courtney shields

tee. biker shorts. jacket. 

I woke up bright and early Saturday morning to the sound of Kinsley singing “happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me” and while it was a little earlier than normal, I couldn’t help but laugh to myself a little. So, in the wise words of my 2 year old, “happy birthday to me”. Today is officially my 32nd birthday. 32! When the hell did that happen, ya know?!

I can honestly say that so far I’ve enjoyed my 30’s more than my 20’s (a sentence I never thought I’d say). Why? I think mostly because I know myself more. I’m confident in who I am and what I want in life. Do I have it all figured out? Not even close, but I’ve learned a few lessons over the past 32 years and wanted to share them with you today.

1. God is real. Heaven is real.
2. People make time for the people they want to make time for. This is just a fact.
3. Life is like chutes and ladders. You wanna take a short cut and not put in the work? Look out for the slide right around the corner, cause you’re going back down eventually. Hard work pays off and if you want to have sustainability in what you do, there are no shortcuts. Put in the work, one day at a time. “The person you see at the top of the mountain? They didn’t fall there, they climbed every step of the way.”
4. If a guy likes you, you will know. If you aren’t sure, he’s not that into you. Walk away happy you missed the bullshit.
5. Regret is the worst. Often people try to avoid heartbreak, rejection, failure, when they should be avoiding regret. Take the chance, buy the plane ticket, say the “I love you”. It’s ok to get your heart broken or get rejected, it’s far better than living with the “what ifs”.
6. Saying no to things is just as important, if not more important than saying yes. This has been a big one for me recently. I am learning to say no when I need to and not spread myself too thin— that way, I can show up and be present for what really matters.
7. You are not your thoughts. My best friend and I were chatting about this recently. Learn to separate yourself from your thoughts and you will be able to live much more evenly.
8. Positivity is a choice. Make it daily.
9. “Life doesn’t happen to you, it happens for you.” Give yourself grace and be ok with learning as you go.
10. You just can’t please everyone. You can be the juiciest peach and there is still somebody that isn’t going to like peaches.
11. People really like to give their unsolicited advice. This is pretty much true all the time, but especially when it pertains to parenting and straws lol.
12. Everyone likes a pregnant girl. Seriously, it’s true. If you missed this post about “Things People Don’t Tell You About Being Pregnant” it’s a funny one.
13. Gossip is for the birds. I learned this a long time ago. Don’t gossip, it’s not a good look.
14. Pick your friends wisely. Your friends can positivity or negatively influence the whole trajectory of your life. Surround yourself with good people.
15. Don’t get caught up worrying what other people think. This is one of my favorite lessons of all, and one I am always leaning into. If I could go back, give me 13 year old self a big hug and this sage advice, I’d have saved myself a lot of heartache.
16. Support other women. Lift each other up, compliment each other, cheer your friends on. There is enough room for everyone to succeed and it’s about time that women start supporting each other, instead of trying to bring each other down. Be more secure than that, ya know?
17. You are stronger than you think. Never underestimate yourself. You’re stronger and more capable than you can possibly know. You got this!
18. Take care of your skin! Wear sunscreen daily and curate a morning and night routine that works for you.
19. Rules are meant to be broken. Now, I don’t mean ignore stop signs and board a plane without your passport, but life has a set of ‘sillier’ rules. Don’t wear white after Labor Day, Don’t eat dessert first…ignore those kinds of rules.
20. Confidence is key. Be confident but humble. When done right, the two marry perfectly.
21. Dress for your body. It makes the biggest difference! Learn what flatters you most and rock it.
22. Grief sucks and everyone handles it differently. I wish there was a more poetic way to put that, but there just isn’t. Give yourself grace, give other people grace. Cry when you want to, laugh when you need to and take it all one day at a time.
23. There are 7 days in a week and someday isn’t one of them. Stop waiting of that ____ thing to make you happy. The job, the promotion, the guy, the house, the baby. Learn to live in the now and be happy in that moment.
24. Only compete with yourself. Strive everyday to do your personal best, and you’ll be much happier than if you sit around and compare yourself to others. Focus more on improving yourself, your mindset, your life, and less on where Bridget from freshman year math class is vacationing next week.
25. Love your body. I’m never going to be 5’9 or have a thigh gap and that’s a-ok. Love YOUR body, the amazing and perfect way it was made.
26. Hurt people hurt people. Whether it’s a troll on the internet or your coworker—when someone feels the need to say mean hurtful things to you, or about you behind your back, it usually has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.
27. The right lipstick can make all the difference. But really…it can. Not just to flatter your face, but to help you feel like you can conquer the world. Sometimes it’s the tiniest things that make the biggest difference.
28. Being nice is cool. Being mean is never going to be cute. Be kind, it’s free.
29. Everyone has a love language, know yours. This is one of my favorite books. It’s based on the idea that everyone has a love language, a way we receive love. Knowing yours will help you understand what you need from yourself, your significant other, your job etc.
30. Make lists and set goals. Lists are so underrated! Make a daily list of to-do’s and cross them off as you go. It’s crazy satisfying and helps get everything out of your head and onto paper. This frees up your mind for more important things. Also, WRITE DOWN your goals. Just trust me, it helps.
31. Working out is about way more than a number on a scale. I literally can’t tell you the last time I weighed myself but I can tell you that working out a few times a week helps me show up as the best version of myself mentally, physically and emotionally.
32. The key to having it all is knowing that you already do. This is one of my favorite quotes of all time. Live in a state of thanksgiving. Thank God for not only the big things in your life, but the little things too. It’s amazing how being thankful can change your perspective.

That’s it for today. I’m off to eat a little more chocolate cake than socially acceptable!