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30 Life Lessons from Year 30

Although itโ€™s a little early for me to be blowing out my birthday candles (Steven and I will be traveling on my actual birthday), Iโ€™m celebrating a little early this yearโ€”and honestly, Iโ€™m 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? Iโ€™m in such a better place, ready to ring in the next chapter of my life with open arms. For that, Iโ€™m truly thankful. . I think whatโ€™s 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 Iโ€™m getting a little wiser, stronger, and more grateful for the journey. . So, as I hit this milestone, Iโ€™ve boiled it down to 30 life lessons that have helped me shift my mindset and make space for growth. Iโ€™m 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 Iโ€™ve learned as a creator, theatre artist, and driven professional.

1๏ธโƒฃ Creativity is a Muscle, Not a Gift: The more you nurture it, the stronger it becomes. Inspiration doesnโ€™t always strike out of nowhereโ€”it often emerges from consistency and practice.


2๏ธโƒฃ 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๏ธโƒฃ Be Open to Learning: Every situationโ€”good or badโ€”has something to teach you. Let yourself feel all the emotions, but always stay curious and open to growth.


4๏ธโƒฃ 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๏ธโƒฃ Donโ€™t Forget to Reminisce:ย Reflecting on where you started reminds you of how far you've come and just how capable you are. Itโ€™s my way of romanticizing life, and it feels good to appreciate the journey.


6๏ธโƒฃย Life Often Pivots You (Not the Other Way Around):ย Sometimes things unfold in ways we couldnโ€™t plan, and thatโ€™s okay. Embrace the twists that come your wayโ€”you never know whatโ€™s around the corner.


7๏ธโƒฃ Perfection is Overrated:ย Progress is what truly matters. Sometimes, getting things done is more important than getting them perfect. (This is one Iโ€™m definitely working on right now!)


8๏ธโƒฃ 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๏ธโƒฃ Quality Over Quantity in Relationships:ย Iโ€™ve learned itโ€™s 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๏ธโƒฃ0๏ธโƒฃ You Can Know Someone and Not Truly Know Them:ย Just because someone knows your name doesnโ€™t mean they know you. Always remember that people have layersโ€”and sometimes, youโ€™ll learn something new about them when you least expect it.


1๏ธโƒฃ1๏ธโƒฃ 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๏ธโƒฃ2๏ธโƒฃ 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๏ธโƒฃ3๏ธโƒฃ Boundaries Build Stronger Bonds:ย Being honest about your limits strengthens relationshipsโ€”not just with others but with yourself. (This is another one Iโ€™m actively working on!)


1๏ธโƒฃ4๏ธโƒฃ Listening is Just as Important as Speaking:ย Genuine connection happens when you truly listen and hear someoneโ€™s perspective. Itโ€™s not just about talkingโ€”itโ€™s about being present and understanding.


1๏ธโƒฃ5๏ธโƒฃ Not Every Relationship is Meant to Last Forever:ย Some people come into your life for a season, and thatโ€™s okay. Appreciate what they bring while theyโ€™re 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๏ธโƒฃ6๏ธโƒฃ Spend Time Learning Who YOU Are, What YOU Love, and What Makes YOU, YOU:ย Self-discovery is a lifelong process. Iโ€™m still on the journey of fully understanding and embracing my authentic self.


1๏ธโƒฃ7๏ธโƒฃ Self-Care Isnโ€™t Selfish:ย Taking care of your mental health, hobbies, and just taking time to rest isnโ€™t an indulgenceโ€”itโ€™s necessary. When you feel good inside, you can show up as your best self for others.


1๏ธโƒฃ8๏ธโƒฃ Comparison is the Thief of Creativity:ย Focusing on what makes you uniqueโ€”not on othersโ€”lets your creativity flow freely. No one can do you better than you!


1๏ธโƒฃ9๏ธโƒฃ Youโ€™re Allowed to Change:ย Your interests, opinions, and goals can shift, and thatโ€™s totally normal. Growth happens when we allow ourselves to evolve.


2๏ธโƒฃ0๏ธโƒฃ 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๏ธโƒฃ1๏ธโƒฃ 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๏ธโƒฃ2๏ธโƒฃ Growth Often Feels Uncomfortable:ย Lean into the discomfortโ€”itโ€™s a sign that youโ€™re stretching beyond your comfort zone and becoming a stronger version of yourself.


2๏ธโƒฃ3๏ธโƒฃ Everyone Is Healing from Something:ย We all carry something weโ€™re healing from, even if we donโ€™t realize it. Be kind to yourself and othersโ€”everyoneโ€™s on their own journey.


2๏ธโƒฃ4๏ธโƒฃ Embrace Your Alone Time:ย Being alone is not the same as being lonely. Itโ€™s 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๏ธโƒฃ5๏ธโƒฃ Find Beauty in the Everyday:ย Whether it's a quiet moment at home or a peaceful walk, thereโ€™s magic in the little things. If you take the time to notice, youโ€™ll find beauty everywhere.


2๏ธโƒฃ6๏ธโƒฃ 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๏ธโƒฃ7๏ธโƒฃ Balance is Key:ย Whether balancing relationships, work, or personal goals, finding harmony in life brings peace and happiness.


2๏ธโƒฃ8๏ธโƒฃ Your Voice Has Power:ย No matter if youโ€™re sharing stories on Instagram, teaching dance, or collaborating with brandsโ€”your voice and perspective matter. Never underestimate the impact you can have.


2๏ธโƒฃ9๏ธโƒฃ Your Perspective is Your Superpower:ย No one sees the world exactly as you do. Own your viewpointโ€”itโ€™s a gift no one else can replicate.


3๏ธโƒฃ0๏ธโƒฃ Lifeโ€™s Milestones Arenโ€™t One-Size-Fits-All:ย Thereโ€™s no set timeline for lifeโ€™s milestones. Your journey is unique, and thereโ€™s 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. Thatโ€™s why Iโ€™m sharing them with you now. If any of these resonate with you, Iโ€™m glad youโ€™re here reading this.

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Over on Instagram, weโ€™re chatting about these life lessons and more. Iโ€™d love for you to join the conversation! .

Thereโ€™s so much learning and growing left for me to do, and Iโ€™m excited to create another list like this when I turn 60. Although Iโ€™m halfway there, Iโ€™m embracing all the beauty the next 30 years have in store. .

All my love,

Rachel Brooks

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