Although itโs a little early for me to be blowing out my birthday candles (Steven and I will be traveling on my actual birthday), Iโm celebrating a little early this yearโand honestly, Iโm feeling all the feels as I reflect.
Last year, the thought of turning 30 made me nauseous. I had no idea how to face that milestone, but this year? Iโm in such a better place, ready to ring in the next chapter of my life with open arms. For that, Iโm truly thankful. . I think whatโs made the difference is the last year of deep reflection, mindfulness, and learning to embrace life with a bit more confidence. It feels like each day Iโm getting a little wiser, stronger, and more grateful for the journey. . So, as I hit this milestone, Iโve boiled it down to 30 life lessons that have helped me shift my mindset and make space for growth. Iโm constantly learning, but these lessons are the ones that have helped me feel more secure and inspired in both my creative and personal life.
Creativity + Personal Growth
Life lessons Iโve learned as a creator, theatre artist, and driven professional.
1๏ธโฃ Creativity is a Muscle, Not a Gift: The more you nurture it, the stronger it becomes. Inspiration doesnโt always strike out of nowhereโit often emerges from consistency and practice.
2๏ธโฃ Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it's finishing a blog post, nailing a photoshoot, or just getting through a tough day, every win counts. Celebrating these small victories makes life feel more special, even on ordinary days..
3๏ธโฃ Be Open to Learning: Every situationโgood or badโhas something to teach you. Let yourself feel all the emotions, but always stay curious and open to growth.
4๏ธโฃ Changing the Plot Is Half the Fun of Your Story: Life is full of unexpected twists, and embracing the unexpected can bring incredible new opportunities. Why not enjoy the ride?
5๏ธโฃ Donโt Forget to Reminisce:ย Reflecting on where you started reminds you of how far you've come and just how capable you are. Itโs my way of romanticizing life, and it feels good to appreciate the journey.
6๏ธโฃย Life Often Pivots You (Not the Other Way Around):ย Sometimes things unfold in ways we couldnโt plan, and thatโs okay. Embrace the twists that come your wayโyou never know whatโs around the corner.
7๏ธโฃ Perfection is Overrated:ย Progress is what truly matters. Sometimes, getting things done is more important than getting them perfect. (This is one Iโm definitely working on right now!)
8๏ธโฃ Burnout is a Signal, Not a Badge of Honor:ย Pushing yourself too hard can block creativity. Listen to your body and rest when needed. A little recharge can go a long way in keeping your passion alive.
Relationships + Connections
Life lessons I've learned as a wife, friend, and mentor.
9๏ธโฃ Quality Over Quantity in Relationships:ย Iโve learned itโs better to have a few meaningful relationships than a large circle of acquaintances. The connections that truly matter are the ones where you can be your authentic self.
1๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ You Can Know Someone and Not Truly Know Them:ย Just because someone knows your name doesnโt mean they know you. Always remember that people have layersโand sometimes, youโll learn something new about them when you least expect it.
1๏ธโฃ1๏ธโฃ Kindness is Free:ย I live by the motto, "Strive to make someone feel special" every day. Little acts of kindness go a long way.
1๏ธโฃ2๏ธโฃ Vulnerability Builds Stronger Connections:ย Opening up about your struggles and triumphs allows others to connect with the real you. These moments of vulnerability can create some of the most meaningful bonds.
1๏ธโฃ3๏ธโฃ Boundaries Build Stronger Bonds:ย Being honest about your limits strengthens relationshipsโnot just with others but with yourself. (This is another one Iโm actively working on!)
1๏ธโฃ4๏ธโฃ Listening is Just as Important as Speaking:ย Genuine connection happens when you truly listen and hear someoneโs perspective. Itโs not just about talkingโitโs about being present and understanding.
1๏ธโฃ5๏ธโฃ Not Every Relationship is Meant to Last Forever:ย Some people come into your life for a season, and thatโs okay. Appreciate what they bring while theyโre here, and let them go when the time is right.
Self-Discovery + Mental Health
Life lessons I've learned working to overcome my high-functioning anxiety and depression.
1๏ธโฃ6๏ธโฃ Spend Time Learning Who YOU Are, What YOU Love, and What Makes YOU, YOU:ย Self-discovery is a lifelong process. Iโm still on the journey of fully understanding and embracing my authentic self.
1๏ธโฃ7๏ธโฃ Self-Care Isnโt Selfish:ย Taking care of your mental health, hobbies, and just taking time to rest isnโt an indulgenceโitโs necessary. When you feel good inside, you can show up as your best self for others.
1๏ธโฃ8๏ธโฃ Comparison is the Thief of Creativity:ย Focusing on what makes you uniqueโnot on othersโlets your creativity flow freely. No one can do you better than you!
1๏ธโฃ9๏ธโฃ Youโre Allowed to Change:ย Your interests, opinions, and goals can shift, and thatโs totally normal. Growth happens when we allow ourselves to evolve.
2๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ Happiness Looks Different at Every Stage of Life:ย Embrace where you are now. Each phase brings its own kind of joy and growth.
2๏ธโฃ1๏ธโฃ Saying No Can Be Empowering:ย Setting boundaries with your time and energy allows you to focus on what truly matters. Saying no can be an act of self-respect
2๏ธโฃ2๏ธโฃ Growth Often Feels Uncomfortable:ย Lean into the discomfortโitโs a sign that youโre stretching beyond your comfort zone and becoming a stronger version of yourself.
2๏ธโฃ3๏ธโฃ Everyone Is Healing from Something:ย We all carry something weโre healing from, even if we donโt realize it. Be kind to yourself and othersโeveryoneโs on their own journey.
2๏ธโฃ4๏ธโฃ Embrace Your Alone Time:ย Being alone is not the same as being lonely. Itโs an opportunity for self-reflection and self-discovery. (This has been especially important for me as I head into the next year!)
Life Philosophy
Life lessons I've learned that have shaped the way I view the world.
2๏ธโฃ5๏ธโฃ Find Beauty in the Everyday:ย Whether it's a quiet moment at home or a peaceful walk, thereโs magic in the little things. If you take the time to notice, youโll find beauty everywhere.
2๏ธโฃ6๏ธโฃ Travel Expands the Mind and Soul:ย Visiting new places, meeting new people, and experiencing different cultures is one of the most enriching gifts you can give yourself. Travel broadens your horizons in ways nothing else can.
2๏ธโฃ7๏ธโฃ Balance is Key:ย Whether balancing relationships, work, or personal goals, finding harmony in life brings peace and happiness.
2๏ธโฃ8๏ธโฃ Your Voice Has Power:ย No matter if youโre sharing stories on Instagram, teaching dance, or collaborating with brandsโyour voice and perspective matter. Never underestimate the impact you can have.
2๏ธโฃ9๏ธโฃ Your Perspective is Your Superpower:ย No one sees the world exactly as you do. Own your viewpointโitโs a gift no one else can replicate.
3๏ธโฃ0๏ธโฃ Lifeโs Milestones Arenโt One-Size-Fits-All:ย Thereโs no set timeline for lifeโs milestones. Your journey is unique, and thereโs no right or wrong way to grow.
Final Thoughts on Life Lessons:
Looking back, there are so many lessons I wish someone had told me earlier in life. Thatโs why Iโm sharing them with you now. If any of these resonate with you, Iโm glad youโre here reading this.
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Over on Instagram, weโre chatting about these life lessons and more. Iโd love for you to join the conversation! .
Thereโs so much learning and growing left for me to do, and Iโm excited to create another list like this when I turn 60. Although Iโm halfway there, Iโm embracing all the beauty the next 30 years have in store. .
All my love,
Rachel Brooks
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