I came across this quote recently and it made me pause for a moment.  It’s seemingly ironic timing with my turning of 30 years old today but more than that, this is a question that seems to rear its head so often to my generation.  There’s always this yin and yang of either being too static or being the bravest version of yourself.  What if you could find a solid but brave place?  In a life full of choices, how have you chosen to live your life?  I don’t have all the answers but I have learned a lot in the past three decades.  Here’s some open thoughts to myself full of advice and learnings.

If you want something, make a plan and don’t wait for anyone else to help you get there.  Put it out there in the universe and start brainstorming.  No idea is a crazy idea but a crazy idea is an idea without a plan.
TRUTH:   I wanted to start rock climbing outdoors and think maybe I was waiting for someone to invite me to start going.  But that didn’t really happen.  So I started going to the climbing gym more frequently to try to meet people to climb with.  Then I started taking courses to get better at climbing.  I actually set a goal of one big outdoor climb by the time I turned 30 a few months ago.  Well, today I turned 30 and not only have I done one big outdoor climb but I’ve done multiple climbs across 5 state parks.  I’ve accomplished a hard rating route (to me), done two multi-pitch climbs, and learned to set anchors and rappel, all outdoors.  Thanks to the help of many along the way who I cherish and continue to climb with.

South Lake Tahoe

Six degrees of separation is a real thing and it’s pretty awesome to encounter when you least expect it.  Also, like people find each other so most people that you gravitate towards are probably for some similar awesome traits that you haven’t yet discovered about yourself 🙂

Always be kind.  You hear it all the time but you really don’t know what someone is going through and when that person is you, remember to also still be kind.

You’re not always wrong.  People will try to convince you of this but the important thing to take away is a lot of times this really translates to a disagreement.  Don’t mistake this for being wrong for feeling a certain way.  

Embrace the unforeseeable future but know that every experience you’ve had along the way has helped groom that path.  It’s very rare you will be steered in an unfavorable direction so embrace the adventure!

Time is the most valuable gift to give so nourish the worthy relationships in your life, they will bring you the most joy.  Also, let go of the ones that you know you should even if it’s hard.

The hobbies I enjoyed the most as a kid, I enjoy the most as an adult.  Think about what made you happy when you were younger and try it out at a later stage in life if you’ve let it go.  It feels good to remember the good, innocent fun.

Laugh inappropriately at appropriate times or just whenever you want to but not at other people’s expense. 

Try to keep cash on you, always.  You never know when you are going to need it and so many times, I’ve failed to have it when I needed it.

I’ve loved all the learnings I’ve been able to gather from my friends and family.  Like this article a friend of mine wrote.  Or my mom’s children’s book that just won an award!  Everyone has their talents and it’s awesome to watch them flourish and learn from them.

If you don’t ask, no one will read your mind.  Flip the situation in your mind of what would think or how would you feel if this person approached me about this.  It often softens the blow of what you need to say.

When given the chance to jump in or stay dry, always jump.

And when someone spontaneously invites you to have the next best day of your life, fucking YOLO.

These are all things that have stuck with me along the way and I’m sure there will be many more to add but as I pass over the threshold of 30, I know that I can live to 70+ years as a lion. 🙂