29 Random Things I've Learned in 29 Years

I know, I know. When you're looking for life #wisdom, you OBVIOUSLY seek out someone in their twenties. Here goes nothin'.

Hello, my friend,

March 22nd— another trip around the sun. Officially 29 years old.

And, honestly? What a fun age.

I feel both young AND [mostly] mature. *pinkie up*

Like, I still have my youth, but that pesky prefrontal cortex is finally fully developed. What a combo!!!!

This morning, I woke up to a classic “spring” Minnesota morning (AKA 8+ inches of fresh snow blanketing the yard and 20mph wind gusts).

We are staying at a little cabin airbnb on the North Shore of Lake Superior, and it is so cozy. The trees are coated, the air is howling, and it is so beautiful.

While we are all ready for winter to be over, ya can’t deny that livin’ in a snowglobe is pretty magical, too. :)

In addition to the blizzard, I also woke up to this AM was a classic 90s “Happy Birthday” metallic banner hanging from the ceiling, and I literally squealed with delight.

A few months ago I had casually mentioned to my husband that it always felt so special waking up as a kid on my birthday and seeing this one specific banner year-after-year.

And today I woke up to THIS.

Such a small thing, but made me feel so loved. 

In addition to planning ahead & packing the banner for our trip (my childhood nostalgia was ACTIVATED).

He also made one of my favorite foods for breakfast— salmon lox bagels (with 29 candles, obv) and the sweetest handwritten note with a polaroid that he had taken in advance of “my boys”

Just a general reminder that truly listening and remembering the small details of your loved ones can mean so much.

Okay, sap fest over. Onto the content.

Today, I am sending a little #bonus content your way— writing out 29 random things I’ve learned in 29 years. 

• Are they exceptionally wise? I’ll let you be the judge of that.
  (But the answer is no)

• Are they ground-breaking? No, not really.

• Are they true for everyone? Absolutely not.

• Am I an ancient, wise guru imparting her life advice before she gasps her last breath? No. I am a 29-year old, average gal living in the midwest….. with a fully developed pre-front cortex!!!!!!

But regardless of if I am old enough to write down my life advice, it turned out writing 29 random things did provide some reflection and aha moments for me.

And I hope the same for you.

Let’s dive in—

29 Things I’ve Learned in 29 Years

1. If someone pops into your mind, just TEXT THEM. If you like a stranger’s coat, smile, demeanor, TELL THEM. Who doesn’t like a sweet compliment or “just thinking of you” message?! Stop keeping nice thoughts in your head.
   

2. There is no “one right way” to anything — nutrition, exercise, parenting, careers, etc. Everyone’s paths (and unique needs!) are different. Embrace YOURS.
   

3. TRUE time freedom is often is the result of a bit of structure.
   

4. Ugh, I wish this wasn’t true, but it juuuust…. is.
   Make the bed every day.
   (I know, I’m rolling my eyes too).
   It took me almost 3 decades of resisting this unfortunate, annoying truth, but the reality is that it DOES actually make a difference in your mindset for the day. It really DOES give you an easy “quick win”. And it really DOES make your whole bedroom look instantly cleaner. Again, I am truly sorry to inform you that this is true. *sigh*
   

5. Life is better when you’re hydrated. And that’s that. [takes sip of water]
   

6. Your gut instinct is usually right. Anxious thoughts are usually wrong. Learn to distinguish between the two.
   

7. ASK for what you want! Send that email, pitch that idea, request ranch on the side, have that conversation, call customer support and get that refund — if you don’t ask, the answer will always be no!

   
   

8. A long bath with a good book & glass of wine is my personal utopia.
   

9. I was nervous about losing myself, my hobbies, my time, etc. once I had a child (understandably). But, honestly, the opposite has been true. Motherhood has truly EXPANDED my life— not constricted it. While I absolutely can’t live as selfishly as before, my life genuinely feels more intentional, more vibrant, more grounded. I love you, Miles.
   

10. You can do anything… but not *everything*.
    

11. Being proactive about my skincare in my 20s  is something I anticipate 67-year-old Kate will thank me for. (FYI— you’re welcome, elderly kate with glowing, fabulous skin.)
    

12. It’s OK to be playful & goofy & excited about things (yes, even as an “adult”!!!!!).
    

13. I have never regretted investing in my home.
    Interior design, physical space, and the #feel of a room is SO important to me. After all, home is where I spend a majority of my time– why not curate a space that feels warm, intentional, and ~me~ ?!
    

14. 15 minutes of journaling can save yourself from hours of mentally ruminating.
    

15. Wear. The. Clothes. That. You. Want.
    SO simple, but can be weirdly challenging??? I honestly loooove fashion & putting together outfits & more ~bold~ clothing items, but can shy away from wearing them because other people may not like it and I don’t want to seem like I’m “trying too hard”??? Like, what??? Where does that limiting belief even come from??? Life is short— where the bold sweater. 

16. Getting to understand your menstrual cycle & how it impacts you (physically *and* mentally, emotionally, energetically) is hands down one of the most empowering things you can do as a woman.
    

17. While a long walk in nature may not solve everything–
    it sure will help a whole heck of a lot.
    (bonus points if you DON’T have headphones in)
    

18. Not having caffeine after 12:00 PM.
    Trust me, I also thought I was someone that “does great with caffeine!”. But stopping that afternoon cuppa joe has been gaaaame-changing for my sleep. Another unfortunate truth.

    
    

19. Sending hand-written thank you cards will never go out of style.
    

20. My grandpa Sulo is arguably theeeee healthiest 95 year old I have ever seen, and his “secret to health” is 1) chewing his food slowly, 2) taking fish oil supplements, 3) regular hot sauna (he is 100% Finn, after all!), and 4) massaging his feet every day to stimulate reflexology points.
    TBH, I think he has cracked the code.
    

21. Who you marry is prob THEE most important decision you’ll ever make — it’s the person that impacts nearly every other area of your life. (annnnnd I am very  happy with my decision *sappy tear*)
    

22. ANY beverage consumed of a beautiful pottery vessel or wine glass will instantly taste 3.5x better. I don’t make the rules.
    

23. Just my opinion — but in 50 years, I think we will look at the chemicals, toxins, & pesticides in our products, foods, crops, etc. with the lens of how we look at smoking now. Kind of a hindsight 20/20 “what were we thinking?!” kind of thing. 
    
    (That said, while I think it’s great to be INTENTIONAL with the foods you eat & products you use…being OBSESSIVE about the ingredients, purity, nontoxic living, etc. isn’t “healthy” either.)
    

24. Reading before bed > scrolling before bed
    

25. Being *open to* (but not internalizing) constructive criticism is one of the greatest life hacks. Be curious about how you can improve! It’s not an attack, but an opportunity. (.....most of the time, *wink*)
    

26. Positivity is not always synonymous with naïveté.
    

27. There are a lot of opportunities on the other side of your fear of being “cringy”. Do I still die a little inside when I post on social media or tell people I have a ~blog~? Yes. But is it so dang worth it? 100000%. Post the TikTok! Start the YouTube channel! Send the email! Proclaim your skills! Send your resume! Update your LinkedIn! Stop playing small solely because you’re worried about what “they” think. Put yourself OUT THERE! Be a little cringy! Something amazing could happen.
    

28. There is power in a clear delineation between “on work” and “off work”. In your time. In mentality. In physical location. In your focus. (This is something I plan to work on a lot this year!)
    

29. It doesn’t have to “make sense” to other people if it feels right for YOU.

BONUS!!!!

30. Just a friendly reminder that no one is going to stand up at your funeral and say “she had a really great instagram and her house was decorated perfectly and she drove a super nice car” ;)

Okay, that’s all for now.

(Eh. Nevermind. That’s^^ kind of a lie. because when I word-vomit wrote this post, my fingers quickly typed 47 life rules before I realized it. With much restraint, I forced myself to narrow it down to 29 for maximum cute-ousity of the title. No easy feat for this long-winded lady).

Okay, forcing myself to stop this email. I could blabber all day.

I know that one was short ‘n’ sweet, but hopefully packed a punch. ;)

I’m curious — which one resonated the most?

Okay, gotta go— we are off for a snowy, winter-wonderland
(er, um, spring wonderland) walk.

PS: This morning as I journaled and reflected on the past year of my life, one of the first things on the “I am grateful for….” list was YOU. my substack community. I am so excited to continue showing up here & hang with you cool humans. Truly— thank you for being here.

Spring break 2K23!!!!!!! :) The tanlines may fade, but the MeMoRieZ will last a ~lifetime~