Remember how a few days ago I made the claim that I was going to write fourteen posts about my trip to NYC? Well, exhaustion has finally caught up with me and the only thing I really want to be doing is snuggling up under my puffy white comforter and sleeping until the weather is warm again. So until I’ve caught up on some shut eye (I know you don’t ever technically catch up on sleep) and have something to say other than 'I'm sooo sleepyyyy', I’m going to defer to my friends and share some of the things they've learned in their lives so far.

So without much preamble, here is the second installment of one of my favorite things I’ve ever asked people: what have you learned in your (fill in the blank with your current age) years of life? Here are the 29 things my dear friend Rachael has learned in her 29 years of life. She’s learned some good stuff, y’all. Number 28 is pure gold. And so is number 20.

(PS. It’s so incredibly interesting to me to see what each person finds remarkable and worth noting based on their own individual journeys through life. It’s such a testament to how incredibly unique and rich each of us are as humans).

1. Speeding tickets and car accidents aren't as huge of a deal as I think. If I’m safe, it will be okay.

2. Wear sunscreen, and don't go tanning.

3. It’s sometimes better to hold my tongue than to tell my mom what I'm really thinking and my husband sometimes, too.

4. Reading is fun.

5. Commit to friendships.

6. It’s cool to follow your morals.

7. It’s okay to say “no.”

8. It’s okay to say "yes" and get pulled outside your comfort zone.

9. I am valuable.

10. Timing is important, and things will work out (like singleness, getting married, having kids…).

11. When a hurricane comes, don't freak out.

12. Moments are more valuable than things.

13. Be present!

14. Exercise so you can eat what you want.

15. Zits are no big deal.

16. Be open to other cultures by forming relationships.

17. Daddy’s are the best, and I'm so thankful for hugs I get from mine and the time I get to talk to him and be heard.

18. Water is healing.

19. God never leaves my side.

20. It’s okay to be wrong.

21. I will make mistakes.

22. Generosity is something that's hard for me that I want to get better at.

23. Community is freakin’ important.

24. Don’t be scared of change.

25. It’s good to be patient, and give things time.

26. Stop and smell the roses.

27. Pursue what's important.

28. How ever old I think I'm getting, I'm as young as I'll ever be.

29. Live with gratitude (Kac helped me learn that!).