30 Lessons I've Learned Over My 30 Years

It's been a crazy adventure over the past 30 years of my life. I've been through numerous trials and tribulations, but I can certainly say that my life has been mostly half full. From growing up in the bustling Arizona suburb of Ahwatukee to fighting for my life during my eight-month hospital stay, there have been plenty of experiences that taught me how to live life to the fullest. Here are 30 lessons I've learned during my brief 30 years on this earth. 

• Don't sweat the small stuff. It's a little cliche, but definitely true. 
• Patience is most certainly a virtue. Know when to just stop, take a breath, and relax. 
• It's okay to ask for help sometimes, we all could use a hand with something. 
• Casa Reynoso makes the best Mexican food in Arizona. 
• Just because a personal aide is attractive, it doesn't make them reliable. You know who you are. 
• It doesn't do you any good to look for someone to blame. 
• Feeling sorry for yourself isn't worth it. 
• You can always make the best out of any bad situation. 
• Being in a hospital for eight months qualifies you for a health credit in high school. 
• Athletes come in many forms. They even drive electric wheelchairs. 
• Strength isn't measured by a person's physical capacity. 
• Portable ramps will always be your best friend. 
• Don't freak out when you get locked in a van. There's a locksmith around somewhere. 
• You'd be surprised at the logistics involved in giving a lap dance to a guy in a wheelchair. 
• If you need someone to look up to, sit down. 
• New Girl is the best show on T.V. and scary relatable to my life.
• Ironside was cancelled after three episodes because they cast Blair Underwood instead of me.
• The airline industry is the arch-nemesis of people with disabilities.
• If you have to spend eight months in the hospital, make sure there is a Whataburger across the street.
• It’s okay to have bad days. But that doesn’t mean you have to have a bad attitude.
• Experience everything you can.
• Don’t judge a book by its cover, or a person by their disability.
• A sense of humor can get you through any situation.
• Make time to thank those who’ve helped you along your journey.
• Learning to breathe is harder the second time around.
• Enjoy your high school and college years, they’ll be some of the best years of your life.
• Always make time for your friends.
• Growing up is mandatory, growing old is optional.
• If you can’t do what you love, love what you do.
• Never give up, never stop fighting.

The past 30 years have been quite a ride and I can’t wait to see what the next 30 hold. I don’t know what my future holds, but I do know that I will continue to live the best I can and enjoy life as much as possible.