30 Pieces of Advice I'm Giving Myself for My 30th Birthday—in GIFs
On June 11, I’m turning 30 years old. How? I still feel fabulously twenty-five. For the last couple of years, I’ve been planning a trip to Paris for my thirtieth. Unfortunately, due to the world’s current state, that’s no longer possible. Although I can’t sip champagne at a sidewalk café, I still plan on pouncing into this new chapter of life as fiercely as I know how. And I’m keeping my fingers crossed for lucky number 31 underneath the Eiffel Tower!
However, instead of fretting over festive plans gone wrong I’m thinking about all of the glamorous advice I can give myself going into this brand-new decade. And of course, I’m thinking of 13 Going on 30 since I was 13 when it came out and now… well, I’m as old as Jenna Rink’s future self.
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When I turned 25, I interviewed twenty-five different women to get their best age-appropriate advice. A lot of what they had to say is still relevant today and I’ve tried to live my life as fiercely and honestly as possible. But instead of getting advice from outside sources (no matter how fierce) I decided to look inwards for my 30th. Like Mya said, It’s All About Me.
Here are 30 life lessons I’m giving myself for my 30th birthday.
30 Life Lessons in GIFs for My Thirtieth Birthday
1. Walk like you’re a panther on a sleek catwalk.
When in doubt, ask yourself: “Do I look like Naomi Campbell?” If the answer is no, you need to strut a little harder. The sidewalk is your runway. Exude fierceness in everything you do.
2. The more glamour, the better.
Ensure that glamour is always in abundance. Leave a trail of leopard print, glitter, and champagne wherever you go. You’ll never regret turning up the glam, but you will regret bumping into someone while wearing raggedy sweats.
3. Think very carefully before you turn down a party invitation.
After being inside for over a year, I (sort of) regret any invitation I’ve declined in the past. Go to parties, live it up, but always leave while you’re still having fun. There’s nothing worse than being around when the lights go on.
4. Drink all the champagne.
And the sparkling wine and prosecco too. Can anyone really even tell the difference? Okay, yes. I can tell the difference between Moët and Jackson-Triggs. But at the end of the day when you’re celebrating, just fill your coupe to the brim and englut to your heart’s content.
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5. You’re the queen of your world.
But you might not be the queen of someone else’s. And that’s okay. Rule your concrete jungle with everything you’ve got.
6. Avoid burning out.
It’s okay to step away from your computer! Don’t feel like you have to work like a maniac just because “hustle culture” tells you to. Hustling that outrageously hard is cancelled anyway. And unlike Juicy Couture tracksuits, it’s not about to make a comeback.
7. Dress up as often as possible.
Stop saving fancy outfits for “special” occasions and just wear them. The point is for them to be seen and that’s not going to happen if they’re collecting dust in your walk-in closet. Show them off. And this goes for your homewares too… If you feel like drinking water from a long-stemmed wine glass, just do it.
8. Be unapologetically yourself.
Even when it doesn’t make sense to your family or friends, you have to do things the way you feel is right for you. It’s your life. Be authentic.
9. Trust the dream woman you’re growing into. She’s fierce.
10. Stay confident.
This is something no one can take away from you. And if they try, it just means that they’re not comfortable and confident in themselves. Guard your confidence like you would a Harry Winston diamond. You’re unforgettable, baby!
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11. Celebrate often.
Whether it’s pouring a vintage flute of champagne or getting up from your desk and doing a happy dance, your wins—both gigantic and microscopic—deserve to be celebrated.
12. Fake it ‘til you make it.
Never feel like you’re not talented or smart or creative enough to follow your dreams. When in doubt, fake it. You can learn along the way.
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13. Delete unsolicited advice before it reaches your ears.
14. Moderation is key.
If you want that juicy burger, then go for it. And add fries, of course. A healthy diet is all about moderation, not starvation. Your body is yours and you look fabulous.
15. When in doubt, buy more houseplants.
16. “If you really want something, you don’t stop for anyone or anything until you get it.”
17. Try looking at things from new perspectives.
18. Get our of your comfort zone.
Staying curled up under the blanket of comfort you know and love can be tempting but it’s never going to get you where you want to be. Things that are worth having are usually hard to get. Work for it.
19. Conserve your energy.
Don’t waste your time trying to convince people of your worth if they’re not willing to see it. Move on. Be happy without them.
20. If something is no longer serving you, kiss it goodbye.
21. Question things you’re unsure of.
If something feels off, question it. Trust your gut. Trust your intuition. Don’t just take someone’s word for something if you don’t believe it.
22. Parties above parties.
Have political views and opinions, but also party like you’re Holly Golightly.
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23. Take care of yourself.
Vigorously moisturize, exercise, eat healthy foods. You’ve only got one body so treat it like the rare diamond that it is. And wear sunscreen!
24. Keep saying no.
Normalize saying no when you don’t want to do something or go somewhere. It’s perfectly okay. Say no and say it with conviction.
25. Stay fierce.
Staying fierce is about more than just looks. It’s about growth. You should be outgrowing people, places, and things. If you’re not growing, you’re dead. Keep flourishing and evolving and morphing into the woman you want to be.
26. Maintain friendships—new and old.
Bad bitches are hard to come by, so when you hook one, hold on. Successful relationships take time and effort to maintain. Put in that work.
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27. Workout often.
Keep up your active lifestyle. Stretch, move, jump, run, get your heart-rate up! Even if you sometimes feel hesitant about working out, you know that you always feel 100 times better after.
28. Pick yourself.
At the end of the day, you’re the person that matters the most. In tough situations, pick yourself. Life changes like crazy but the one thing that remains consistent is your trust in yourself.
29. Be highly selective.
Whether it’s the food you’re eating or the opportunities that present themselves, be highly selective about everything in your life. No more half measures or falsas esperanzas.
30. Anything you want to do in life is possible.
Like Brandy sang in Cinderella, it’s possible. If you don’t see a clear path right away, then make your own. Pounce after your dreams with full-throttle ferocity.
LISTEN: Thirty, Flirty, and Thriving Playlist
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