26 Major Lessons I've Learned in Life (so far)
Well today is the day. The day I turn the big two-six. Pretty anti-climatic right? I mean, besides the whole “no more parents’ health insurance”, there isn’t much that 26 brings, in terms of things to do. In fact, is there any age after 25 that means you can do something that you haven’t been able to do before? At 16, I could drive. At 17, I saw my first R-rated movie in theaters (they didn’t card me btw), and you better believe I bought lotto tickets at 18. 21, you can legally drink (also wasn’t carded then either), 23, your car insurance goes down, and 25? You get to rent a car! Okay, so after 21, there isn’t much hype but still, the point it, you get to done new things.
Actually, if you would have asked me what I thought my life would look like at 26, I would have predicted pretty much the opposite of what my life really looks like. And I am Okay with that! In fact, I love my life. I love the journey I’m on, the people I am surrounded by, and the things I do on a daily basis. It may be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I’m doing it my way, it’s all on me and me alone. And I like that. There’s no doubt in my mind that 25 was a major turning point in my life. I learned so much about life, about myself, and about following my dreams. I know I am going through a M A J O R transformation period in my life – it’s hard, uncomfortable, and sometimes I feel like I can burst into tears, scream, dance, and tell a joke all at once (can you relate?).
Since I feel like I’ve learned so much in the past year, but really, in the past 26 years I’ve been on this beautiful Earth of ours, I wanted to share with you the 26 major life lessons that I’ve learned so far!
So! without further ado, the 26 major lessons I’ve learned (in no particular order):
1. You are the master of your universe
You can either love your life or hate it, but you choice is yours
2. Quality over quantity
This applies to almost everything, but especially friends, work, and cheesecake :)
3. Fear is the devil
Fear holds us back from living our best lives. It stops us from living out of dreams, asking our crush out, traveling the world. You name it, fear ruins it. If you feel like fear controls your life, are interested in hearing more about fear being the devil, or just what a good, classic book to read, I would highly recommend reading Napoleon Hill’s book Outwitting the Devil. It. Changed. My. Life.
4. Health is THE most important thing
You are at your best when your health is at its best. If it’s not, you cannot be your best, and you therefore cannot be your best for all the people in your life. It’s as simple as that.
5. Your thoughts become your reality
What you think, becomes. Choose good thoughts.
6. Be a good human
Nothing more needs to be said here
7. You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with – including yourself
Look at how you talk about yourself and to yourself. Treat yourself kindly. Then look at the 5 people you spend the most time with. Do you like them? Their personalities? Their morals? Because chances are, you’re also looking at yourself. If you don’t like what you see, change your surroundings/environment. And refer back to #1.
8. If you’re always working for the weekend, you’re never fully present
You spend most of your life working. But if you’re always waiting for 5pm on Friday to come, are you ever fully present in wat you are doing? You shouldn’t be allowed to work at a job you hate. Find a job you love. And if you can’t find one, create your own!
9. Time with friends can heal almost anything
Nothing makes me feel better than when I’m with my friends. I LIVE for Secret Santa and Friends’ Thanksgiving every year (we’re going on 10 years strong) <3
10. Family isn’t just blood
Family is who you make it
11. People can either feed your energy or drain your energy – which one do you want to be?
Energy flows all around us, inside of us, and outside of us. You either fill others up or drain them. Don’t be a vampire.
12. There is more to health than exercising and eating right
Health is multidimensional, and no one dimension is more important than another. Move, eat right, recognize and nurture your emotions, discover your purpose, develop or strengthen your faith. Take care of yourself in every way possible.
13. Learn to be confident in who you are, what you do, and everything will fall into place
Confidence is key
14. You cannot pull the flower open – everything blooms in time
Patience. Everything and everyone is on their own clock. It all happens when it’s meant to happen.
15. Money is currency and currency is energy
Abundance is yours if you want it. For more on this topic, I would recommend reading You are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero
16. Listen to your body
No one knows itself best like your body. Everything you feel is your body’s way of communicating to you. Get in tune with your body and you will be amazed at what it can tell you!
17. Tech-free days do the mind and body wonders
Sign off and feel a freedom like you’ve never felt before
18. Asking for help isn’t a bad thing
Even the greatest of the great have had mentors, coaches, therapists, etc. We can’t do it all on our own, and that is A-Okay my friend! Reach out for advice, asked your SO for to do the dishes, talk to a therapist, hire a coach. You’ll thank yourself later.
19. Let go of the past
Just like fear stops us from living in the present, mulling over the past will do the same thing. Let it go. Forgive him, forgive her, forgive yourself.
20. You can only ask others to try their best
It’s unfair to ask someone to do/give/be more than their best. Accept their best and move on.
21. Everyone’s journey is different
I heard a quote once that went something like “don’t compare your chapter one to someone else’s chapter 20”. No two people are alike and therefore, no two journeys will ever look the same.
22. Love like you’ve never known heartbreak
Forgive whoever broke your heart (see #19) and love like it never happened. Because it’s not fair to withhold from your partner, no matter if your heart broke in half or a million little pieces. And it’s not fair to yourself.
23. Never stop learning
Just don’t. There is so much to learn out there!
24. Never stop trying
Again, don’t ever stop trying. When we stop trying is when we truly fail.
25. If life isn’t fun to you, do something to change it, After all, you only have this one life!
Again, you are actually in control of your own life! Even if it seems like the universe just keeps raining on you, you may just need to take a step back out from under that rain cloud. We only live one life in one body, why wouldn’t you want to make the most of it?
26. Be present
In all that you do.
Well, there you have it! 26 of some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far! Now, I would like to clarify something, I by no means have mastered all these lessons. Most of them are lessons that I have to consistently work at, every day. I may never “master” them, but as long as I actively work toward them, I couldn’t be more proud of myself.
Until next time,
Veronica