Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. –Al Franken

Today, I am 30 and I’m pumped! Of course, anyone who comes within a 20 mile radius around this time of year KNOWS it’s my birthday! I’ve always been a celebration kind of gal, and I may have dropped hints to my friends all year about wanting a surprise 30th birthday party.

Lesson #1: You get in life what you have the courage to ask for. (Especially if you ask about 300 times.)

Lesson #2: Persistence pays off. 

Well, they successfully did it. They surprised a psychic on her 30th birthday with an 80s themed extravaganza! Decked from top to bottom with My Little Pony, sparkle magic, and complete with props and a photo booth to capture our craziness. I’m beyond blessed to be surrounded by friends and family who support my journey (and who are willing to put in the work to pull off such a magical surprise!)

Working behind the chair has taught me the down and dirty truth about how we, as women, feel about ourselves. And lemme tell ya – it ain’t so pretty.

I’ve spent the last few months chatting up my clients who sit in my chair about their experience with turning 30. So many women I’ve talked to who’ve hit the third decade of their life have felt some major resistance to the change of turning the big 3-0. (I also discovered that women in their 40s have adopted a “fuck it” kind of attitude so I think I’m going to skip a decade and go with that attitude!)

Some have felt like they’ve failed because they weren’t married with kids or working the job of their dreams, some felt like they have been living a life that was designed by someone else, and some weren’t even sure of who they truly are or what they’re passionate about.

I’ve challenged myself to take a nice long life review at this milestone and I’ve found that my definition of success has changed along the way. Before I would describe success as a number in your bank account or how many likes and followers you have on social media or even the fancy titles like CEO or VIP.

Today I define success as the ability to wake up and choose joy – peace – love. 

Life has thrown me some crazy-ass curve balls. Like getting trapped on a mountain in the middle of the night with my hubby and mother-in-law after driving 17 hours into Colorado, witnessing my mom overcome the odds from a paralyzing stroke, and learning to UNlearn a lifetime of self-loathing.

“When you learn to accept “what is”, you will begin to live in a state of flow that offers peace, freedom, and trust. I’m not saying this is an easy path, but it’s worth it.”  [Click to Tweet!]

No matter the odds – I’m still here. No matter how low the low’s – I’m still here. No matter how shitty the situation – I’m still here and that’s enough. 

Life is our great teacher. Learn the lesson the first time and you won’t have to repeat the lesson over and over again. The lesson is LOVE. Bottom line. Love is everything.

Along my journey, I’ve discovered a few of life’s golden secrets and I’ve collected some of my favorites to share with you below.

So, I have 30 candles to make a wish upon this year. I wish for Love. I wish for everyone to know Peace. For a world filled with Joy. 

I wish for you a lifetime of Love. First with yourself and then with all those you have the privilege of crossing paths with. Enjoy.

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30 Heart-Opening Life Lessons Learned by 30

1. Everything happens for a reason. And I mean EVERYTHING!

2. You’re never given more than you can handle, I call them opportunities for growth

3. Go with the flow and trust the timing – Relax

4. Progress not perfection – Just start

5. Let it go Louie – Shake the small stuff

6. This too shall pass – Keep moving

7. Have an Attitude of Gratitude – Be thankful

8. Give and you shall receive – The more you have, the more you have to share

9. Self-care isn’t selfish – It’s necessary

10. The love you’re seeking is your own – Stop looking outside yourself

11. Be your unique self – There’s nobody else like ya

12. Forgiveness is the key to freedom – For real.

13. Trust your gut. Every time.

14. Change is inevitable

15. Everything is figureoutable

16. You are not the mean thoughts you think about yourself

17. You are powerful beyond measure – You’re a soul having a human experience

18. Pursuing your passion is the greatest reward

19. JOY is found along the journey

20. Determination and dedication are the key to reaching your goals

21. Laughter heals the soul

22. You determine your worth, not your social media friends, pant size, or any other outside opinion

23. Happiness is a choice and it begins within

24. Peace is possible and it starts with YOU

25. Nature is the cure – Go outside

26. All the answers you seek are within you – Stop waiting for permission

27. Boundaries are necessary to maintain balance – Keep them

28. Believe ANYTHING is possible – Magic happens!

29. Love is what it’s all about – Period.

30. Que “Sere Sere” – Wise words about accepting what life throws at you spoken from my mom after recovering from her stroke 

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I’m curious to know…

Which nugget of wisdom resonated most with you?

Leave a comment below and let me know what comes up for you.

Remember: Your voice inspires others. Feel free to leave as much detail as possible. Your story matters!

I appreciate the time you share with me on this journey. I love sharing my thoughts and ideas with you and hope you’ll do the same! Leave your thoughts, ideas, questions and comments below.

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I believe in GIVING BACK

Many of us have no idea what it’s like to be thirsty. We have plenty of water to drink — even the water in our toilets is clean!

But many people around the world don’t have that luxury. Every day, about 1,400 children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are simple solutions like drilled wells, spring protections and BioSand filters that help provide clean water to communities around the world.

In honor of my 30th birthday, I started this fundraising campaign to help charity: water build these types of projects around the world, and I’m looking for anyone who can help me.

Please donate to my campaign — anything you can give is a huge help.

100% of the money will be used to build clean water projects, and when they’re complete, charity: water will send us photos and GPS coordinates so we can see the exact community we helped.

Remember, the more you have the more you have to share, weather it be love, wisdom, happiness, or even some spare change. 

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