30 Unbelievably Simple Lessons That Will Make You Love Life
Yesterday I celebrated my 30th birthday and over the last few months, I've made some major epiphanies about life.
Yes. It took me 30 years of life to come to some pretty basic conclusions about life.
This isn't a mind bending post that will leave you thinking "this woman is a genius" but it will make you recognize unhealthy patterns and teach you that you need to love yourself better.
This is practical advice that will help you stress less, love more, and enjoy life.
Pants: Marshalls, Shirt: TIlly's, Shoes Thrfited, Flowers + CHampagne: Trader Joes.
1. Procrastination is both a friend and foe
I'm currently writing this post at 11 PM on my 30th birthday, while drinking champagne.
Today procrastination is a foe.
There are many times where procrastination has pushed me to create excellent work. Sometimes pressure can make you produce creative things because you are forced to think quickly.
BUT at the end of the day, procrastination is mostly a foe and should be avoided.
2.Be Friendly with everyone, but choose your friends wisely
You can be nice to everyone but you aren't obligated to be friends with everyone.
3. DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP WHEN YOU MAKE MISTAKES
It will be ok.
You are human and mistakes are inevitable. Do not torture yourself when you make them. Learn and move on - it will save you a lot of stress.
4. LEARN TO SAY NO
It's ok to say no.
READ: 7 REASONS TO NEVER BE SORRY FOR SAYING NO
5. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
Being healthy and fit effects your life on so many levels. Healthy diet and exercise impacts you mentally and physically. Make time for it.
6. LIVE IN THE MOMENT
We spend so much time looking forward and back that we often forget to enjoy the now.
Spend more time enjoying each and every moment and learning to find the joy of each second.
7. THINGS WON'T MAKE YOU HAPPY
Sure those Gymshark leggings or new Madewell Jeans might make you smile in the moment, but at some point, you're going to want another pair.
And another.
And another.
Things are nice but making time to invest in yourself and other is what will truly bring happiness.
8. TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Don't stuff emotions away. Deal with them.
Get help if you need to and don't feel ashamed.
READ: MY ABBREVIATED BULIMIA STORY
9. LEARN TO REST
Your mind and body.
Get enough sleep and take days to relax your mind.
During my birthday weekend, I took a bubble bath, did a face mask, a mani-pedi and read Harry Potter.
IT FELT AMAZING.
10. INVEST IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships aren't exactly easy to maintain so you have to be determined for them to work. Nurture your relationships and value them highly because you really do need people.
11. Plan but be flexible
It's good to have plans and follow through on them, but don't be so rigid that you can't enjoy yourself.
12. Practice Gratitude
It is so important to be grateful for what you have. Don't waste a lot of time wishing that you had
13. DON'T LET OTHER PEOPLE DICTATE HOW YOU FEEL
No one can MAKE you angry. They can do something that evokes an emotional response, but you have control over that response.
14. IT'S OK TO FEEL
At the same time, it is totally ok to feel the way you feel, and you should not be afraid of your emotions. Work through them in a healthy manner and focus on being less reactive.
15. YOU DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN YOURSELF
You don't want to go out? Cool.
You can't make it to an event? Thanks for letting me know.
You are not required to explain why you make decisions, why you changed your mind, why you couldn't make it somewhere - anything.
And stop feeling bad about it too.
16. WRITE IN A JOURNAL
Even if you don't do it everyday, journaling is a great way to process. Try writing in a journal on a consistent basis and I guarantee it will effect your life for the good.
17. DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY NEW THINGS
New food, new activities, new pants - whatever! Just try something new.
My goal is to try something new every single month.
18. DON’T LET PEOPLE TELL YOU SOMETHING IS IMPOSSIBLE
Most things are completely possible when you have determination.
If you have friends that constantly discourage you from your goals, stop talking to them about it. Find someone who will support you.
19. LEARN TO LET PEOPLE GO
You may have people in your life who drain you physically and mentally. Someone who is a constant source of negativity, or even someone who talks you into doing really dumb things.
It's ok to put distance between you. It doesn't have to be a dramatic announcement with an official "friendship divorce"
Just let it fizzle out.
20. GIVE AND ACCEPT COMPLIMENTS FREELY
Complimenting a random stranger is a wonderful feeling. You never know what people are going through and you could truly make someone's day.
When you are complimented, don't deflect it. Smile and say "Thank you" You don't need to compliment them back in that moment either. Just be gracious.
21. LEARN TO DEAL WITH STRESS
Stress management is important. Please do not leave things unattended because too much stress will effect your health.
Find an activity that helps you de-stress. My newest favorite is a candlelit bubble bath.
22. IT’S OK TO BE EXTRA
People will tell you you're dramatic.
I just shrug my shoulders because I know my extraness (yeah I'm extra enough to make up an adjective for it) comes from passion.
Passion = joy.
23. ADDRESS INJUSTICE
I used to be afraid to talk about racism with people. I was afraid to point out microaggressions and explain why they were harmful.
I realized that it's better to address these things in the moment, but also respectfully.
That brings me to my next lesson:
24. DON’T COMMUNICATE IN ANGER
Anger is a valid emotion.
Communicating in anger is not a good idea. Take time to process, and rationalize, then communicate out of love and respect.
25. ALWAYS CHECK IN WITH YOUR PRIORITIES
It's easy to get off track and forget your purpose. I am a very easily distracted person.
Constantly check in with your priorities so you can get back on track.
26. BREAK YOUR ROUTINE
You do the same thing every day, and that is cool.
Try to break it up every once in awhile to alleviate monotony.
READ: 75 WAYS TO EXERCISE CREATIVITY
27. LEARN TO DEFINE BEAUTY FOR YOURSELF
People will constantly tell you what beautiful is, but you need to discover what is beautiful to you.
All of us are beautiful and you need to tell yourself that. Every day.
28. DON’T BURN BRIDGES
You NEVER KNOW when you will need someone's help, or go back to a job.
Any time you part from a person or thing, do it amicably. Leave them with respect, and they will respect you for it.
29. WEAR WHATEVER THE HECK YOU WANT
Sure, there are ways to learn how to "dress better" but really, a lot of our buying decisions are based on what other people might think. Learn to care more about what YOU think.
(Don't wear a bikini to work if you feel like it though)
30. FINF PURPOSE IN EVERY PART OF YOUR LIFE
Finding your ULTIMATE purpose is important, but often leads to stress. Make sure to be grateful for every moment and find purpose in them.
