Since today, May 1st, is my birthday (hello there my fellow Tauruses!!), I’ve decided to compile a small list of some of the most important life lessons I’ve learned so far.
In our every day life, we consistently encounter hindrances, success, failures, changes, conflicts, and even persons with different kinds of personality. From this, we were able to learn lessons and modify our behavior in order to fit with them.
So here’s what I’ve got:
1. Having a healthy diet and lifestyle is of paramount importance.
Well, I should have known this since I’m in college or secondary school, but due to being so focused on my academic life, I forgot to focus on my own health. And now that I (fully) figured that every human being really changes dramatically as we age, it is indeed very important to take care of your health. Therefore, sticking to a healthy diet plan that suits you, wellness remedies, green juice, regular gym workouts, drinking lots of water, using essential oils and herbs, clean foods, and always maintaining good vibes is a long term, sustainable goal.
Honestly, I still consume junk foods and carbs occasionally, just always remember that balance is always the key!
Check out some of my health and fitness blog:
Surprising Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
8 Health Benefits of A Daily 30-Minute Exercise
Major Health And Fitness Benefits of Strength Training
2. You are going to get criticized no matter what you do, so just do your thing.
As a proper human being, we are all entitled the freedom of expression. Everyone is allowed to give their own opinion about anything on every little thing. However, negative criticism cannot be avoided and are dominant most of the time.
Whatever good things I’ve done, and wherever I’ve been in my life, people have criticized me negatively. And if I had listened to every piece of those negative feedback, I would be like a prisoner of my own cell, sitting in dark crying, depressed and hating myself.
All of us have been criticized in one way or another. But always remember that you are the authority of your own life and nobody can control or change what you are. Either way, no matter what you do, good or bad, someone, somewhere will have something to say. Hence, do your own thing, do what you gotta do, keep your heads up, be brave and be yourself!
3. Small ideas add up to something big, all you need is to believe.
Start with those small ideas rather than thinking big… big.. BIIIG! Think small and grow outward like an upside down triangle. Remember that a person who chases two rabbits at the same time catches neither.
I’ve once thought on how I could improve my writing and English skills in a way that I would be able to share information on health, wellness and other life motivation to others. So, I’ve started to choose one small way on how I can do this, so I started blogging. I focused on a niche and shared my ideas as well as facts. Through this way, I could help others on health awareness.
I expanded outward as I have learned more skills and techniques from other bloggers whom I know and corrected me on areas where I’m wrong. As a result, I’ve learned more about blogging and currently improving it more so I could use it for monetization in the future (hopefully, I guess).
Having millions of ideas will get you nowhere. Note that you should rather be a genius in one area than average in fifty.
4. You can never change people.
It is what it is.
I’ve tried to control the outcome of conflicts at work, with friends, family, other people, etcetera. Trying to control the situation and wishing people should act according to your preference is certainly not beneficial, pointless and totally impossible!
It’s a waste of breath, time, effort, energy and just…. stressful.
People are who they are. Things are what they are. Let them be, let it be. This year I’ve become more accepting especially when you never know the whole story. People are set in their ways for their own reasons which we’re unaware of and never will be.
5. Don’t ever judge the book by its cover.
People assume they know everything about me from what they hear from others or from what they see from different social media platforms. But hey! Those things are just 0.00001% of my life.
Look, I’ve had MANY, countless bumps in the road. MANY. And we all are. No one has ever seen my struggles (except for my parents, sure) and that’s fine with me, however, to judge without knowing isn’t verily logical.
Life online may seem to be flawless, blessed and glamorous; and, ‘I’ could also be someone you know as hypocrite, mean, despicable person, from what you think as it may seem online or as being told to you by someone. Oh dear please, don’t judge a book by it’s cover. No one likes Judge Judy anyway. *wink*
6. Being a jerk gets you nowhere, so be nice.
We’ve all been there. We had moments of “unrighteousness” in our life because… we are humans and we aren’t perfect.
I can get grumpy, irritable and annoyed at times. And I know, and I’m FULLY aware that this attitude of mine, isn’t getting me anywhere because only guilt comes back afterwards.
So, what I’m telling is, let’s be nice. If you are aware of your own mood swings, leave some space and get some air. Apologize if you have sinned and forgive yourself.
Being bitchy is horrible. Smile, be gracious, be kind and be humble.
7. Panicking, worrying and overreacting are pointless.
Don’t ever lose focus.
Whenever I start to worry, I cannot control but to shift my focus. This leads to a staggered redirection of plan which I have already thought about several times beforehand. It wastes time and you know what else. 😉
Life is going to flow as it is. If you fail now, and how ever impossible as it may seem, think of any solution, heads up and move on.
8. No one is going to do anything for you.
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
My favorite and unforgettable quote from Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. Metaphorically, the universe will indeed help you… but YOU, only YOU, would make it happen.
We aren’t on a fairy tale where a genie will come out of a lamp and create a dream life for you just because you went to an amazing college or just because you’ve finished your studies. Life is what you make of it.
If you want to be a scientist or a teacher, go for it! It will never fall into your mouth like a guava from a tree. If you want a better relationship status, work on yours or move on or bid goodbye. If you want to do good in this world, then do something good and memorable.
Opportunities are like fruits that don’t just fall from a tree. You have to go for it and make it happen.
9. Life is neither fair nor unfair.
I try to keep these words out of my vocabulary because you make your own life, your destiny and your future. You get what you can and don’t what you can’t. Life is neither fair nor unfair. Focus on your own life, move forward and don’t mind what other people are doing.
Just stay in your own lane!
10. Don’t blame others of your own fault. Don’t give up.
Challenges are naturally occurring situations in every one’s life. They are acts of nature and can never be avoided.
Once I’ve encountered one, I’ve learned to just stop for awhile and digest carefully what really is the problem and what it was caused by. But, never ever blame other people considering it’s their fault. It will get you nowhere.
Instead, find a probable solution, utilize it, and make it succeed. Failures always come to our way. That is given. There’s no option for that. However, always choose the option to never give up when facing one.
Life always has a bright side. Hindrances always have their endings. So, be optimistic and look at every challenge as an opportunity for a brighter future ahead.
11. Save, invest then travel.
“We travel not to escape life but for life not to escape us.”
We work hard every day to be capable of paying for our daily expenses on necessities and leisure, support our families and pay for our debts. Surely, we keep some of it for a certain form of investment and personal savings.
I’m not a financial expert or something, but I religiously believe on the 50-30-20 Rule of Thumb. Actually, I just figured the importance of it just a few years ago when I’m trying to figure out how to be financially aware and stable (considering my age and career). It means that 50% of your income should be spent on needs, 30% on wants and 20% on savings.
As much as I can, I try to save some of what I earn, not only as personal savings but also for investment. It may not be that much (as I’m not earning that much too!), but as I said, small things add up to something big!
Investment comes in different forms – mutual funds, shares on stock market, national bonds, real estate and etcetera. It is not important to invest big, the important thing is, invest little by little, and who knows? After 10 years, you’ll become a millionaire!
Also being financially stable, you’ll be able to go wherever you want and ready for those lemonades life would throw to your life. Travelling is a good investment, not only it helps you get out of your comfort zone, but it also helps you learn different cultures of people from different countries. Plus, memories you’ll be keeping with you forever.
Believe me, I still have a long looooong way to become 100% financially stable. Through hard work, I believe, I would be able to reach this goal.
Here I’m sharing you some of our frugal, budget-friendly travels…
A 4-Day Maldives Trip On A Budget
14 Things To Do in Azerbaijan
How To Make A 10-Hour Layover at Hong Kong Memorable
Singapore Layover: How To Make Your Short Visit Worth It
And lastly,
12. Always be grateful.
There are times when we regret our wrongdoings in the past. Sometimes, we delay our own progression as we believe that there were unfixed issues in the past. Most of the time, we forget to feel gratified for what we have in the present, because each day, we are focused on achieving our goal to make our life better. However, we must ALWAYS be grateful because without it, life must feel dark and lonely.
What will you get from being grateful?
I discussed it on my previous blog Benefits of Being Grateful, check it out!
So basically, this is a list of things I need to work on a daily basis ’cause I’m not perfect by any means and needs a daily heads up. It really helps me when I write things down – it makes me remember it more and easier for me to incorporate on my daily activities.
I’m not preaching or delivering a sermon or anything, just sharing… ’cause it’s my birthday, and it’s just a good time to reflect.
Again, do what works for you!
Cheers! XOXO
Enjoyed reading your post and Happy Birthday :)) Have a good one!
Thank you Anu!
Thank you for the greetings Anu! And thank you too for taking time reading my birthday post, appreciate it! Hope it helps.
Thank you for the wishes Anu!
Now is a great time to start saving for travel. Happy birthday!
That’s right Rebecca! It’s a really good time to save funds. Thank you!
I’m currently living tip number 11 right now! I’m trying to save up enough to travel across the world for a training next summer. Great post.
Good for you Kelly! Good luck on your upcoming travel. Thank you and hope this post helps.
A birthday is a milestone, and a good time to reflect on the things that are important and on life’s lessons. You blog post is so full of wisdom, full of tips for good mental health.
Thank you so much Taylor! It is indeed a really great time to reflect during these days, considering it’s also the quarantine period.
Happy Birthday! The path to learn our true self isn’t easy and I am on my way to discover more. I like your post and looking forward to see more from you 💛
Thank you dear! It’s indeed a long pathway to self discovery. Good luck on your journey as well.
Love the just do your thing part – it’s true. you can’t please everyone and in the end you are going to have to live with yourself and your decisions so please yourself (while keeping kindness and compassion in your heart obviously)
Absolutely Lisa! There is no more important than making yourself happy and contented. Thank you for your sharing your wisdom.
Happiest of Birthdays! I just had my birthday two days ago and found myself reflecting on the same things you shared with us. Numbers 1,4 and 8 really spoke to me.
Thank you for the greetings Hannah! Happy to share.
A great piece. Thank you for sharing what you have learned so far.
You’re welcome Abigail! Happy to share wisdom to all. Hope it helps somehow.
Happiest birthday Dianne, you are awesome! XOXO
Thank you for the greetings Milette! Glad you found my post here.
Happiest birthday, Dianne. You are awesome! 🙂
Happy birthday! Nice collection, healthy diet is very important,
being nice and not jerk. Small ideas, as well. Keep on with
enlightening yourself..
Thank you so much Gabi! Happy to share my life lessons, hope it helps somehow.
Happy birthday! This is a great list of reflections that are applicable to everyone – the one that really speaks to me is number 7. I worry and panic way too much. Hopefully one day I’ll get a grip of myself!
Georgia| Britvoyage
Thank you so much Georgia! I’m glad you could relate to my life lessons. Good luck and hope you achieve your life goals too!
Awe!! This is great! My birthday is coming up and I was thinking of doing something similar! Good read!
Thank you Amanda. Happy to help, good luck to your article, looking forward to that!
Hope you have a wonderful birthday! You sure have some nuggets of knowledge here.
Thank you so much Mom Elite! Happy to share .
Happy birthday! A great collection of learnings
Thank you so much for the greetings Rebecca! Hope this article helps too.
Happy birthday! I love that you’ve quoted Paulo Coelho’s on this post (I’m a fan). And I believe in all these specially number 8 (no one is going to do anything for you). We shouldn’t depend on anyone when it comes to deciding or actually doing things. Though, asking for help is okay. Thanks for the insightful post!
Definitely Polly, it is indeed right to seek others for help, be open minded and open for suggestions. Thank you for the greetings! Also, I’m happy to hear another Coelho fan, he’s such a fascinating author. Which books of him have you read?
You’re welcome and I hope your day went well! I have 16 of his books but my favorite is tie between Veronika Decides to Die and Eleven Minutes!
It was a blast, though we just stayed at home. I’m happy that my family, friends, colleagues, relatives and other people I know are all safe from Covid. Hope you and your family too! Anyhow, I’ve read those books too and they’re totally awesome and relatable. Thanks for sharing!
Love this! Especially number two. I try to teach my kids that all the time
Thank you for sharing Renee! Hope it helps.
Happy Birthday! You make some great points. One of my favorite books is The Alchemist. So many good life lessons in there especially the universe will help you but you have to make it happen. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Ana! It’s really great to read Coelho’s books, really leaves a lot of valuable life lessons every time you finish it. By the way, would you mind to share the books you’ve read? I’m looking for another book actually.
Great for your to share your insights on this, your birthday. Helpful for others, too.
Good for you — happy birthday. It’s great that you can share reflections that help others.
Thank you for the greetings, and you’re welcome, hope this helps.
Happy Birthday! It’s an amazing piece and such positive note.
Thank you Aanya! Hope it helps.
Happy happy birthday! I hope you have a beautiful day! As for the post, these are great tips to live by!
Thank you for the greetings MomDoc! Hope these tips help.
These are such important lessons to learn. Hope you’ve had an awesome birthday!
Thank you Amanda! I did have a blast, an awesome day. Thanks, happy share lessons.
Happy birthday!!
Thank you for making time to write and share this post! I pray that you’re enjoying your special day 🙂
xoxo,
Widster
Thank you so much Widny! Sharing valuable information and lessons is made my day more special.
These are really great advice! My favorite: “You are going to get criticized no matter what you do, so just do your thing.” As long as you don’t hurt anyone, be free!
Absolutely Iris!! We can do anything we want as long as we don’t hurt anyone. Thank you for quoting!
Happy birthday to you! And nice advice too! The one that spoke to me the most was “You are going to get criticized no matter what you do, so just do your thing.” because that is something I need right now.
Definitely Aisasami! Thank you for the greetings and compliments. Hope this article helps too.
Happy Belated Birthday! I agree with every point that you made. Continue growing and sharing. I will take the believing in the small things that will lead to the big things with me. Thanks for posting!
Thank you Chyna for the greetings and compliments! Hope it helps with your life goals. Good luck!
Great advice about being yourself and not worrying about what others think. I also like the idea of small ideas turning into big ones. Creativity is like that – if you feed your ideas they grow into something huge and wonderful!
Absolutely Shelley! Everything you’ve said is true. In addition, sometimes we just don;t notice that we are being creative already. We just need to give significance to it and utilize it more.
These are really great life lessons. Happy birthday! Birthdays are the best for reflection.
Thank you for the greetings Katrina! It is indeed a great time to reflect our life happenings.
This is such a great advice that can actually save your day Happy Birthday godbless!
Thank you Maysz! Hope some advice could help.
Happy Birthday and enjoy your special day. As we grow each year, we learned many valuable lessons that we carry in our pockets as we walk in life.
Thank you for the greetings Blair! You are absolutely true, as we move on in our life, we tend to encounter several challenges and lessons accompany them. We are just lucky to learn from it.
Oh, I got really hit hard by that chasing two rabbits will catch neither! I remembered when my mentor said that sometimes, you have to choose between your service and your passion. Now it gets me thinking again 😅
It is indeed a significant life quote GV! We can relate to it no matter what.Hope this article helps, and good luck hope you achieve positively!
I agree with all of these statements. Once I got to a certain age I just said Eff it to everything and everyone that wasn’t contributing to my life in a positive way. Once you start living your life for yourself, great things happen.
You are absolutely right Michele! Just do your own thing and don’t mind what other people will say, may it be negative or positive, don’t let them affect your life goals. As long as you’re not hurting someone, go ahead and keep yourself up!
I LOVED this article! Lately I have been trying to keep a positive mentality for reaching my goals and all of these truths spoke to me!
Thank you Jen! Glad to be sharing helpful life lessons. Hope these could help.It is always important to be optimistic at all times.
Happy birthday. Wish you all the best……
This is really a great to read. As we grow and grow older, we learned many valuable things in life. Cherish every moment and do your things.
Elizabeth O
Thank you Billy. You are absolutely right!