learned will carry me through to my 30’s. Great post!

LOVE THIS! <3

I’m 31, but I still remember my 20s. 😉 I think what I learned is that friendships do take work, and the people who you truly love and care about are the ones you will make an effort to keep around. I think it’s also important to realize that not everyone is meant to be in your life forever, and it’s ok to let someone go if they don’t have a positive place in your life. I had a few friendships like that in my 20s and when I finally told myself that it was ok to drift away, it was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I think all people are in our lives for a reason, but some aren’t meant to stay. And that’s ok. 🙂

Love that list…but wouldn’t your 30s be your fourth decade?

Your 30’s are soooooooo much better than your 20’s are. You are heading into the sweet spot, where maturity meets money and ability. Enjoy it!

I love this list. Such good reminders, thanks for sharing!