Age never played much of an important role for me growing up. I was quite a late bloomer and learnt in my 20s to just accept that things don’t always go as planned, and that it’s o. k.
30 however, did always seem like a distant pedestal to me, and I did tickle the fantasy of having children, a stable job and family by this time. Much to the contrary I’m single, half way through med school, working part-time, and travelling the world every chance I get. With the months leading up to 30 I found myself reflecting a little deeper on where I am right now, what I’ve learnt so far and a few of my ‘lessons’ that I want to keep as reminders for myself, and I thought I would share them with you.
p.s. I also decided to go on a last minute solo road trip around Alaska 3 weeks before my 30th which was the BEST thing I could have done. More on that trip another time though. And minus a couple of tears upon departing my 20s I have fully embraced the big 3 0 and it truly does not feel any different. If anything at all perhaps I feel a little more liberated!
Right, lets get started with my Thirty lessons with 30:
1 It’s all good filling your life with lots of adventures, working hard, travelling, and trying new things but don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. Sometimes the most beautiful moments and people are right. in. front. of. you.
2 We’ve all heard the saying “get outside of your comfort zone.” It well and truly has enabled me to grow and discover things about myself and the world around me in ways I could have never imagined. Development, and more so self development happens when we get comfortable being uncomfortable.
3 Detached attachment. We own nothing. One day when we leave this place, we leave with what we fill our heart and soul with; memories, love and moments. It’s so important to remember that we own nothing, and it is the most empowering ability to nurture your relationships and lead a life where ‘possession’ does not cloud your ability to love and be as is.
4 Anything and everything can be taken from you, but your attitude in any given moment is well and truly yours. You dictate the outcome.
5 Before you can say “I love you” make sure you understand the I.
6 If something is upsetting you or bothering you, and it’s not going to matter in 5 years, don’t waste more than 5 minutes on it.
7 Literally, don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s just a waste of precious energy and time you won’t get back again.
8 Sing everyday!!!! In the car, shower or anywhere for that matter. It releases built up tension or stress and naturally soothes any worries!
9 Reflect, don’t react. It’s so easy to respond in the moment, which is sometimes great. But what is even more powerful is to take time to reflect, especially in difficult moments. It gives you the ability to gain perspective and make a more level headed decision.
10 Get sleep… it literally will solve 90% of all your problems!
11 Surround yourself by people who make you laugh, inspire you, push you to challenge yourself, and make you feel love in all shapes and forms.
12 Find a creative outlet! Recently I body painted a bunch of friends and it was SO much fun. Whether it’s painting, dancing, singing, drawing, cooking, collaging, designing, story telling, etc make time for this!! Pure soul food!!
13 Get immersed in nature as often as possible. You gain perspective, connect with yourself, the world around you, and even just a few hours can feel like a mini-holiday.
14 Take care of our planet. This is all of our job! Being smart about what decisions you make and how they affect the environment and ecosystem around us. Even just recycling your garbage at home, using more environmentally friendly products and being conscious about our actions is an amazing start!
15 Think global act local! Every small initiative is a penny in the piggy bank, eventually it fills up! So with global ambitions and desires, but local action, we well and truly can create a ripple effect!
16 Charity begins at home. I used to think I had to cross seas and volunteer to make a difference to communities far and wide. My mother has consistently reminded me that it is well and good to have goals and dreams to help others, but start at home. Start with your family, those in your own local community. Make time and give back to those around you, the rest will follow.
17 Save money! As much as I love spending money on travel and food (my two main expenses) in order to be able to do these things, and support a family or business some day, saving is the gaining!
18 Dare to dream! We are so conditioned to think, do things, and live our lives in particular ways. Dream and BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! You’ll be surprised of all that is possible.
19 Love Love Love. Even those who might hurt you, be love in all situations. If you can be harmonious with yourself you will attract all the love back. Show up with love in every situation.
20 On that note… the more you give the more you get. This has proved itself to me again, and again, and again. The more you give in time, love and energy to others will three-fold back to you.
21 Holding onto anger is like wanting another person to suffer but drinking the poison yourself. Don’t hold onto anger, let that shit go. You’re just hurting yourself.
22 Learn to accept yourself. Although I have gotten better at this, I still have some work to do on this one. Learning to accept myself inside and out has opened so many doors for me as I’ve been able to tap into the skill set/ abilities I thrive in and apply them to my daily actions/ life.
23 Do a little sport / movement in any shape or form every day. The good endorphins you release give you they natural euphoric high and dissipate worries that you’ve collected.
24 Take time to make time. “I’m just too busy” or “there is so much going on,” or “work is too crazy right now” are not excuses, they are your priorities. If you need that balance, improved health or more time to spend with friends/ family, make it, prioritise it.
25 Don’t take anything personally; nothing others do is because of you. What other people say and do is a projection of them self.
26 Don’t make assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and express what you really want. Just through communicating with others more clearly you can avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama.
27 Worry less, flow more. When things build up or you’re suddenly faced with a bout of sudden stress; let go. Control what you can and let the rest resolve gradually.
28 Read more books! Inspiring ideas, new perceptions, education and ‘aha’ moments will increase in your daily life!
29 Don’t be a sheep. Just because everyone is going vegan or following a new fad don’t just follow. THINK. EDUCATE YOURSELF. Make well rounded decisions for YOURself not because of anyone else. We are all biologically totally individual, what is great for one person might be terrible for the next.
30 Do no harm but take no shit. Be strong. If someone is toxic in your life; whether it’s physical or verbal, aggression or abuse, don’t put up with it. Be kind, but have your own limits and don’t make compromises when it comes your own well being.