AGING does not concern me as much as GROWING; learning from my wonderful friends, loving family and the dynamic world around me is truly what informs my age. My wish to you, on my birthday, is that you never stop growing and that you continue to seek out ways to be better, healthier and smarter. With that in mind, here are some of the things I have learned on my way to 30 {in no particular order but entirely through experience}…
- Be Kind to Everyone {even the people who are unkind to you, they especially need kindness in their lives}
- Smile as Much as Possible {it will make you feel better, ensure the better wrinkles on your face and brighten someone else’s day}
- Always Be Grateful {no matter what is going on in your life, there is something or someone to be thankful for…even just for a hug}
- Hug People {we share energy when we hug, make sure you are passing on the good stuff}
- Appreciate Time with Kids {they remind you how much wonder and excitement there is in life’s simple things; the rainbows, the snowflakes, the park etc…}
- Listen To Yourself {your voice is always the most important in your life, don’t mute it for someone else}
- Don’t Sit On The Fence {being neutral is overrated; just be ready to own who you really are}
- Don’t Wait for the Perfect Time To… {there is no such thing as perfect timing; when you are inspired act on it!}
- Spend Time with Your Friends {get to know them, really enjoy their presence in your life and hug them often}
- Stay in Touch with Your Family {this one is easier said than done but is so important and necessary}
- Wear Colour {it changes how you feel and brightens your face}
- Drink Lots of Water {our bodies are like plants; water, love and sunlight}
- Wear a Natural {chemical-free} Sunblock on your Face Every Day {no matter your skin tone!}
- Eat Brightly Coloured Foods at Every Meal {fruits, vegetables, leafy greens etc… it will change your life}
- Give Back Every Day {find a way to help someone, big or small, each day, and you will have helped yourself in ways you cannot imagine}
- Forgive {Whoever, For Whatever, From Whenever - holding on hurts you more than the other person}
- End Toxic Relationships Now {your complacency makes it a slow suicide for the soul}
- Read {Fiction, Non-Fiction your choice but reading is the BEST exercise for the brain…I am talking about books, read books}
- Do Yoga {this is obviously a personal choice but you should try it for a week…then come talk to me; it improved my well-being, peace of mind and body exponentially}
- Walk as Often as Possible {I love walking! It’s an easy inexpensive way to exercise, you can do it with a friend and just let the time pass…}
- Sit Down and Have a Meal with The People You Love {NO TV, just conversation or perfect silence, eat slow and be thankful for your meal, like our parents said there are starving people in the world, savour your food}
- Be Present {our thoughts are either in the past or the future but too rarely in the present; Be Here Now, so you don’t drop something, miss the street, forget stuff etc..}
- Enjoy Yourself {this is not about conceit; a healthy appreciation and respect for who you are helps others have a healthy appreciation and respect for who you are}
- Your Body Deserves to Be Treated Well {it is the only thing guaranteed to be with you from the day you’re born to the day you die, DO NOT TAKE IT FOR GRANTED}
- Choose To Be Happy {happiness only comes from within, to look for your happiness outside of You is a HUGE risk that will lead to disappointment}
- Be Open {none of us know everything but all of us know something; don’t close yourself off to new ideas or new people, keep learning and growing}
- Understand Your Food {to ignore the source of your food is dangerous for you and the next generation; be informed and make better choices}
- Focus More on Understanding than Winning {no argument is worth hurting someone verbally, those wounds never really go away}
- Be Positive {there will always be challenges but train yourself to react and respond from a positive place; it almost guarantees a better outcome}
- Don’t be Afraid To Love {yes you have been hurt, more times than you would like but to close your heart is to close all of you}
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ON YOUR JOURNEY?
