21 Things I’ve Learnt at the Age of 30!

Yesterday my 31st birthday… woooazah.

It’s been perhaps the most memorable year of my life to date and I have learnt SO much, not only about myself, but also about priorities, life, people and so I wanted to share some of my lessons over on this blog today.

I know most fear reaching their 30’s but I hope this gives a little bit of reassurance that it’s not bad at all…

1. If you’re single whilst turning 30, please make It very clear to your friends or in my case, mum and sister, that you DO NOT want a stripper at your birthday, or they will get you one and it’ll be horrifying. 
2. In order to fall in love again after being hurt in the past, it’s really important to let yourself feel vulnerable.
3. Falling in love is one of the scariest things you could ever allow yourself to do, as it means potentially being hurt again, but it’s also one of the best.
4. Being in your 30’s and living with a best friend is incredible… you’ll learn SO much from them (from how to cook new dishes to their biggest fears) you’ll laugh lots and cry together, and you’ll become closer than ever. It also means you’ll always have a personal therapist living alongside you.
5. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Even as the biggest worrier I’ve really learnt to chill out… things always have a way of working themselves out.
6. If you feel like you have nothing to wear in your wardrobe, it’s because you have too much stuff to actually see the pieces you love. Have a massive declutter party with your friends and donate to charity, it feels great.
7. Turning 30 is nothing to fear, in fact it feels great. I feel I’m at a time in my life where I have enough knowledge and previous experience to talk comfortably and loudly about my opinions and thoughts without having any doubt over them.
8. A little bit of chocolate every evening won’t hurt… everything in moderation!
9. SPF 50 everyday and sleeping on silk pillowcases since the age of 16 has PAID OFF. 
10. Similarly, so has never having smoked, done drugs or been on a sunbed… I thank my younger self for never wanting to try these things.

11. Some people in your life are toxic and some people will never change. Distance yourself from those people who bring you down or make you feel bad about yourself. Life’s too short to keep them in it.

12. Just as important as it is to say yes to new experiences and adventures, it’s just as important to say no and sometimes be selfish with your time. 

13. Having more than 4 evening events out in a week (even if their just dinner or work events) is enough. Time at home with a book is just as fun!

14. Every one ( I mean everyone) has their insecurities, fears and issues, even those who look perfect on social media. Don’t compare or base your happiness on what their doing or how great their life looks and just focus on yourself instead.

15.vWhen you find the one, you’ll know pretty quickly. 

16. Having a partner who you love and who actually takes time to pleasure you is better than any sex toy.

17. Feeling strong is way better than feeling slim and skinny.

18. Respect and honesty are the two most important things for any relationship to last. If one of those goes, I think it’d be super hard to make it work.

19. Your might be a bit jealous about other friends might be getting married and having babies but their probably feeling a little bit jelly of you too, having no responsibilities, with great date stories etc

20. As you grow older, so does your family. Take time to see them as much as possible and cherish every moment.

21. You can still look beautiful without heavy foundation and lashings of eyeliner and mascara. 

22. I guess the other thing I learnt was how much can actually change in a year.

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This time last year I had just moved into the most gorgeous home in North London with two of my oldest school friends. We were all single and all absolutely clueless about how different things would be a year on. I really cherish living with them over the past year as without even knowing, they’ve taught me loads about what I want from life, how important good friends are and I think it was an incredible thing to properly experience (being an adult in your 30’s and properly enjoying the single life with other girls) before moving in with a boyfriend.

Being 30 definitely isn’t as scary as they make it out to be… and I’m really excited for the next chapter!

What life lessons have you learnt recently?

Katie xxx

Photography by Kaye Fordtography