31 Things

Today I turned 31, and last night I got to thinking about all the things I've learned and the 'Aha!' moments that have been had. At 31 I can honestly say, I'm really excited for the coming years. I think my mother said it best when she said 'it seems like you're really hitting your stride.' I know and embrace who and what I am. I'm not holding onto the fears and insecurities of the teenaged and 20 something Whit. I mean honestly you couldn't PAY me to go back to my 20s. So here are a few things I have learned and know now. 31 to be exact.

1. Love yourself. Fiercely. No one else is obligated to.
2. FOMO is stupid. If you try to be at every event with every person you will be emotionally and financially drained.
3. Have a 5 minute face. If you get to this point in your life and don't have one, go to Sephora. They will help you.
4. Have a go-to power look. Something that makes you feel pulled together and great. Have one for work, one for dates, and just one to have on tap.
5. Find your tribe. Find those people who support you and love you and are there for you in valleys as well as the peaks.
6. Know that not everyone wants you to win. Haters are real.
7. Don't be a hater. When the people around you have successes, celebrate them. Don't be that girl.
8. Make big moves in silence. See #6. Not everyone needs to know your goals and plans.
9. Know how to write a resume. Seriously.
10. Know how to conduct yourself on an interview. Be prepared, research the company, know your shiz. 
11. Be a WHOLE person. Stop expecting external things to fill the holes in your life. Not relationships, not friendships, not booze. 
12. Own your crap. If you mess up? Own in. Put you whole foot in your mouth? Own it.
13. Be you. Don't concern yourself with the thoughts of others.
14. Don't get carried away with #13. There are a lot of people in our generation that go a little too far with the IDGAF. At work? You should give AF. Your family? Definitely give several Fs.
15. Stop complaining about how hard it is to be an adult.
16. You will slowly become more and more like your mother. Accept it.
17. Children repeat things. So watch yourself.
18. No one is in love with their job everyday. Deal with it.
19. If your job makes you miserable everyday, and when you're not at work, its time for a new one.
20. KNOW WHAT YOUR MONEY IS DOING!
21. Set up your 401k with a company match. NEVER TURN DOWN FREE MONEY!
22. It's not cute to play dumb.
23. Ask for the things you want. The worst that happens? They say no.
24. Some friendships/relationships are not meant to last. Know when to cut the chord. It doesn't make you evil, it makes you smart.
25. SELF CARE! You cannot function and love and care for others if you do not first take care of yourself.
26. Find a hobby. No seriously. Find one. You like to read? Join a book club. Into yoga? Find a studio. Like art? Take classes at the museum.
27. Not every trend is for every body. Dress for you.
28. Don't let past mistakes haunt your entire life. Learn the lesson and keep it moving.
29. Don't be afraid to take risks and make changes in your life. Great things can happen.
30. Keep learning. All the time. Everyday.
31. Love yourself. Fiercely.