My 27th year on Earth (2018) was one of many highs and some deep lows. So as I approached my 27th birthday yesterday, I found myself spending more time reflecting in the lead up to my birthday – reflecting about where I am, who I am, where I’d like to be and some of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt over the years.
Here are 27 things I’ve learnt in 27 years. Most of them are still a work in progress for me, but I’m learning each day.
- Do things with kindness. Not because you might get something out of it, either. Being a kind person is more important than being right.
- Do shit that makes you happy. Rule your own world. Life is too short to waste your time on things that make you miserable.
- This goes for people too. Friends will come and go and it’s okay to no longer be friends with people who make you feel like crap. You don’t need to be an arsehole about it, but you also don’t need to actively maintain the friendship. Don’t hold grudges. Emotional freedom feels really good.
- Happiness is a habit. Being happy is something you need to consistently choose to do. Sometimes you might need to take a good look at what happiness means to you.
- Your self-worth is not determined by the number of likes or comments you get on social media.
- Your opinion isn’t always needed. Just because you have an opinion on a topic, doesn’t mean you always need to say it.
- Save your money. You’ll want it when you’re older.
- It’s okay to say no. But, being flaky isn’t cool. It’s always better to let people know upfront when you’re not going to do something, rather than bailing on them. It makes people feel like crap and you don’t want to be responsible for that.
- Self-care and loving yourself is really important. Love where you are in this process.
- It’s okay to not be okay. Happiness and self-love are a constant journey. Sometimes you’ll have your shit together and other times you won’t. But nothing is worth sacrificing your mental health – not friends, not your job, not money or even family.
- Diets or food fads are not worth sacrificing your happiness and sanity for. “Failing” these is not about your willpower not being strong enough. Your diet is worth more than the sum of its parts.
- No one gives a shit about your outfit or how trendy your house looks. Spend less money on materialistic things and more on adventure or experiences.
- It’s okay to change your mind.
- Trust your gut. Don’t wait for permission to do things you want to do, and don’t wait for “the right time” because chances are, it doesn’t exist.
- Being smart is cool. Strive to always learn about things you’re passionate about.
- There is no “one true diet”. Don’t get hung up on fitting into a diet label. Your diet should evolve with you. Maybe, just be more mindful about moderation and where you source your food from – make friends with your local farmers.
- Valuing yourself and your dignity are underrated.
- People aren’t always going to react or treat you the way you want them to. It’s hard and it sucks when people make you feel crap, but it’s reality. Everyone is on their own journey.
- You are more than your job.
- Detox products are a waste of your money. You have fully functioning detoxification organs, so nourish them and rely on them to do their job.
- Appreciate the small moments. The sun, coffees with loved ones, laughing until your stomach hurts, the ocean, the mountains, crime podcasts, or cuddles with your pets. These things are underrated and will pass quickly. Recognise, acknowledge and appreciate what you have in the moment.
- Don’t be afraid to be emotionally vulnerable.
- INVEST IN YOUR HEALTH. Drink more water. Get more sleep (trust me, it really helps). Find yourself a good health practitioner and stop listening to unqualified people or google.
- Listen more. Understand other points of view or beliefs. Don’t always assume.
- Put the effort in to maintain relationships you value, no matter how busy you are. Make a point to remember their special events or birthdays. It makes other people feel good and it makes you feel good.
- Eat your vegetables, and lots of them. Fibre is more important than you think.
- The most valuable thing in life is time.