With growing older comes more responsibility, but that does not mean we can not still be eager to learn and grow. With experience comes wisdom. I turned 27 on August 27th, hence why I am sharing 27 of life’s navigating lessons that I have learned and understand by the age of 27, which I believe can help keep the spirit young and joyful if truly implemented into one's life. These lessons by no means are some cheat sheet to life. However, I have found them useful in my own life and I practice them to become a better, stronger, happier, more empathetic, resilient, and well-rounded person. Here are all the wonderful lessons you come to learn and understand more and more with time.
When we are babies learning how to walk, we begin to learn the biggest life lesson of all. When we took a step and fell, we were not afraid to get back up and try to take another step. Why should this be any different when we grow up? As we face life's hurdles, big and small, sometimes we feel defeated, but tenacity is key. By this age you most likely know what it is like to have life knock you down a few times, but you also know the amazing feeling of getting back up on your two feet. That is your motivation. Sometimes, it is not about your next big move, it is just about taking your next step.
Life is not fair and people sometimes will disappoint. Do not take things personally and do not let it shape who you are or compromise your character. We are only in control of ourselves and no one else. The decisions that other people make are out of your control. Surrender and do you.
Understand that hurt people, hurt people and pain often takes different forms and looks different on the outside, but no one is exempt from pain and we are all in need of compassion, empathy and love.
When needed, take your time to heal. You can not rush healing and everyone heals at their own pace.
Surround yourself with people you admire, stay humble and learn from them. These people sometimes have the career you wish to have one day, have the type of family or marriage you would love someday, they may have the skills you want to learn, etc.
Make peace with your past so you can appreciate the present. Be in the moment, appreciate the small things for they are the most precious.
Choose love with people who bring out the best in you and make more meaningful-fruitful bonds with people.
Just like our technology needs recharging, so do we. So maintain a full cup, recognize when you feel drained and take the time to recharge.
Protect your spirit at all costs and do not allow emotional vampires to drain you. This can be a hard lesson sometimes for sensitive souls, but sooner than later you become in touch with your boundaries and where to draw the line. You learn that some people you have to love from a distance. When someone shows you they are lacking integrity or have major character flaws, you certainly believe them the first time and separate yourself from it. Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
Come to know the difference between responding vs. reacting: While you acknowledge the things that may bother you, you do not emotionally react upon them. Power is in restraint. You are mindful of others and the long term effects and respond in the best way you see fit. Sometimes, it is just a matter of breathing and allowing things to pass.
Invest in yourself. This can mean investing in your education, mental and physical health, taking time to do the things that make your soul happy, spending time with the people that love you and overall taking care of self.
Realize that being positive does not mean that things will always be all rosey, rather it means knowing that YOU will be okay no matter the way things turn out.
No longer just go with the flow, rather you create your own flow. Sometimes this means over-preparing so you can later go with the flow.
Know that when you come out of your protective shell you are more liable to get hurt, but have the courage to come out of it anyway. Fear does not have the upper hand.
Help yourself so you can help others. Focus on yourself, loving yourself, and putting yourself first is not selfish. It is absolutely necessary to be of value to the world and to know how to care for others.
Know that happiness comes from within. People can add to your life and you can add to others‘ lives, but no one can make a person happy, who is not happy. Happiness is a full on responsibility, be responsible.
Do not make what other people think of you any of your business.
When one door closes another one opens. Let go and release what wants to be released. By doing this you create space for new energy and new opportunities. Sometimes the bridge from pain to peace is letting go. Let go of the things you can not control.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:2
You are your only competition so you do not compete with others. Instead you work at being your best self.
You are aware of your fears, but do not let them control you. Turn your fears into curiosities.
Dream big, like a child without limits, but also do the work to make your dreams your reality.
Enjoy each day as it comes and remain grateful. Express your gratitude.
Do not go searching for things such as love or happiness, because everything we are searching for is already inside of us.
You do not let the highs get you too high & the lows get you too low. Ride the waves. My dance professor once said, "Balance is the key to life."
Where there is a will there is a way. You do not take no for an answer, but are grateful for the uncontrollable NOs you receive in life, because they lead you to your forever evolving self and life path.
You take your talents, work ethic, passion, and worth where it is appreciated and valued. You do not sell yourself short or settle for less.
