29 Things I learned, loved or resonated with me in my 29th year
And excited for all that is to come in my thirties
This is always my favorite post to write each year and I treasure the time reflecting on the previous year’s lessons, favorite moments, and growth.
The 29 things I learned, loved and that resonated with me this year are:
Marriage is the most special, wonderful, and beautiful thing. Marrying Jordan Luke Divine was hands down the best part of year 29 and my twenties as a whole! Ending this decade married to my best friend, number one cheerleader and love of my life was such a blessing.
Having your parents move into your neighborhood is the most amazing gift ever! I truly pinch myself daily that this is real life. Every time I run over for a backyard playdate, host Sunday family dinners, or wave to them from the street my heart just fills to the brim.
Always buy yourself flowers (preferably peonies or hydrangeas) when you’re grocery shopping at Trader Joes.
When in doubt, pray about it and hand it to God.
“When you don’t know why something went wrong, think about it as something that went right for reasons that are not yet apparent.” - Anonymous
You may one day figure it out or you may not. Either way it’s put you on your path to where you are meant to be.
You don’t need more than 2 cups of coffee a day. But some days an iced afternoon coffee (cup number 3) is a perfect treat.
Friendship is truly one of life’s greatest gifts. That being said, pour and invest in the friendships that leave you with a full cup. Walk away or pour less into the ones that don’t. Your true friends will always show up for you and will never make it feel one sided. And on that note never be afraid to suggest coffee or dinner with a new acquaintance, they just may become a forever dear friend!
Sometimes being in bed on a Friday at 7:30 pm is good for the soul.
Rachel Beachy and Jen Schoop’s poems bring SO MUCH JOY!
The idea of a family gratitude journal. How cute is the idea of finding random moments in which you record what everyone in your family is grateful for in a collective journal. I am so excited to start this and think it will be extra special with little ones down the road.
Voice memos are amazing! Truly so grateful for this technology to be able to share quick snippets with friends amidst the busy moments of everyday life.
If you want something, ask for it. You won’t know unless you try and the worst thing you can here is a “no” or “not yet.”
Sisters are the greatest blessing. Celebrating big life moments with your built in best friends is truly priceless.
I love pilates and my body loves pilates. It is so fun to find new exercises that work well with your body and make you feel stronger. Don’t be afraid to dive headfirst into a new endeavor.
It is in your best self interest to find ways to be tender to you and those around you.
You make your own weather. How cool is it to think about how you approach moments of frustration, hurt, and disappointment. Wouldn’t it be amazing to meet more of your troubles with sunshine or a calm than a big storm cloud?
Hosting dinner parties and cooking for friends, neighbors, family is my favorite thing to do.
True friends will always look for the best in you. We’re human, sometimes we fall short but surround yourself with people who no matter what know you are doing your best and believe the best in you.
Topo Chico is the superior bubbly water and the perfect dinner beverage treat.
Find ways to be generous to both your friends and strangers and sprinkle that into your everyday life.
There are very few sad moments in life that can’t be cured by cuddles, kisses and belly rubs with your favorite furry friend. We truly do not deserve dogs and their unconditional love for their people; and in Finn’s case all people.
Thank you notes will forever be classy.
If you want to build a new routine do it for 21 days. It just takes 21 to turn something into a habit. Whether its drinking more water, using moisturizer in the morning and night, taking vitamins, or getting outside for a short walk each day- you can do it!
Send the short little text to someone you love but haven’t talked to in too long just letting them know you love and miss them. It means the world.
Everyone needs a work best friend! Find your person and then you can navigate all the ups and downs together.
Pointy toe block heels add the perfect amount of sophistication and class to any outfit.
Painting with watercolors while listening to T-Swift with dear friends is such a soothing way to close out a crazy week.
Trust the process and find joy in the immediate. Life always finds a way.
Community is the most soul-filling thing and I am so eternally grateful for all the people who make up mine. I love you all oh so very dearly!
In the past I have done a few “yes” years. In fact, yes is one of my all time favorite words. It has led to so many wonderful adventures and accomplishments I didn’t think possible. This year, I am pivoting a bit and having a bit of “no then yes” year. This year has taught me that I need to learn to say no more in order to make room for more yes’ for the people and things that matter most.
With big, big, BIG hugs,
Tate