Hey! Here's my birthday thoughts for the past year in retrospect.

1. True adversity brings people together in unique, irreplaceable ways.

2. Celebrating the good times is more enjoyable with others.

3. Living with a significant other is different than having a roommate.

4. It takes years to build strong friendships, but single decisions can damage relationships.

5. It feels good to tell friends how much they mean to you, and hearing it back is even better.

6. Caring for a dog is a large but rewarding responsibility.

7. Realize that people may perceive things differently or act based on what you say.

8. Things can change in the blink of an eye.

9. Doesn’t matter what you believe in—just believe in something.

10. It’s not all about the money.

11. You can’t control the wind, but you can control the sails.

12. Kicking unhealthy habits starts with a series of small, simple decisions. Each choice makes it easier.

13. Breathing controls everything in life (learned through scuba diving).

14. When saying something you think is wrong, explain why.

15. Understand that not everyone will agree with your views, and they may react differently.

16. How to build a house.

17. Learning skills outside your core career is incredibly rewarding and valuable.

18. Banoffee is really good.

19. You can never give enough flowers.

20. The fondest kind of motivation is encouragement. 

21. Easier to go through things together than alone.

22. Feeling close to the edge reminds you of what it means to be alive.

23. Listening is equally as effective as speaking.

24. Celtics are the best basketball team once again.

25. Reaching out to people for advice or to meet is powerful for networking.

26. Some things (like boat engines) are worth buying new rather than putting more money into an older one that may not work.

27. Don't be too upset over a bad haircut, it'll grow back.

28. I enjoy writing.