Thankful Thursdays: 32 Things

Whew. 32! It's funny to compare what I thought my life would look like now vs. what it actually looks like. I will fully admit, I like this version better! I have such a deep connection with my husband, so many rich friendships with people from all walks of life, a career path I'm excited about, an awesome photography business and partnership, a church I'm thankful for every day, and a much more grateful outlook on life. Of course I still have those moments where I wish I was in a different place, or further along than I am right now...but that just reminds me that I'm human. Overall, I find that my propensity for gratitude is growing each day, and that is exactly where I want to be. So that being said, here are 32 of the lessons I'm thankful that I've learned on my journey to 32!

1. Unnecessary stress is evil, yet oh so prevalent.
2. Success is subjective; it looks different for everyone.
3. It is important to have a healthy relationship with both money and food.
4. Coffee is delicious, and a good latte doesn't need sugar.
5. Coffee in Italy is even better!
6. It's important to learn to be comfortable in any situation, because you never know what life is going to throw your way.
7. TED Talks! Just watch them. As many as possible. You're welcome.
8. Sugar is bad. Fat is not.
9. I must always make it a point to surround myself with amazing and positive people; it's seriously a life-changer.
10. I believe that creativity is like leadership - a unique mixture of raw talent and hard work!
11. Self care is not selfish.
12. I'd rather be hiking than running.
13. Reading is awesome. And I'm thankful college/grad school didn't ruin it for me!
14. Negativity breeds a negative outlook. And complaining breeds complaint. (so #9 is so vital)
15. Good habits lead to a better life. And the bad ones are harder to break than I thought.
16. Marriage, to the right person, is the most awesome adventure imaginable.
17. Comparison truly is the thief of joy. (Thank you Teddy Roosevelt!)
18. Books on tape = a much more enjoyable commute.
19. I want to laugh more, and laugh harder.
20. It's important to put my money where my value is, and support businesses I believe in!
21. The best camera is the one in my hand.
22. I need more girl time in my life.
23. Travel is the best form of therapy.
24. "Work like it's up to you, pray like it's up to God." I understand this phrase more deeply with each passing year!
25. Gratitude is hard. So is joy. But they are so worth it!
26. The mantra I learned from my most valued mentor in college still applies: "Do neat things."
27. God's plans are way better than my plans! (But I also realize I'll need to be reminded of this quite often.)
28. Pixar movies will forever be my favorite.
29. Even extroverts need quality alone time.
30. Take time off, especially when it feels impossible.
31. Naps and breakfast are both highly underrated.
32. I. am. enough.

Oh, and a side note, I've decided that Greg must get a photo of me drinking coffee from a ceramic cup on each birthday in my 30's.

Here are 31 and 32 respectively!