25 THINGS I'VE LEARNED IN 25 YEARS
Photo by Christina Hartzell
Sometimes when I look back, I feel like it took forever to get here. Then, there are other times when I can pinpoint different memories and it feels like it was just yesterday.
I think learning is the most important thing in life in order to create the best version of yourself.
So here are 25 things I've learned in 25 years:
1. "Admire someone else's beauty without questioning your own." I'm still working on this, but it's so so so important.
2. Patience, a strong work ethic and kindness will get you far.
3. Sometimes things aren't meant to be—and thats ok—but stay persistent. Life will knock you down, but the important thing is to get back up and start again.
4. Being stubborn only hurts you in the end. End those "mind-blockers."
5. Let feedback and criticism help shape you, but not define you.
6. Get serious about a morning and evening routine. Taking care of yourself—body, mind and soul—is mega important.
7. There's no right or wrong style or personality you have to achieve—be you, the rest will follow.
8. A little hot water and lemon, candles and Édith Piaf will cure any morning blues.
9. Surround yourself with a good support system—family, friends, co-workers, your dog.
10. Bad days don't last forever, but neither do good days. Don't take the good for granted and look for the sunny moments during the bad.
11. Ask for help when you need it. It's ok.
12. Don't plan out your life with a time table. Everyone's process is different.
13. Being secure with who you are is the most beautiful thing anyone can be.
14. Buy yourself flowers. Seriously, this is an instant mood-changer.
15. Say yes when you mean yes and say no when you mean no. Please yourself, not others.
16. Take the opportunity to have a real conversation with someone—these convos and these people will be the most important in your growth.
17. Laugh at yourself. I do this way too often, you should try it too.
18. Step out of your comfort zone. Holding back only hurts yourself.
19. Intelligence is so beautiful. Don't stop learning and challenge yourself.
20. Splurge on chocolate—the cheap stuff will make you breakout. (While we're on the food category, don't eat salt or carbs before bed. Just don't, you'll feel awful in the morning.)
21. You get out what you put in. Don't settle.
22. Buy a camera bag, instead of stuffing it in your purse. Lesson learned, ok?
23. Freshly washed sheets is probably the best feeling ever.
24. Take responsibility for your actions.
25. Your happiness is your happiness—say goodbye to toxic people and things. Don't let someone dim your light and don't do it to someone else. Creating light around yourself makes you feel better, as well as everyone else around you.
What are the most important things you have learned in your life?