This past Labor Day Weekend, I was able to celebrate yet another trip around the sun. My husband and I celebrated my birthday on Aug. 31 and, along with celebrating the fact that my birthday fell on a three day weekend this year, it was an opportunity to reflect on my family, my career and everything I’ve learned during my time here on Earth. In honor of my now 29 years of life, here are 29 lessons I've learned:

1. No one is ever looking at/ thinking about you as much as you think they are. 
2. Not every opportunity is an opportunity for YOU, and that's ok. 
3. God's got it. They'll destroy themselves. 
4. There are people that you can be useful to and there are people who will use you. Find a way to help the former, lay down some strong, clear boundaries on the latter. 
5. You may not have spoken to them in years, but they are still your friend. 
6. Never work only for recognition or approval of others. You have to like what you do just a little bit. 
7. Money alone is never a good reason to stick with a job, just like a good environment shouldn't be the ONLY reason you stick with a job. 
8. A glamorous public perception is never a good reason to stick with a job.
9. Never let your cousin do your hair.
10. 9 to 5s are underrated, idk what everyone was on about.
11. Being kind and encouraging to others is not a weakness. Those are the people you never want to anger. 
12. Hold your tongue until you get the full picture/ story. 
13. Most of our information can be found somewhere online. We've sacrificed a lot of privacy for the ability to socialize online. 
14. Trying new things isn't scary. It's good for you, it's how you grow. 
15. Sometimes, you move to Minot, ND and end up meeting the love of your life. Take a chance at an adventure. 
16. Sometimes, people will do everything in their power to not give you your flowers. It's fine. 
17. Alternatively, when those same people do inevitably give you your flowers, humble yourself and accept them. 
18. Be dramatic about it for a little bit, and then let it go. Repression isn't good for the body or soul. 
19. The word 'NO' is not poisonous, it's a powerful tool to help you keep up with life. 
20. It is better to have them build a bridge and get over it than to be someone's doormat. 
21. If you see something you like and you can afford it, just buy it. 
22. We're only on God's green Earth for so long. Eat the cake.
23. Make sure you know how to really clean by the time you're 20. 
24. Master three to four lazy dishes that don't require a chopped onion. Your lazy days will thank you. 
25. Don't use third-party food delivery services, just go get it yourself. 
26. Never wait for others to celebrate you, celebrate yourself. 
27. The moment you stop worrying about things you can't control is the day you've freed yourself. 
28. It's hard to make friends as an adult. 
29. If you're not a mind reader, they're not a mind reader. Use your grown up words and communicate.
30. I hope you enjoy this issue featuring the latest in military business, an upcoming food festival and new real estate developments coming to Hope Mills! You can also check out page five for the information on our upcoming Power Breakfast series taking place on Sept. 24! This will be my first time moderating the panel as editor of GFBJ and I can't wait to see what our panelists share about Fayetteville’s thriving art community! 
31. Happy reading!