Lessons I Wish Someone Told Me Sooner

Okay friends, I just leveled up to 32! And you know I couldn’t resist putting together one of those “things I’ve learned so far” lists. Think of this as me plopping down with an iced coffee and giving you the real, messy, sometimes funny, sometimes painful truths I’ve picked up along the way.

Here we go:

• You can’t pour from empty. Taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Rest, water, quiet time, movement… they’re fuel. Without it, everything else falls apart.
  

• Thoughts create reality. Your brain is a magnet. Focus on what you want, not what you fear. It sounds cliché, but it’s real.
  

• Self-worth sets the tone. When you know your value, you stop negotiating with people who only see your discounts. Raise your standards and watch how life meets you there.
  

• Boundaries are self-love. Saying “no” is really saying “yes” to peace. Protecting your energy is not mean—it’s survival.
  

• Not every friendship lasts. Some people are chapters, not the whole book. Letting go makes room for the people who are truly aligned with you.
  

• Struggle equals growth. Discomfort usually means you’re leveling up. Growing pains hurt, but what comes after is worth it.
  

• Gratitude is a cheat code. Want more good things? Appreciate the ones you already have. Gratitude multiplies what you focus on.
  

• Forgiveness is freedom. It doesn’t excuse what they did, but it frees you from carrying the weight. Do it for yourself, not for them.
  

• Movement calms the mind. Your body holds emotions. Dance, walk, stretch—let it out.
  

• Play is essential. Be silly. Laugh loud. Be cringe if you want to. Life’s too short to be serious all the time.
  

• Words are energy. Self-talk, affirmations, lyrics—they all shape your vibe. Choose them carefully.
  

• Consistency beats motivation. Motivation is fleeting. Small daily habits, repeated, build the big picture life you want.
  

• Rest is productive. Burnout isn’t a badge of honor—it’s your body waving a red flag. Rest before you crash.
  

• Healing takes time. It’s not linear and never one-size-fits-all. Give yourself grace—it’s still progress.
  

• Faith over fear. Fear paralyzes; faith moves. Even without knowing the “how,” trust the process and step forward.
  

• Comparison is a thief. Someone else’s highlight reel isn’t your reality. Stay in your lane; your journey is yours alone.
  

• Listen more. Talking shows what you know. Listening teaches what you don’t.
  

• Start before you’re ready. Perfect doesn’t exist. Progress does. Messy action > no action.
  

• Adventure always wins. Take the trip, eat the weird food, buy the concert ticket. Stuff fades, memories don’t.
  

• Money spent on experiences is never wasted. You’ll forget the shoes, but never the road trip or that night that made you laugh until you cried.
  

• Your body speaks your mind. Slumped shoulders, shallow breath, restless sleep—it all reflects what’s inside. Pay attention.
  

• You can always start over. At any moment, you can reset, restart, reimagine—without permission.
  

• Getting older is a blessing. Every year is a level unlocked, not a countdown. Proof you’re still here, still becoming.
  

• It's never too late to start over. I changed my college major 4 times. Graduated college at 29 years old.

• And yes… therapy works wonders.
  

So, do I have it all figured out? Absolutely not. But that’s the beauty of it—we’re always learning, unlearning, and leveling up.

Here’s to another year of growth, laughter, adventure, and being unapologetically real. Thanks for being on this ride with me 💙

With love,

CT