Today marks my 28th round around the Sun on this planet we call Earth.
28 years of life filled with love, joy, wonder, sadness, curiosity, awkwardness, anger, forgiveness, confusion, growth, adventures, mischief, struggles, laughter, silence, sweat, tears, peace and more love and laughter.
I am grateful for all of life’s experiences, good and bad and look forward to many more with the knowledge and belief that everything that happens, happens for a reason. Most often, it is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Today I am writing to share some life lessons from reflecting on the past 28 years. Hopefully these little nuggets of wisdom can be of benefit to you too.
“Breathe, Live, Love, Laugh”
I am grateful for every breath I take. Seriously, without it I would suffocate, be in a lot of pain and die. 😵 This also allows me to experience life and all its wonders. To love and be loved. And to make a difference by giving back to this world in my own unique way.
“Take it easy, enjoy life.”
As I grew up into an ‘adult’, I started to take everything too seriously. I must admit I lost much of my sense of humor, wonder and the carefree-ness of my childhood days. Consequently, I stopped enjoying life as much as I should have.
“Be Satisfied. Appreciate what you have.”
We already have so much, yet sometimes we want more. I’ll never forget this quote from a friend “Sometimes happiness is not getting what you want, but wanting what you have.”
“Family and friends are more precious than gold or silver”
As I get older, I am starting to realize that they are probably my most precious possessions.
“Everyone makes mistakes. Forgive.”
Especially me. I realized that I need to forgive myself as much as forgiving others. And sometimes learning to forgive yourself is the hardest part. But I wouldn’t be able to move on or grow from the experience otherwise.
“Never assume”
I learnt this in clinical practice. Often I assume I know something about someone but I am proven wrong. Unless you can read minds, always ask and clarify first.
“People only change if they want to”
It’s not up to you, it’s up to them. As hard as it is, sometimes we have to accept that they are not ready or it is not the right time yet.
“Purpose and passion give meaning to life”
It helps me get out of bed with a spring in my step and agenda to my day.
“Give back”
True purpose is altruistic. Making a positive difference to the world around you or someone else’s life also gives you uncomparable happiness and satisfaction.
“Love yourself”
Recognizing that I am human and only have one body to live in that needs rest and breaks. Giving myself treats once in a while also helps care for my mind and soul. I am more productive this way.
“Make things easy for yourself.”
Life is already tough, where possible, simplify, automate and make it easier and more comfortable for yourself. You’ll be thankful for it.
“Know your limits”
Part of being kind to myself is not always pushing to the limit. I find myself empty and burnt out that way. 80% is enough. This leaves some in the tank to fight another day.
“Find your Happy place”
Be it physically or psychologically, that place that brings out the best in you and allows you to thrive.
“The best person you can be is Yourself.”
Not someone else.
“Stop overthinking.”
We often exaggerate, overcomplicate and/or overthink things in our heads. This leads to unnecessary worry or suffering. Things are often much simpler than they seem and people don’t actually think that way about you.
“Don’t worry, have faith”
Worry, fear and anxiety are toxic emotions that are often irrational and unnecessary. From my experience, things always work out eventually and there was no need for them.
“The best way to know anything is to test it for yourself”
That is true knowledge. Your truth. Not what someone says. I learnt this through my diet experiments.
“Live in abundance, not the fear of scarcity.”
Not scrimping and saving unnecessarily or worrying that we won’t have enough. But also not living excessively.
“Not everyday is going to be a beautiful day”
There will always be ups and downs. It is important to know, and trust, that after the dark, cold night, the warm, bright sun always rises again.
“Always another day, always another time.”
There will always be another opportunity tomorrow for what you can’t accomplish today.
“A little every day goes a long way”
Progress is progress. Daily habits make this easier.
“Magic happens early in the morning.”
My mind is so fresh and productive after an early, restful sleep. I get so much done in the mornings and produce my best work!
“Don’t rush”
Anything good takes time to produce. Mistakes happen when I rush so I try to plan ahead. Likewise I get injured if I get impatient and push for results.
“One thing at a time”
You can only focus on one thing at a time. Do it well, do it right.
“Move with purpose.”
Doing things blindly, following the motion or worse, doing things aimlessly without purpose or eagerness is a waste of time.
“Take time to think”
About where you are, where you are going, what you want, how you want to do it.
“All things in due time”
If it’s meant to be, it will be. If not, accept and move on. The universe has a way of making things happen and the law of attraction is strong.
“Stay humble. Stay focused. “
That’s how I keep growing and want to keep learning.
“Have a dream”
Goals and dreams make tomorrow worth looking forward to.
This post is my birthday gift to you today.
I hope this has been useful for you. Please share it with anyone you think might benefit.
Love, Peace & Health always
J.T.
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JT 