It happened, I turned thirty and it wasn't as scary as I thought it was going to be. I probably would've said something a little different a few years ago but I felt rather content and ready for my next decade and I think finding myself again in 2019 helped that so I've compiled thirty things I've learnt in my thirty years so that if I do have a little panic, I've basically got future Alice's back.
1. You'll learn to stop drinking vodka or sambuca because you do throw up every single time.
2. It's okay to just say fuck it because sometimes those fuck it moments will change the entire course of your life for the better and if they don't, well fuck it - just start again.
3. Drinking two litres of water a day really does do wonders for your skin, so does a thorough skincare routine which is why you don't look thirty.
4. Your dad really is a good judge of character and you should trust what he says about people more.
5. Your mum was and is always right (don't tell her!).
6. There is no shame in admitting you are wrong and asking for help.
7. Learning to say no to things you don't want to do instead of trying to please everyone is freeing.
8. Books will always be there and sitting down for an hour with a new read does wonders for your mental health.
9. It's okay for friendships to end, it can be sad but they ran their course for a reason and your happiness since SO outweighs any doubts.
10. Always order the Chinese food.
11. Loudly singing along to Bloc Party will always put you in a good mood.
12. Self-preservation is important, not selfish.
13. You'll have some dud loves but you'll find your one when you least expect it when you're not even looking.
14. Pregnancy is shit and not the magical experience everyone likes to make out.
15. Your feet will also swell during pregnancy and maybe never go back to how they were - also shit.
16. You'll be a brilliant mum even if you don't think so half the time and those little moments when he turns around and says love you mummy makes all the tough times so worth it.
17. Always take the chance to nap because it'll do more good for you than fretting over all those unnecessary things you think you need to do instead.
18. Not everyone will like you and that's okay.
19. The numbers on the scales have no significance on the person you are, you will accept it one day.
20. You'll appreciate your parents so much more in your late twenties and apologise profusely for all the shit you put them through in your teens while hiding behind your hands.
21. Life is too short to not say I love you after an argument before you go to sleep.
22. A midi dress is suitable attire for MANY occasions.
23. Going out for a walk will always make you feel better and help you clear your head.
24. Your period makes you a bit bonkers but you'll learn to pre-warn Arran before it hits so he can run for cover and throw some chocolate at you.
25. Taking yourself out for coffee by yourself is one of the best self-care dates there are.
26. It's okay to not want a big white wedding or invite everyone you've ever met, it's your day.
27. Working for yourself and running your own business will be the best thing you ever did for yourself.
28. It's okay to still have your cuddly toy that is the same age as you.
29. You've achieved so much more than you realise and you're so lucky you have incredible friends to remind you when you're doubting yourself.
30. Thirty is actually pretty cool.
17. Always take the chance to nap because it'll do more good for you than fretting over all those unnecessary things you think you need to do instead.
18. Not everyone will like you and that's okay.
19. The numbers on the scales have no significance on the person you are, you will accept it one day.
20. You'll appreciate your parents so much more in your late twenties and apologise profusely for all the shit you put them through in your teens while hiding behind your hands.
21. Life is too short to not say I love you after an argument before you go to sleep.
22. A midi dress is suitable attire for MANY occasions.
23. Going out for a walk will always make you feel better and help you clear your head.
24. Your period makes you a bit bonkers but you'll learn to pre-warn Arran before it hits so he can run for cover and throw some chocolate at you.
25. Taking yourself out for coffee by yourself is one of the best self-care dates there are.
26. It's okay to not want a big white wedding or invite everyone you've ever met, it's your day.
27. Working for yourself and running your own business will be the best thing you ever did for yourself.
28. It's okay to still have your cuddly toy that is the same age as you.
29. You've achieved so much more than you realise and you're so lucky you have incredible friends to remind you when you're doubting yourself.
30. Thirty is actually pretty cool.