This month, I turned 36. 36!
While people lament these milestones that inch us ever so closer to 40, I celebrate it.
I have more wisdom and awareness that I have so much more to learn, especially as I reprogram my adult child of an alcoholic brain and create the life I want.
Today, I’m sharing 36 things I’ve learned and think you should know, too.
1. You are normal.
Despite perfect social feeds, everyone you know has problems. Major problems. The world is fucked up.
2. Every word, every smile makes a difference.
Don’t ever underestimate the power of simple act of kindness. Hold the door for people. Smile. Say hello.
3. It’s never too late to create the life you want.
4. Hope is a superpower.
Hold onto it with a firm grip.
5. Take it one day at a time.
All we have for certain is right now. Focus on that.
6. Avoid judging people and assume there is something you don’t know about.
You do not know what battles people are fighting.
7. Take the pause that refreshes before responding.
Coca-Cola used to have an advertising slogan: The pause that refreshes. I think it’s more fitting as a reminder to think before you react. Sometimes a simple pause is needed to help you avoid saying or doing something you don’t mean.
8. You are extraordinary.
There is no one like you in the world. Your experiences, your talents, your soul make you special. And yet as human beings, we are drawn to people who are like us. I want to fit in. We don’t realize that how we really shine is when we are truly ourselves.
9. Stop trying to be like everyone else.
Be different. If you’ve buried who you really are, unbury yourself! Do what you like to do. Stop to trying to mirror what how everyone else lives their lives. They’re probably actually miserable. Ask that guy out. Get a tattoo. Quit your job and start a business when you don’t feel ready. Start a band, even when there are better bands.
When people are talking about Netflix binging, talk about that Podcast you’re starting. When people are talking about sitting on a boat all weekend, and you’d rather be painting, talk about your painting.
LIVE DIFFERENTLY.
10. Most people give up.
Like 90% of people. I made up that statistic but it’s probably right. Most people accept the cards they’ve been dealt and let life happen to them. Don’t be like most people. Put in the effort to create the life that you want.
11. Life is too short to try to control what you can’t control.
12. Spend more time with people who inspire you, who light you up.
Recognize that you may need to spend less time with family and friends who were like family at one time in order to make time for those who are good for you today.
13. Know that you control the volume setting.
Turn up the volume on people who inspire you, who encourage you, who make you laugh, who make you a better, happier human being. Turn down the volume on those who do not.
14. You get what you give energy to.
Be mindful of your words and thoughts. What you put into the universe becomes your reality.
15. You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, you might find that you get what you need.
16. Say what you need to say now because it isn’t guaranteed you’ll have the opportunity to do so another time.
17. You’re never actually alone.
18. The greatest things in life are NOT free. You must invest time and energy into everything that you value, especially relationships.
19. When you’re young, everything feels permanent but it’s not.
The jerks at school. The people who rejected you. The boy or girl who broke your heart. They gave you temporary, but intense feelings. As adults, we have more control, more wisdom to shape our own lives. Nothing is permanent.
20. Freedom is recognizing that you’re free.
You are free.
21. Give and volunteer.
Ask what you can do for others without expectation of reward. Do good and good will come to you. I guarantee it. Volunteers always say they get more from the experience than they could ever give.
22. Never believe anyone who tells you your dreams are unrealistic.
They are either ignorant or jealous. Forgive them and forge ahead.
23. Your past does not define your future.
Some of the happiest, most fulfilled people came from the most terribly tragic experiences. They created the path people said didn’t even exist for them.
24. You only you can prevent forest fires.
The responsibility is yours. No one is going to show up with a magic band and prevent bad things from happening. shaping your life into what you want and deserve. No one is going to pluck you out of your dead-end job or loveless marriage. Or drop you on a treadmill or swap the fast food hamburger for a smoothie. It’s all you, my friend.
25. You must create your own playbook.
There’s no step-by-step book with the plays needed to win at your life. You have the pen and the paper.
26. Little-kid you had things figured out more than you do today.
27. It’s totally possible to reprogram your brain to think differently.
28. Take care of your body for health purposes.
That’s the reason for eating right and exercising. The most attractive people attract through their energy and confidence, not the size of their pants.
29. Friends are everywhere.
Make small talk everywhere you go. It leads to big friendships.
30. It’s very important to try new things.
It’s how to learn about yourself.
31. Worrying does no good.
32. Indulge sometimes. Life is too short not to.
If you love carrot cake, eat it.
33. If you’re going to do something, do it right. Not 70% – but 100% right.
Life is about details.
34. So, do the extra things for people. When no one’s looking. When it doesn’t count for anything. When you won’t get anything in return.
35. Think about everything you’re grateful for, every day.
36. Your only job in life is to take good care of yourself. That’s it.
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Your past does not define your future
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