#i used it at the perfect excuse to try some skincare and makeup stuff that im too stickershocked to get normally

[turkeydinner-jpeg]

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[sicloudlifting]

Underrated Self Care Items to Lift

Okay so I was talking on Peach about how I hate that I only ever see the stereotypical self care items like haircare, skincare, makeup, etc. So, I decided to make a list of things to lift to care for yourself that isn't just the usual lotions and lipstick. This can be for people with mental illness or neurotypicals who just aren't that good at participating in self care. Alright, here we go.

A water bottle. If you have a really nice water bottle you're way more likely to drink water, it's a proven fact. I take several medications with side effects of dehydration but for some reason I very rarely feel thirsty so I am chronically dehydrated. Honestly if you feel like shit one day and can't figure out why drink some water and see if you feel better. I always feel so icky when I don't drink enough water. I've even seen smart water bottles that you can connect to your phone. If you don't like regular water, lift some of those Mio water flavoring bottles, or some fruit to make infused water.

Nutritious foods. Grocery hauls are becoming way more of a thing on liftblr which I love to see because there's only so many clothes and so much makeup you really need and can use. Lift some fancy nutritious food from like Whole Foods or something. I mean how hard is it to slide a couple of organic bananas into your bag? Some granola? A bar or vegan and ethically sourced dark chocolate? Whatever man just lift a nutritious snack to eat during your self care time.

Socks. I feel like socks are a pretty common lift but just in case you weren't thinking about it. I like those really thick and cushiony old man socks lmfao, they're so comfy to wear around the house especially if you've just put some lotion on your feet.

Nail polish. I feel like this is also common to lift, but if you haven't thought about it, consider it. Taking a little time to paint your nails garuntees you won't be doing anything for awhile, and gives you an excuse to just sit around while your nails dry. Plus it's fun, simple, and I feel like everyone feels a little more put together with their nails painted.

A really nice robe. Getting a really nice robe to just wear around the house or after you leave the shower is heavenly, truly. Imagine stepping out of the shower freshly shaved, moisturizing with a thick nice smelling body butter, and then sliding into a silk robe? The vibes.

Comfy pajamas. I always just wear old t shirts and boxers at my house, but consider lifting some cute and soft pajamas. How you dress is directly related to how you feel, so even if no one is going to see you that day it never hurts to dress up a little for yourself. I don't recommend anything sexy and lacey, just some simple, soft, comfortable PJ's to lounge around in.

House slippers. I honestly hate having things on my feet, I like my toes to be free. But if you've got carpet like me, walking around barefoot absolutely sucks the moisture out of your feet and leaves you with cracking, crusty heels. Gross. You could always just wear the aforementioned comfy socks, but having a designated pair of fluffy house slippers is just the height of luxury.

Foot care in general. Face and body care gets all the hype, especially on liftblr. But, feel get neglected asf by almost everyone. Do you know how luxurious it is to give yourself a good pedicure at home and have soft, smooth feet? I lifted myself a Pedi Perfect (one of those motorized foot files) and it's life changing especially if you're like me and your feet are just the gross neverending callous. Get some nice toe nail nippers, some foot cream, a pumice stone, whatever. Your life will never be the same.

Tea and coffee. Stop buying cheap af tea and coffee when you can lift the good stuff. Get the bags of Starbucks coffee beans, steal a French press, get some loose leaf tea, whatever. Just get the good shit ffs I never see y'all lifting tea.

Plants. Obviously don't lift plants if you don't think you can care for them, and ofc you can't fit a huge ass shrub in your bag, but taking a few succulents home won't hurt. Some people find that caring for something else, like a pet, makes them feel better. If you don't have a pet, try a plant! Plus being around a lot of plants always lifts my mood, especially in these dreary winter months.

Vitamins. Lift some good quality hair skin and nail vitamins, pre natal vitamins, or even just a multi. Getting some extra nutrients that you may not get from your diet can't hurt. Also, speaking of the dreary winter months, a lot of people suffer from seasonal depression. This can actually be caused by a lack of vitamin D! Lift some vitamin D and take it in the winter, it might keep you from feeling sad and tired. If you get dizzy when you stand up too fast, get cold easily, or are easily fatigued, you might also be deficient in iron. Obviously get any of those symptoms checked out by a doctor, but it won't hurt you to lift some iron pills and see if they make you feel a little better. A pretty reliable sign that you aren't getting enough iron is if your nail beds have a pale or bluish tint. Finally, try some St. John's Wart. It's an herbal supplement that has been shown in recent studies to help relieve mild depression symptoms. If you have major depressive disorder, obviously an herbal supplement won't be quite as good as a real antidepressant. But, if you suffer from mild mood problems or need help feeling a little calmer, try this. Before you try any of these supplements please READ THE WARNINGS and TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR. If you don't have access to a doctor right away at least GOOGLE if these supplements interact with any other medications you are taking, I know that the St. John's Wart in particular can be tricky.

An aromatherapy diffuser and essential oils. Idk if I believe in aromatherapy completely, but it's pretty hard to feel shitty when you have the gentle smell of citrus essential oil wafting around your room, I'm just saying.

A salt lamp. Apparently the salt lamps are supposed to "cleanse your atmosphere". Again, not 100% buying it, but they are soooo pretty and I use mine as a nightlight because it gives off a soft orange glow. It's apparently better to use a red-tinted light at night if you have to have one because it won't keep you up. You can even lift tiny salt lamps that plug into the outlet just like a night light.

A notebook/journal and pens. Sometimes writing about your feelings makes you feel a bit better. You can also get art supplies and express yourself that way, or get a planner and organize your life to reduce stress related to a busy schedule.

Okay so this is all I can think of for now but please please PLEASE reblog with any of your suggestions! I've been thinking about the kinds of things I can get to take care of myself better, and everyone just says face masks and stuff. I have hella face masks, and I don't feel any better lmfaooo.

[boyswanna-be-her]

I have a crush on you but also LEAK THE SKIN CARE ROUTINE

I really hope you were serious, because this is something I’ve thought a lot about and I am absolutely going to use this ask as an excuse to go into a skin care deep dive.

Here’s a big-ol high-res picture of my mug for you to inspect.

I pay less than $15 for products that must last at least 3-4 months because I just… don’t have more money than that to throw at this hobby. I’ll link to everything I use and show you the price under the cut.

I only use four of these things below every day–but when I have time, I use as many of them as my skin calls for. I just wanted to show you the whole of my skincare arsenal so as not to be coy about it taking up space and time in my life and routine. It does, and I do work on it.

I’m 33, white with combination skin, lots of prior scarring from picking, lots of sun exposure (Florida!), and several minor autoimmune issues that impact my skin when my health is poor or stress is high. I am prone to whiteheads and inflamed pimples the week of my period. 

You cannot buy, wash, treat, or hide your way to “perfect” skin. Airbrushed, poreless, whitewashed, glowing, moist, unwrinkled skin is a lie sold to us by makeup and skincare companies. There is no perfect skin–there is only skin. 

But if you personally are unhappy with some aspect of your skin, you can develop habits that make you more comfortable with/proud of/happy with your skin, and that’s what I want to focus on here.

Though good health =/= clear and smooth skin in all cases, I am lucky to report that my skin looks clearer, smoother, and younger now that I’m not just generally near death all the time. The story would be very different if I struggled with, say, lifelong acne, or if I had a chronic health problem that I was not able to manage. 

Skincare is a luxury of time, money, physical storage space, and mental space.

“Good” skin is a myth. Everyone’s skin is good skin. I started doing all of this stuff to my skin because I was dissatisfied with how much it HURT all of the time, and how flaky it was. Acne, scars, “discoloration,” different coloration, birthmarks, big pores, “craters,” uneven textures, dark hairs, thick hairs, skin tags, milia, blackheads, wrinkles, keratosis pilaris, freckles, and moles are all NORMAL skin types/features and don’t need to be “solved” if the possessor is unbothered by them. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO LOOK HOWEVER YOU WANT. 

I do this stuff because I like it, it helps my mental health to take care of myself with a routine, and it improves my physical quality of life. It helps me with some insecurities, but if that was the only thing it did for me, I don’t think I’d mess with it this much. When I’m not healthy, my skin is prone to deep cracking and flaking. I have always been self-conscious about redness in my T-zone and yellowness around my eyes (dear god, my poor, poor liver).

My skin has objectively cleared and smoothed and plumped up a lot because I smoke less, drink less, stay in mostly humid environments (because, again, Florida!), and have been managing my stress and autoimmune issues. These are all changes made in the last six months. 

On top of those changes, on an average day when I’m actually taking care of myself, I use the following four steps in the order listed, once a day in the morning. I’m realistic that I’ll only do this once a day in the morning and anything more than that is just a boring time suck for me as a person.

1. COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser - 5 oz for $10.70 - one tube lasts me about 6 months. I use this in the morning and just thoroughly wash my face. It’s very mild and has a fresh citrus scent that doesn’t linger.

2. Kikumasamune Skincare Lotion - 17 oz $12.10 - one bottle lasts me 8-10 months. This is a fermented, watery product unlike anything I’d used before. It smells faintly like sake, bananas, and bubblegum (seriously). I decant it out of the big pump bottle into a little travel bottle. I shake a little in my hand and rub it gently over my whole face and eye area. Probably not supposed to do that, but I’m a rebel. It leaves my skin a little tacky.

3. Hada Labo Rohto Hadalabo Gokujun Hyaluronic Lotion Moist - 5.7 oz for $12.99 bottle, then 6.4 oz for $10.90 refill packages - 5 oz lasts me 3-4 months. I’ve honestly forgotten what this even does but it’s a nice, thick liquid, colorless and scentless, and I put it all over my face. Leaves my skin a little less tacky but still not slick/neutral.

4. Ladykin Fresh Strawberry Icing Gel Bar - 6.7 oz for $7.99 - one bottle lasts me about 5-6 months. Someone literally bought this for me as a gag gift because they knew I liked skincare and the bottle is… weirdly obscene. But it turns out that it makes a great moisturizer for me and it’s cheap as hell and smells like fresh strawberries so what’s the down side? 

When I have time or when my skin really needs it, I also use the following products:

SHEETMASKS - Stop buying overpriced sheetmasks one at a time!!!! Leave that aisle at Target alone!!! I know they’re at the dollar store too–leave them alone!!! Those are cool if you’re treating yourself for special occasions, but I try to think of sheet masks as a normal part of my week. That means I’m not going to shell out $3-4 PER MASK if I’m using one or two every week! 

The thing with sheetmasks is, in my totally nonscientific opinion, it doesn’t really matter what kind you use. The value is in plopping a bunch of moisture on your face along with cloth that simply forces that product into your skin. It’s the skin force-feeding concept that works more than the product itself. I think. I have no proof. I have made really moronic assumptions before.

That said, you’ll find ones that you prefer over others. Snail mucin ones don’t absorb nicely for me. Exotic animal-sourced ingredients (bee pollen, royal jelly, donkey milk, goat milk, snake venom, bee venom….) sometimes irritate my skin. Other people LOVE them. 

I get sheetmasks in packages online, at TJ Maxx, and at Marshalls. I try to pay under 75 cents per mask, but lean more towards the 50 cent mark. TJ Maxx and Marshalls are great places to try out new masks–just look at the prices and the mask count and do a little mental math to make sure you’re not getting gouged.

A good place to start if you want to try sheetmasking is with the Dermal brand of sheetmasks (16 masks for $11 (68c/per), 24 masks for $14 (58c/per), 39 masks for $21 (54c/per). They’re basic and generally non-irritating with no scent and a thin formula that feels nice and leaves skin smooth and untacky. This is what I generally keep on hand. 

I have a weird sense-memory thing with ginseng, so I also look out for Esfolio Pure Skin Red Ginseng Essence Mask Sheets. I don’t recommend buying from Amazon, as I am able to find these 10-pack boxes cheaper in person.

If I’m going to use a sheetmask, I put it on after I brush my teeth, wash my face, and put in contact lenses (doing them with glasses isn’t impossible–just messier). Then I make tea and just… do stuff with the dumb sheet mask on until it’s pretty dry (20-30 minutes). Then I take it off and rub the leftover mask on my arms and legs and chest like a weirdo, because it’s still full of product, and then I squeeze the leftover product out of the package and apply it to my face. Because I have the luxury of time but not money, I do NOT waste product.

AQUAPHOR - ~$14 for 14 oz - one tub lasts me through 18 months of travel, winters, and tattoos. Apparently everyone who lives somewhere cold already knows that you need to smother your face in petrolatum when it starts acting up or the weather is cold and dry, but this was shocking news to someone like me who was raised in Southern mall culture skincare routines. When my skin is cracked and bad, Aquaphor legit helps more than my prescription steroid creams. I put as much of it on my face as I can tolerate (it doesn’t smell like anything, but it does make you damned greasy) and then go to bed. Waking up with post-Aquaphor skin is like a miracle sometimes.

MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream SPF 42 - $7.20 for 0.2 oz -  This is a new purchase for me, as my favorite sheer, tinted one-tone-fits-all BB cream has been discontinued. This only comes in six colors, and most of those look like they flatter white and yellow skin–so this option won’t be perfect for everyone. I’m still in search of the perfect replacement BB, but this one works for now. In the picture at the top of this post, I’ve just done my normal 4-step thing and applied about a pump and a half of this BB cream all over my face.

***If you have actively flakey skin, I don’t recommend the MISSHA product as it does emphasize flakes and dry patches. Try COVERGIRL Smoothers Lightweight BB Cream (1.35 oz for $6.19) It won’t discolor and emphasize your flakes, if you get dried out during the day.*** 

I fell into the Korean beauty rabbit hole several years ago with @shrimoishere​ –who has been more consistent about these things and as a result has AMAZING SKIN. If you want to learn more about why this stuff works, and how it could work for your specific skin type, I highly recommend poking around r/AsianBeauty. I spent a ton of time researching products and about two years trying different things to figure out what would work for me. This has been a passive, slow journey, so I don’t think anyone who can afford it and would like to pursue it should feel intimidated by the perceived time suck. It’s just something cool to do in the background.

[6-of-november]

"excuse me what eyeliner do you use?"

I had a lady ask me what eyeliner I use & then buy one for herself today🖤

It touches my little goth heart that not only have I gotten increasing compliments on my makeup, but that people think I know things now.

I've been wearing makeup for just over a month now & while I have good teachers I only found out I've been doing my mascara backwards this whole time 2 days ago. Little by little I am expanding & learning & being my excessive self.

I wore lipstick for the first time in my life and I didn't hate it. My look is matte & it was gloss so it wasn't perfect. Maybe if it was matte I could get over the feeling, at this point I'm used to eye & cheek makeup so I don't feel it (but I also started to get serious with skincare at the same time so my face feels better than ever), but lipstick was a whole oily-nagging feeling. Also, it got in my moustache when I talked & I don't know who else has had this experience & found a solution.

For better or worse I'm still making up my look. I haven't found a masculine YouTuber doing makeup tutorials that I like yet, so I've been watching women's tutorials & then largely not following them. So maybe my blush is triangular & my wings horizontal with the floor & my eyeshadow is ever expanding in what I consider the 'eye region.'..

Curly or upward wings look very feminine on me & I think it's very cute, but idk if cute fits me, also, it's impossible to get even with my facial features & talent. Circular blush makes me look like a doll but I never get the circles in the right part of my face, triangular & elliptical blush is easier for me to reproduce & highlights more masculine features of my face.

It's the masculinity of my face that really hangs up my choices. I don't like what little men's makeup norms there are & while I could go very fee with my makeup I still have a beard & moustache. Besides being proud of my beard it hides my butt chin so I intend to keep it. But it's really the beard that makes me feel like as out there & colorful as my makeup is, highlighting my masculine features looks more put together than going more femme/androgynous (I totally have a thing for androgyny, aesthetically & philosophically, but I think that's more of an attraction than a goal (i.e. I'm attracted to women but I have no plan to be a woman, I'm attracted to effeminate non-binaries but don't plan to go that route, I think I'm attracted to soft guy's like J*** but I have no intention to look like that & I wouldn't hit on me sober or drunk.)

I've been having the temptation to try some obnoxious glittery stuff. Again, idk if it fits me, but I'm rather certain it'd make me look pretty & I'm in the business of refining/redefining me anyways.

I'm thinking of this more & more as a daily expirement like when I first started changing the way I dress. Like, self care makes me happy, makeup makes me happy, & both of them increase my presence & communicate me even louder visually. That I like. I can have an in your face punked jacket, the all black, the long hair & beard- but that's even more with a GNC top & makeup. I think it just belongs, like it was missing from me before.

[obsessivedilettante]

I’ve decided to get a little organized this weekend, since I’ll probably not want to do any cleaning. cooking, etc. the next few weeks due to work craziness. Not that I ever really want to do any cleaning, cooking, etc. in the first place, but I was gonna gift my future self the joy of not stressing about household chores when I’m stressing about other stuff.

I have skincare products scattered about my house, so I gathered everything together to organize it and store anything that could be considered a dupe in a box to be used as needed once I run out of what I’m currently using, because my bathroom is tiny and has basically no storage space (hence the products scattered about the house).

That’s when I realized I have wayyyyyyy too much product for someone with only one face. Even though I only started my obsessive skincare journey at the beginning of the year, I have acquired enough products to last me years. That’s crazy!

What’s even crazier is that I don’t even have particularly terrible skin. My skin is relatively normal -- not too oily, not too dry, although it can lean combo depending on the season or if I’ve travelled to a new climate (or if I’ve forgotten to drink enough water or am not getting enough sleep).

That said, I’ll never have perfect skin, no matter what, thanks to a bad case of the chicken pox when I was twelve that gave me a couple of scars. I don’t get much acne -- a few little barely noticiable bumps, and sometimes every few months a red angry one depending on hormones and stress. My pores are definitely visible, but that’s just the way they are (thanks for those genes, Dad).

Yet apparently this is the year where I did the “omg I’m getting old, there are distinct crow’s feet, I look so haggard when I look in the mirror, WHAT DO I DO?” freak out. Even though I know that you can’t look young forever, I’ve just been used to people assuming I skew at least 5-10 years younger than I am. But now people refer to me more as “ma’am” than “miss,” and this is the first year that I’ve not been carded when I was out with friends for a drink. (It happened twice! And I’m younger than 35!)

So I apparently had a mini existential crisis. I’ve never really been one to get caught up in the beauty hype. For years I’ve not worn makeup (except for special occasions). I’ve always let my hair air dry and do its thing without styling. My theory is that if I am clean and neat, then that’s all that really matters.

Yet somehow, despite me not being connected to the beauty world, I’ve still assimilated the hideous idea that visible signs of aging are things I ought to do my best to postpone.

It’s not like prior to this year I was destroying my skin. Because I didn’t wear makeup very often, my morning routine of washing with a foam cleanser and then slapping on some moisturizer with spf was apparently doing just fine. If I was going to be spending a lot of time outside, I’d add on extra 50spf sunscreen. My skin wasn’t dry or oily or acne-prone. I didn’t have a ten-step nightly routine (I honestly didn’t have a night-time routine, period -- sometimes I wouldn’t wash my face until the next morning, which right now to me sounds vaguely scandalous, but unless it had been a particularly sweaty or dirty day, there seemed no reason that it couldn’t wait until my morning shower).

But suddenly this year there were visible crow’s feet and I just looked so depressingly tired and haggard, which sent me into a panic.

I didn’t stop to think that maybe, just maybe, I looked tired because I was tired. For at least six years, I’ve had insane 60 hour work weeks with unpredictable schedules, which means I haven’t had a regular sleep schedule, since, uh, forever. I would get so busy, I’d forget to drink water. Oh, and I am older than I used to be.

Instead, I started to research like crazy and buy products, trying to solve problems that maybe I didn’t have.

To be fair, I think my skin looks a little bit better. I’ve got that “dewy glow” -- but I still have small bumps and visible pores and those icepick scars that will never be moisturized away. I also have started to wear makeup regularly this year, so falling in love with the concept of a double-cleanse actually works with this new habit, and because my weird pale-with-olive-undertones skin makes it impossible to find a decently matching foundation/bb cream/etc, I’d rather make sure my skin looks naturally decent so I can keep my makeup minimal.

But I don’t need endless bottles and jars of slightly-different-but-essentially-the-same products. I don’t need to keep researching products, desperate to find the so-called “holy grail” that everyone else talks about.

I don’t need a “holy grail.” I have enough “good enough” products that do what I need: keep my skin clean and hydrated and protected from the sun.

That’s not to say all skincare is terrible and you are a terrible person if you slather on ten products religiously every night. I’ve found that I genuinely enjoy the habit of an evening routine, even if sometimes I only use a couple of products (micellar wipes and moisturizer now have a home by my bed for a reason), or sometimes I want to do the whole shebang and do the double-cleanse with toners and essences and acids and moisturizer and occlusives. My skin is sometimes happy for all this pampering, and sometimes it’s like, “Whoa lady, we didn’t need all that, and it’s just gonna get wiped off in the morning without showing any miracles.”

But it makes me a little angry to think that there’s something deep down within that so easily believes the lie that women have to look like they’re in their twenties forever, or else they don’t matter.

Yet... there’s also another part of me that loves how glowy and soft my skin has become.

Is there a point to this? Maybe. There’s probably a whisper of an essay on feminism and how even those of us who think we eschew the normal standards of beauty still internalize those man-made rules (pun intended).

The real point, though, is I’m forbidden from buying any new skincare products because holy heck I have more than enough and it would just be a waste of money and space. Now, if you would please excuse me, I need to go and use up one of the gazillion sheet masks I have...

[whoisashleya]

30 Amazing Things That Happen When You Finally Reach 30

It’s cliché but true: something changes in you once you hit your 30’s. It’s like, you finally just “get it” and ‘it’ completely changes the way you think and live. My year of 30 has consisted of extreme shifts in every area of my life. It has been a time of stepping into who I truly am and who I want to be. It has been a hard but incredibly freeing and amazing journey. Without further ado, here are 30 things I have learned since turning 30.

1. It’s okay to say no.

Being a self-proclaimed people pleaser, I have said yes to things most of my life that I didn’t always want or believe in. Once 30 hit, it was like I had had enough. I was tired of saying ‘yes’ and decided that I was going to start saying ‘no’- even at the risk of disappointing others. The world hasn’t fallen apart since I started that, in fact, it has gotten a lot better and a lot more free.

2. You realize your worth.

It’s as if, you finally look at yourself and go, “Wow, I’m actually pretty awesome and I’m going to start embracing that!” Whether relating to jobs, relationships, or even self-reflection, you start owning that you’re worth a lot and that you will no longer put yourself down or accept things that do not acknowledge and reaffirm your worth.

3. You begin to understand what’s really important in life.

Your priorities change to highlight more meaningful things. You realize that time and life are precious and that you want to start focusing on the things and people that truly matter to you.

4. You start living.

Maybe it’s that I finally realized it is okay to mess up, or that there really is no “perfect time” to do things, but all I know is that ever since turning 30, I have started looking at my life and all the things I want to do and I have started doing them! Even if it’s just one little step in a new direction, I have started choosing to live the life I have always wanted.

5. You begin to know and accept who you are.

30 seems to give you permission to accept yourself and start thriving in being that person. You finally shed the idea that you have to be who everyone wants and expects you to be. You decide that the only person you want to be is who you really are and you’re finally okay if others don’t accept that. Whether it be tastes in music or personal style, you finally decide what YOU like and not just accept what’s trending.

6. You realize it’s okay not to have a cookie cutter path.

Society tells us that everything in our life has to look a certain way, but in reality, we are all individuals on our own unique journeys and we have to respect that. At 30, I can finally accept that this path is uniquely mine and it’s okay that it doesn’t follow the “rules.”

7. Boundaries are important.

I feel like when I turned 30, all of the sudden, I understood why boundaries were important. Boundaries help us protect ourselves and live our best lives. They keep us away from toxic people and situations, they allow us the opportunity to do what is best for us, they allow us to create safe places in our lives. They help us live the life that brings us the most fulfillment and joy.

8. Self-care is a top priority.

I’ve always been into taking care of my body but once 30 hit I realized I wanted to take the absolute best care of my body that I could. Skincare became more important, exercising to create a lifestyle and not just to stay fit, taking care of my mental and emotional health, etc. I have learned how to let myself be in tune with what my needs are each day-whether it’s a nap, a walk, a night in, or a glass of wine, taking care of myself has become a huge priority!

9. You quit waiting for things to happen and start making them happen.

Things I have talked about doing for years suddenly became things I decided it was time to do. From starting yoga to traveling to Bali, to allowing myself to create a writing career, I finally decided I would start trying things and I would allow myself to enjoy the growth process that came from it all. Making excuses is no longer part of my routine!

10. Your confidence gets really strong.

You finally have this amazing sense of self. You’re taking all these steps to be who you want to be and do what you want to do and the reward that comes from it is a huge amount of belief and confidence in who you are.

11. Age really IS just a number.

You realize that you are the only person who can make the most of their time. The years go by but they don’t feel so scary when you’re choosing to live fully, making the most of them.

12. You begin living fully in the present.

For someone who has always worked towards a goal and lived for future experiences, I finally realized that NOW is the only certainty I have, and it made me want to embrace it. I have learned how to put down my phone, go outside, and spend time with people who mean something to me. Being present has become my new mantra.

13. You don’t have time for things that bring you down.

People, situations, jobs, whatever it may be, you realize if something is not building you up but rather bringing you down, it’s got to go. No if’s and’s or but’s about it!

14. You begin to trust the universe a little bit more.

You realize that things really do come together if they are meant to and that life has a way of working things out even when you don’t understand. You accept that you can trust the ebb and flow of it all.

15. You decide to get your shit together.

Getting more involved with your finances, eliminating debt, moving on from things that aren’t helping you-you finally decide that you can’t put those things off any longer, so you start making the necessary changes to achieve that.

16. You realize that you don’t know as much as you think you do and that that’s okay.

You finally accept that no matter how much you DO know, there are plenty of things you don’t know. You realize that life is a continual learning and growing experience and you accept that you are in a constant state of learning and growing.

17. You stop expecting others to be the source of your happiness and you find happiness within yourself.

You finally realize that the only person who can make you happy is yourself! People will disappoint you, but your peace and joy no longer depend on them.

18. You start traveling.

I quit talking about traveling and started doing it. From 2-hour road trips to 28-hour flights, I decided to do them all.

19. You quit trying to be perfect.

You realize the first draft of the article isn’t going to be the best, you know that some days you’re just not going to feel that great, and you realize that all of that is okay. Being perfect and having it all together seems like a waste of time. Why not just be real instead?

20. It’s okay to change.

I always thought that I had to be the same person people knew me to be, I thought that that meant I was loyal and consistent, and that change was a bad thing. I now understand that you don’t have to be the same person you were yesterday, you’re allowed to be different. You’re allowed to change. Accepting that my ideals, habits, and views, etc. have changed to something I never thought that they would isn’t the end of the world, it’s simply new growth.

21. You learn to laugh more and not take everything so seriously.

Sometimes reality is really hard but if you can find ways to laugh in the midst of it all, somehow it just makes everything better. Not taking things so seriously is a beautiful gain from turning 30. I am finally letting my hair down and breathing a little bit more.

22. You show your loved ones you love them more than you used to.

That whole realizing how much your parents mean to you when you’re older stuff is true. Spending time with the people you care about becomes really important. You do things for them and you begin to invest more in them.

23. You just have to show up.

Even when you’re afraid and you don’t know what to do, choosing to be brave and continue showing up is one of the most life-changing things you can do.

24. You start accepting people for who they are and loving them as they are.

You quit trying to make everyone fit into your ideal of them and decide to start loving them as they are. Allowing others to be themselves is one of the best gifts you can give them!

25. You’re not afraid of risks.

You’re finally okay with failing at things, you decide that taking a risk is worth it. You realize that you will learn and grow any way you look at it, so taking the risk really isn’t so scary anymore.

26. You toughen up.

You just have more courage and assertiveness than you used to. You’re over being pushed around and begin standing your ground more.

27. You realize the opportunities that are right in front of you and you start taking advantage of them.

There is no more waiting until tomorrow. You decide that you have everything you need to start creating the life you want. You acknowledge what is available to you and you start there and grow more opportunities from it.

28. You feel more comfortable in your skin and you feel beautiful because of it.

I finally feel beautiful without makeup on, I finally feel like I like my body even with its imperfections. 30 makes you start appreciating yourself.

29. You realize that the future is unknown and that you can only take life one step at a time, one day at a time.

All we are given is the moment and that’s the only way to really live. 30 has taught me to make each moment count and to finally enjoy my life exactly as it is for however many more moments I have.

30. Discovering yourself is one of the greatest gifts.

The journey of the 30s has been said to be the most amazing season of your life. And honestly, from what I’ve already experienced, I wholeheartedly agree. The gift of living and being yourself, the growth, the experiences, it’s unlike anything I ever could have imagined. Cheers to being 30.