I’ve gone and returned from Rivera Maya, started a new job in New York City, hosted a graduation party for my cousin, and marked the quarter century of my life. You can say my life has been a whirlwind the past two weeks, that I haven’t even had the mental capability to realize I’ve turned 25! I guess it’s only fitting I entered 25 like this, since they say our twenties are both the most frustrating yet exciting!
Most panic at the thought they’re quickly becoming older. Me on the other hand, I’m looking forward to 25, not the getting older part, but I’d like to see it as a new era in my life. The more birthdays we celebrate, the more life changing experiences we embark. From devastating to happy moments, the most I’ve learned is about myself, and who I am as a person in this amazing life. We’ll never seem to understand how life functions, but through discovering myself I’ve learned many valuable things to live happily. Not matter how old we are, learning and taking on new opportunities, is the beauty of life. So on this milestone birthday of mine, I thought I might share some advice I’ve reflected upon these recent days, and am looking forward to many more to come…
1. There comes a time you’ll realize you need stop wasting your time, money and energy doing the right thing for the wrong people. I’m a much happier person after removing negative people, those who don’t truly understand me and ones who thrive on drama or focus on material and stereotypical aspects of life from my own life.
2. As bad as it may sound, I’ve learned that people who question or doubt you, are ones that in somehow have questioned themselves in the same situation or have some regret. Genuine friends don’t underestimate your integrity or judgement, they know who you are and your intentions at all times.
3. Toot your own horn, and pave your own yellow brick road. If you want to do something do it, voice your opinion! Don’t hold back from something when it felt right just because the thought of being judged. If no one else wants to go along, then go on your own, but knowing you did something for yourself or stood up for something you believe in, will invigorate and empower you. You’ll always be happier following your passions.
4. Stress nor fear exists, we create it. Take a deep breath let go of the burden and worries holding you back and fogging your mind. It’s better to breathe think about your task, focus on the important part and start there. Shake off the hesitation and doubts keeping you from taking that step, and go for it without thinking. You’ll see you’ll have an experience you never thought possible, and if things don’t work out the way you anticipated then at least you never have to wonder “what if”. Better to know you tried than always wondering when you had the chance.
5. Make peace with your parents. Whether you get along with them or have very different viewpoints, essentially they only have your best interests in mind. You can’t enter adulthood happily if you don’t Forgive them for being flawed human beings, remember so are you. 6. Recognize you right of freedom to adventure, whether it be a solo drive to catch the sunset atop the mountains or breakfast at 3am with friends. 7. Try not to beat yourself up over not working in the exact field or position you dream of, yet, and don’t ever beat yourself up for the education, and degrees you earned. This is something I’m still working on, but remember you earned it, you worked hard for a valuable education. You may have veered from the original set path, but it was still worth it, because at one point you were passionate about it, and in a way unexpectedly you will gain confidence in that skills again.Be patient, work with what you have, and remember you’re not the only one feeling like this. 8. Strive to learn as much as you have the opportunity to. Learning about your passions is invigorating. 9. Make a habit of going outside, enjoying the light, forgetting the social and technical world, and learning to appreciate the earth, not only for its beauty but everything it provides us. We often see the small details that are crucial to our survival. I’ve always loved nature but I’ve grown to be more passionate about it, than anything else. 10. Find a hobby and interests that makes being alone feel empowering and peaceful, something to look forward to. I have so many things I enjoy doing on my own, that I often feel like I don’t get enough alone time, but then again that stems from being an only child but also being confident in doings things alone. If you one small thing each day that makes you “you”, you’ll be more fulfilled. 11. Accept every unique part of yourself, and love you just the way you are, flaws especially. I use to never Make myself a priority, always putting others before myself until I was miserable never having the time to do the things that make happy. Prioritize your needs into daily lists, including plenty of breaks and time for spontaneous adventures. 12. Learn your fears and find ways to overcome them, like talking it out. Don’t settle for experiencing just a small fraction of what the world has to offer because you’re afraid. 13. Allow life to happen how and when it’s supposed to. Don’t stress yourself forcing things to happen the way you want them to, you’ll only set yourself up for disappointment. There’s a time and place for everything. So don’t force what’s not yet supposed to fit into your life. When it’s meant to be, it will be. Stay passionate and driven, keep that dream and vision in mind everyday, work hard, be patient and stay open to life. It’s when I let go of the notion how my life should be that wonderful things happened. Notice the good happening to you now, even if it’s a little harder than realize. 14. Learn to give selflessly,without looking for anything in return, and do it to strangers. the strangers around you a chance. – Be friendly, a simple smile or nice comment could lead to a million possibilities. Plus, you meet then for a reason but not make a significant impact on your life but it does make a difference. You could have made a choice that’s bettered your life, or you could have simply made someone’s day. But I always see every encounter in our life, whether brief or involved, some will test you, some will teach you, and some will bring out the very best in you. No act of love and kindness, is ever wasted, they always come back around in the oddest ways. 13. Embrace your passion. Whether it’s a hobby you’ve loved for all of your life, or something new that makes your heart thump a little harder, embrace something that ignites a flame within you. Set aside time — even if it’s just once a week — and, during that time, focus all of your energy on whatever your passion may be. In the craziness of life, it’s not uncommon that we neglect a hobby we love due to other obligations. But passion is what makes us feel alive. Passion is what fills us with positive energy, flowing from one person through to the next. Passion fuels more passion, making this life a happy one to live. All we have to do is set an intention to embrace it. 14. Stop living life according to a timeline and set plans; goals are one thing but setting up plans according to age or a point in your life will only end up disappointing you. It’s when you let go of the strict mindset and open yourself up to life that wonderful things begin happening in the least expected way, but that’s what makes it more magical. 15. Be young, embrace your age and live life when you have the opportunity to because you don’t want to be older physically incapable of doing the things you wanted to so when you actually could. That goes along with embrace being young and don’t rush it. I had this great plan that I wanted to br married at 24 having kids right away be a young mom and clearly that’s not the case but I couldn’t be more happy with it, it’s simply just not the right time for that. Being on vacation seeing so many beautiful families made me want it even more but just not now. I want to travel, see the world, enjoy my relationship where we can be young together go out dancing, drinks or vacation without feeling selfish about sitters and leaving kids behind 16. Don’t stress too much about money… It will come.
