So I'm not 90 (who would have thunk it?) but those of you who read this blog will learn that yes I am over 30. Applause! Yep, it's life after 30. I remember feeling a lot of anxiety when this age was approaching but also a snarky "Ha I'm smarter than your 21 year old girlfriend and also a lot wiser." But that's not all I felt. I think women as a general rule feel a sense of added pressure to marry, tackle their careers head on, and also settle down into a nice little home with the cliche picket fence and their little doggy too. Not to mention beasties on the way; unless of course that has already entered the picture. It's the same old trite saying, "Age is just a number" but I'm here to tell you honey it is not. It is much more than that. It is empowering. It is enlightening and it is defining.

So I thought I'd share with all the ladies, girls, chicks, chicas, women, and madams all the wonderful things I've learned past 30. OK, it's for the men, too. If you'd like to add to my humble list be my guest but this is what I've learned in the past 31 years:

*People's personalities are set in plaster by the age of 5 (including your boyfriend's) stop trying to change them.

*Unforgiveness is a breeding ground for inner torment. Forgive everyone.

*You will gain more friends by listening.  

*The most insecure people are typically the most arrogant.

*Trust your gut. It is right.

*Anything can be overcome with a little faith and perseverance.

*Be prepared for the unknown. Your life will probably not turn out the way you envision.

*Do not ignore red flags early in a relationship.

*Men are wired differently than women both biologically and psychologically; they are basically cavemen who need to be tamed.

*He's not going to treat the next girl "better."

*Say you're sorry sometimes, even when you are right.

*Never ever lower your standards or values to gain approval from others.

*You will not get respect by being a people pleaser especially in the office.

*Spirituality needs to be fed; it is the key to inner peace and self love.

*Drugs should never be "cool", accepted or tolerated. Not even on a social level and I don't care what year it is. They demolish lives.

*There is nothing more beautiful than compassion.

*Worry chips away at the soul. "What if" thinking is a tool from the enemy.

*Let go of past hurts. The more time you spend living with resentment the longer it will take to heal.

*You will suffer in life. It builds character.

*It's OK to eat ice cream and veg on Sundays.

*Buy a meal for a homeless person.

*Wear your favorite perfume. Don't save if for special occasions.

*Judging others is a waste of time and a reflection of your own insecurities.

*God is in control of your life. Let go.