28 Lessons I’ve Learned in 28 Years

Last Updated on January 22, 2024 by Allison Lancaster

Today I am 28 years old! This past year has been such a busy year for our family, from the new baby, to job changes to just daily life. I have always heard people say that the older you get the faster time goes, and I never truly understood it until we had a baby, but it really is true.

In the spirit of celebration, here are 28 Things I’ve Learned in 28 Years:

1. Time really does fly. It goes so fast!
2. Spend time with the Lord. You CAN find 10 minutes daily for quiet time.
3. Enjoy your teenage years. Don’t go crazy, but enjoy them. Eat too much pizza and stay up too late.
4. Coffee is your friend. If you don’t like it, learn to…before you have a baby.
5. Call (text or e-mail) your mom. Every single day. It’s not childish, it reminds her you’re thinking of her.
6. Be kind to others. You never know what they are going through or what they have been through.
7. Don’t burn bridges, if at all possible. Sometimes life takes you in different directions, but keeping relationships in tact during the process is usually for the best.
8. Stop worrying. It does you no good. You can prepare for the worst and hope for the best, but stop wasting time worrying.
9. Sometimes you do have to burn bridges. Forgive, forget and move on.
10. A little lipstick can go a long way at lifting your mood.
11. Buy the person in line behind you breakfast (lunch or dinner)
12. Save your money. Always keep a cushion of at least $1,000 in the bank if possible.
13. At the same time, spend your money. You can’t take it with you. Go out to dinner with friends, buy yourself something nice from time to time.
14. Take care of yourself. Go to your doctor’s appointments, exercise, eat decent, get a massage or a pedicure.
15. Work hard. Nothing comes easy and you may not become rich by working hard, but at the end of the day…you can lay your head down and be proud of a good day’s work.
16. Just because you are wife or momma now, don’t lose your identity. Find something you love and do it. Whether it’s quilting or writing, find something that allows you to spend some time alone and enjoy it.
17. Travel. You don’t have to be a world traveler, but go on vacation. Go on weekend trips.
18. Be happy with what you have. Stop trying to keep up with the Joneses, who cares what car you drive? Work hard for what you have and be proud of it.
19. Comparison is the thief of joy. You don’t have to look like the girls on TV or make $100k a year. 
20. Disconnect. Unless you are a doctor and you actually ARE saving lives, no one has to be connected to their phone, computer, etc. 24/7.
21. Stay close to your siblings. They are your first friends. Life will take you different directions, but call them at least once a week.
22. Don’t ever stop dating your husband. Even if it means ice cream in bed at 11 p.m. after the kids go to sleep, take some time alone and spend it together.
23. Get outside. Hike, fish, just take a walk, but spend some time outside daily, if you can.
24. They are only little once. Each day they get a little older and grow so much, enjoy it. It’s stressful and tough at times, but enjoy the little moments. 
25. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new recipes. A lot of them may fail, but you may find something absolutely delicious.
26. Get up, dress up and show up. When I started working from home, I struggled with staying in my PJ’s all day. Now, I get up, put a little make up on and put some clothes on. I may not put on jeans and a nice shirt everyday, but sometimes clean yoga pants and a t-shirt can make you feel like a new woman.
27. Take care of what you have. Whether it’s a relationship or your car, take care of it. Routine maintenance is key to the life of both.
28. You get what you pay for, sometimes. It probably won’t be the end of the world if you buy toothpaste from the dollar store. Shoes that are $5 are most likely a decision you will regret after being on your feet for 8 hours.