I really don’t like thinking about the fact that I'll soon be in my mid-30s. I remember as a teenager that someone in their mid-30s seemed so OLD. Well-beyond what seemed like the fun, carefree years, jaded by the drudgery of adulting.

But, now that I'm one of these so-called “older adults,” I've realized that it’s come with some good stuff as well.

For one, I'm way more responsible, way more confident, and just a happier and more inquisitive person. I enjoy the little things, don’t set out for material things and instead embrace experiences and spending time with those I love, including myself. I’m not afraid to be alone, and I actually relish the time that I have to myself. Overall, getting older hasn’t been as dramatic as I would have thought it would have been at the ripe age of 21.

With more years come more experience, and more things that have proven time and time again, are for sure. These are things in life — that regardless of age or experience — that won’t change and will always remain true. While this is an initial list, these are what I can consider, at this point in my life now, to be true. Even though we may inherently know this stuff, it’s always good to be reminded.

1 You are in complete charge of your own life and happiness

I know, for sure, that we are the captains of our own vessels and can steer our ships wherever we decide. Owning that you are the captain of your own fate is one of the most empowering things you can do. There is nobody on this earth who can shape your life and how happy you are in it aside from yourself. Yes, while we have friends, family and spouses who contribute to happiness and the twist and turns that life gives us, it’s ultimately up to us to own that we are in charge. Acknowledging the decisions we make become who we are.

One of my favorite quotes is, “Life only stays the same if you do.” And how true is that. If you want something different, you have to do — have to be — something different.

2 You have a unique gift to offer the world

I believe that God put us all here with unique talents and traits that we were meant to contribute to the world. We all have that one thing that lights our soul on fire — we’d do it all the time if we could get away with it. But when you can find a way to incorporate your passions into your everyday, that’s when your everydays get extraordinary.

Think about what you enjoyed to do as a kid, a hobby you picked up in college or in your young adult years. Chances are, you already know what it is. What I know for sure is that you have a gift, and if you’re not putting it out into the world, you’re holding your soul back, your ambition, your happiness and what lights you up. So whether it’s art, music, writing or design — or anything in between — make the time to explore that part of yourself and your creativity.

I think that nearly 99 percent of the time, the reasons we don't explore these parts of ourselves more is that it leaves us vulnerable, able to be judged, and living in that fear is what keeps us paralyzed to forge ahead and get over ourselves.

Our passions give us purpose, and once pursued, they open new doors.

3 What we tell ourselves is our truth

I know for sure that we should always trust our intuition. And this is especially true for women. You already know the answer; don’t question what you know to be true. You know what’s right for you, your family and for your life. And as soon as you question your instinct, that’s when things go awry.

And while our intuitions are strong, there’s a powerful difference between listening to your gut vs. self-destructive thoughts. In other words, don’t believe everything you think. That voice inside our head is one of the most powerful things that we have to learn to tame. Our self-talk and the way we treat ourselves has an enormous impact on how we approach the world, how confident we are, and the way we go about accomplishing goals.

You already know the answer — it’s in there — but be kind to yourself. You are always greater, stronger and more capable than you think.

4 Life is short

While I feel better than ever in approaching my mid-30s, I also wrangled with the truth that we won’t be around forever. Seeing people you love, people you know — even people who are your age — leave this earth is one of the most humbling and awakening things. It’s a smack-in-the-face example that we’re not immortal, despite what we thought when we were 19. Life is short, and we only get one. I grapple with this idea on a daily basis. And I push myself, question myself, challenge myself to be better, do better, because of the notion that my time is limited here to make the impact I want to make.

Some principles that have helped guide me:

• Don't spend life doing things that you don’t want to do. Your time is better spent doing something that gives you joy and brings you peace.

• Make steps, everyday, to move toward who you want to become. Our everyday actions ultimately lead us to who we’re supposed to be, and who we ultimately become.

• Let go of grudges and things that have happened in your past. Life is lived in the present, not the past or future. Hold on to the good parts of your past and recognize they shape who you are, but let go of the bad. You are not defined by what happened to you.

• Spend it with people you love and care about. That’s really what life is all about. Find and prioritize the people who you love and who love you. Pour into these people, and let go of people who do not lift you up.

• Get rid of fear, and put yourself out there. I don’t want to look back on my life and realize that I never did what I always wanted to do because I was scared. After all, fear is a signpost for growth. And really, that’s what it’s all about.

5 God is Love

I know for sure, that God is good, all the time. Knowing and having a relationship with Him has changed me, and given me confidence that with Him, anything is possible. While I didn’t grow up in a super religious household, as I've entered adulthood, I've recognized the importance of cultivating and embracing a higher power and faith in your life. Regardless of your viewpoints or what you believe, I know for sure that there is a greater purpose, a greater being, who loves you.

In Knowing, There is Clarity

As life goes on, and maturity continues to set in, there are many things we come to know for sure. Living life controlling the things we can and letting go of the things we can’t is ultimately the foundation of who we are, what patterns we create, and become so foundational to our lives.

I know for sure that I’m glad I'm growing older… and wiser.