Yesterday was my birthday! (Thanks to all you fine friends out there for all the jubilant birthday wishes- it was a great day!) I was thinking about all of the important lessons I’ve learned so far in my brief 27 years on the planet and decided to make a list (of 27 – how apt) to honor this occasion. It was actually hard to stop at 27 – I recommend this exercise to anyone who wants to reflect on the underlying facets of what makes you YOU!
(It was also a great way to get started on my personal manifesto – more to come on that soon!)
1. Empowering other people is what really matters in life.
2. You can do anything you want. No seriously… you can literally do anything.
3. Surround yourself with people who inspire you.
4. You never have to settle. Not in a relationship, not in a job, not in the place you live, not ever.
5. Take the time to figure out exactly what you’re passionate about. Then do it.
6. Send handwritten thank you notes.
7. Comparison kills. ”It kills motivation, it kills inspiration, it kills creativity, it kills the belief that anything is possible.” – StephCorkerIrwin
8. Tell people you love them. All the time. And mean it!
9. Attitude is EVERYTHING.
10. Creativity is a practice- not a skill you are born with (or without).
11. True love exists. And you do “just know”.
12. Respect your parents and siblings.
13. Define your own rules for success.
14. Never underestimate the power of Yoga.
15. Don’t take things personally.
16. Never skimp out on purchasing good quality food.
17. Everything you need to know in life you can learn through sport.
18. Actions speak louder than words.
19. Get your finances under control- set up automatic banking and get a filing system (and use it!).
20. Seek first to understand, then to be understood. Listen, listen, listen.
21. Smile.
22. Be kind. Especially when you don’t feel like it.
23. Travel. It gives you new perspectives and helps you understand the world and other people in entirely new ways.
24. Never stop learning.
25. Make new friends, but keep the old.
26. Spend time alone.
27. Get informed and make conscious choices about the way you choose to live your life.
And one more for good luck, because it’s a REALLY important one:
28. Respect our Planet- we only have ONE!!
*Me at English Bay on my SUNNY early morning birthday ride with my best buddy Gabi!*
**Special thanks to Karol @ Ridiculously Extraordinary and Baker @ MVD for inspiration!