1.    Always pack snacks. Throw a Mezcla bar or a cutie in your bag. Getting hangry is 100% avoidable.

2.    Trust in the timing of life. It could be ‘God’s timing’ or ‘the Universe’s timing,’ depending on who or what you believe in. But trust that someone or something has your timing figured out and you needn’t stress about it.

3.    Sunscreen isn’t optional. It’s actually essential.

4.    Don’t shop when you’re tired. You know how you’re not supposed to go grocery shopping hungry? This is the online shopping version. Put your phone down, that dress on Revolve will be there in the morning.

5.    Carrying gum is an easy way to make friends. Me? I’m a 5 Gum girl (spearmint), but you do you.

6.    Sometimes a good cry is the best therapy. But also, therapy is good therapy, if that works for you.

7.    Take everything with a grain of salt. It’s not that serious.

8.    Don’t compare yourself to others…or to yourself. Remember that comparison is the thief of joy. Also, don’t pull up old photos of yourself from last year, three years ago, or five years ago and say (or even think): “I looked better back then.” You’ve grown and changed. That’s a good thing.

9.    You can’t be a people-pleaser and a leader. I heard Emma Grede say this once and damn, it hit me so hard.

10. Say ‘no’ to everything not getting you closer to your goals. And don’t apologize for it.

11. Listen more than you talk. You’ll learn more that way.

12. Surround yourself with people who have drive and discipline. Throughout my life, I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by driven and disciplined people who’ve directly (or indirectly) guided me in the right direction toward what’s important.

13. Make sure you’re drinking enough water.

14. Don’t concern yourself with the criticisms of people who don’t know your heart. A person’s thoughts and opinions of you are more a reflection of them than they are of you anyway. Listen to the people who know and love you.

15. Eating healthy is a luxury. Enjoy those veggies.

16. Your energy is sacred. Protect it.

17. You don’t have to do anything to center yourself. I used to have a very action-oriented mindset toward feeling better: I’d tell myself to go for a run, get outside, or put on music. Sometimes that stuff works, but other times rest and stillness are the best medicine. FWIW, I’m a big fan of a nap.

18. Success looks different for everyone. Another reason not to compare.

19. Ask questions. Knowledge is power.

20. It’s okay to outgrow people, places, and things. Growth is part of the journey. You can wish someone well and still not want them to be in your life. That’s fine.

21. Laugh as much as you can. And as often as possible. 

22. Celebrate every win, big or small. Last week, I had dinner with my family. We hadn’t sat down together just the four of us in I don’t know how long. That was a win for me.

23. Discover your values and then prioritize them. Life can feel overwhelming with endless tasks, responsibilities, and distractions. But I’ve learned that when I focus time and energy on the things that align with my values — like family, relationships, health, and personal growth — it makes all the difference.

24. Making an effort is always cool.

25. If you can count your friends on one hand, you’re lucky. My parents taught me that one and I believe it more now than ever.

26. If you work hard and are kind, things will pretty much always go your way.

27. Don’t hold back on love or pride. If you love someone, tell them. If you’re proud of someone, tell them.

28. You’re not old. Not even close.