I recently celebrated my birthday! In reflection of the life that has led me to this point and thinking about everything I've experienced over the years, I decided to share the most important lessons I've learned so far.
Health is wealth
Everything about a good life starts with a healthy mind and body.
Be unapologetically you
Something about the 30's is when the settling starts. You become more aware of who you really are and settle into that person. The concrete mass of your self-identity starts to harden and you are able to show up in life more sure, confident, and authentically.
Worry less
Life is full of ups and downs. Hills and valleys. Challenges and wins. Take it all in stride and know that everything works out eventually, for the most part.
Live for yourself
At the end of the day, all you have is you. You are the most constant person in your life. You have to wake up to yourself everyday. You have to live with your choices, not other people. Make decisions based on your own desires, goals, and needs. People are going to have their own ideas about you either way. Just live for you.
Self-care is a necessity
I don't believe we were just meant to work to pay bills and die. Find time to enjoy life and the little things. Take care of your mind and body. Keep track of how you're feeling and don't wait until it's too late to rest. Avoid burnout.
Choose your village wisely
Community is important and can affect nearly every aspect of your life so choose your friends and loved ones wisely. Make sure the relationships in your life are aiding your journey of growth and development. If not, adjust accordingly.
Never stop learning
Understand that you might know a little bit, but you definitely don't know it all. Lean into knowledge from your elders. Spend time with people from different life paths and cultures. Open your mind to new information and perspectives.
Don't close yourself off to love
Love comes in many forms. Don't allow past disappointment and hurt to stop you from experiencing healthy new love. Keep your heart protected and also open to new experiences.
Balance is the key to a happy life
Never be too swayed or influenced by any particular thing. View everything objectively and learn how to allow space for multiple facets of life. Learn how to adjust when life gets heavier or more demanding. Practice moderation.
Find the joy
Life is hard and time is limited. Find joy in the everyday things. Go outside. Appreciate earth's beauty. Spend time with loved ones. It will all go faster than you expect. Savor the moments. Put your phone away. Look up.
There's always tomorrow
It's never too late to become what you might have always been. As long as you are breathing, there is opportunity to start anew. Take it.
I hope these lessons can help you along your journey in some way. I've lived and breathed them and seek to practice them every day. Here's to another year around the sun!
What are the life lessons you've learned so far? Comment below!
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