Motivation Monday: Love your life!

Florence, Italy - where we spent our 30th birthdays!

Thanks to last night's insomnia and Huffington Post mobile, I am bringing today's motivation post courtesy of Rulaca State. Thanks, Rulaca for bestowing your wisdom upon us and making my Monday a little easier. Good stuff!

Just turned 30? Or have been checking this age box for years now? Here are 10 tips to love your life (and yourself) in your 30's:

1. Embrace your physical appearance. Period. Determine what you like about your appearance and own it. Forget about what you want to change. Your sexiest accessory can be your confidence.  
2. Take control of your health. Sleep more, drink water more, visit your doctor..more, rest more, exercise more, eat healthier, meditate more, focus on the positive more and enjoy the small things...MORE!
3. Find a personal mantra. It doesn't really matter what your mantra or where it stems, it matters that it resonates with you and that you know you can find comfort in it when you need to. 
4. Get a hobby. If you don't have one already, find a hobby. Something that really engages you -- physically, mentally, creatively, whatever. My hobbies are blogging and photography - they help me realize there is life outside of chores, work and exercise. =)
   
5. Seek inspiration. Trust your eye and your personal point of view. Pin it. Bookmark it. Photograph it. Keep it in your mental (and literal) files for a creative boost when you need it.
   
6. Figure out how to de-stress. Maybe it's taking long walks, going to a movie, reading a book, watching mindless reality shows, cooking dinner or hanging out with friends/families. For me, it's bubble baths...with a side of champs/wine/beer (I'm not particular). Whatever it is, finding a way to control your own mind and the random roads it travels down, is a really important factor in taking care of yourself mentally and feeling your best. 
7. Help others. It's not quite as simple as doing a Goodwill drop twice per year. Volunteering your time, your insight or your talents can be rewarding in so many ways. It lets you take the focus off yourself for a little while, reminds you that your life is abundant and rich and simply warms your heart. Letting yourself be completely selfless in order to restore your spirit. You will come out of it feeling brand new.
8. Stop comparing. This is a tough one, friends. But the only way you will feel comfortable in your own skin is to truly live in it.
9. Know how to say no. Or I can't. Or I don't want to. It's so important in this busy life to be able to set your own limits and stick to them, even if it means letting someone else down.
   
10. Buy the handbag after all. Or whatever it is that makes you happy. In moderation, of course. But buy it. Indulge yourself. Treat yourself. Reward yourself with the little things that bring a little sunshine into your day.