January 30th is my 25th birthday! 5 has always been my lucky number, so for me, 25 is a little bit of something to celebrate. In my latest blog post, I decided to share some valuable advice I’ve learned in the last 25 years.
1). Choose happiness
This is a big one for me. It’s so much easier to be in a bad mood, especially when you have negative things happening in your life. However, I’m always inspired by people who rise about their circumstances, so I choose to do the same.
2). Thoughts are things
This refers to the idea that we have the power to choose our thoughts. By filling our heads with positive thoughts, we automatically bring positivity into our lives. This also has a lot to do with daily affirmations. I have affirmations written on notecards that I keep in my car. I speak them aloud every day, and it really makes such a difference.
3). Failure is part of the process
No matter what path we’re on, failure is something we all come in contact with. Once we realize this, and we face it with confidence, we loose the fear of failure, and the judgement that comes with it. There’s such a sense of freedom that comes with embracing failure, and taking it as a new lesson.
4). Get comfortable being alone
Too many young adults are so focused on finding a relationship, when they’re really not ready for it. Once you’ve spent time on your own, you have a better understanding of yourself and what you want from a relationship. So, take the time to “date yourself” before working about dating someone else.
5). Don’t go to Target unless you have money to spend
Seriously, don’t do it. I go in for shampoo and toothpaste, and leave with more than that EVERY SINGLE TIME.
6). “No” is a complete sentence
Get into the habit of being able to say “no” when you need to, without feeling like you need to explain why.
7). You don’t have to have it all figured out yet
Your twenties are the time to have fun, and to figure things out. Nobody has it all figured out yet (Believe me, I still don’t).
8). Create a budget for yourself, and stick to it!
I know, not what anyone wants to hear. However, ever since I crated a budget and started paying attention to where my money was going, I’ve been saving so much more money than I was before.
9). Get a part-time job, and dabble in what you love
There’s no need to rush into anything permanent just yet. Take the time to make money, but also do what you love on the side. Who knows, what you love could turn into something full-time too!
10). Money won’t solve all of your problems
It’s easy to say, “If I had the money” or “Life would be easier if I made more money.” However, if you spend your life chasing the money instead of the passion, you’ll never be happy.
11). Spend time with people who inspire you
One of my favorite things to do is spend time with people who inspire me to always do better. They always have the best stories, and, the best advice.
12). Take care of your mental health
Whether it’s reading, journaling, working out, or meditating, take time to do things that calm your mind everyday, whatever that looks like to you.
13). Drink more water
I know, this seems like an obvious one. But, the benefits of drinking enough water are endless.
14). Know your worth, then add tax
You should never allow anyone to take advantage of you in any situation. Recognize when someone does, and get to the bottom of it right then and there. The longer you allow it to continue, the more comfortable they will get doing it.
15). Do at least one thing every week that scares you
This could be anything from trying a new workout to going out on a date, to making a new friend. We should always be striving to evolve and grow, and make ourselves better.
16). Chase the dream, not the money
I speak from personal experience; from acting, to blogging, to personal training, I was never in it for the money. I wanted to pursue these things because they make me happy. When you build a life you’re excited to wake up to, your happiness will never be dependent on money.
17). Always believe in fairytales
I’ve definitely gone through my periods of, “love is stupid” “I don’t need a man” and “I’ll just be single forever.” However, I’ve come to realize that everyone eventually gets their happy ending, whether it’s on your timetable or not.
18). Start an emergency fund early
Even if you only have $1000 put away for an emergency, it’s always better to be prepared. You never know when you’ll hit a rainy day.
19). Use fear as fuel
I hate allowing anything to scare me. I’ve developed the habit of running straight towards anything that scares me. Is it terrifying? Absolutely. Do I come out stronger on the other side? Definitely.
20). Find the little things that make you happy
For me, I have 2 tv shows I’m obsessed with; watching them is my favorite way to unwind at the end of a long day. I love curling up with hot chocolate in my fuzzy socks, or having a glass of wine. Find these little things that bring you joy, and do them regularly.
21). Compliment someone every day
The world needs more people who compliment others. If you like someone’s outfit, tell them. If someone made your day, let them know. We all need these positive thoughts in our lives.
22). Detox from social media
Social media is a big part of what I do. It consumes so much of our lives, it’s sometimes hard to know how to put our phones down and unplug. Every once in awhile I stay away from social media anywhere from 24-72 hours. It makes a huge difference, and I feel recharged.
23). Keep your hands and feet groomed
I love a fresh manicure/pedicure, and they’re so easy to do yourself at home! I guarantee you’ll feel so much better when you take the time to keep your hands and feet looking pretty.
24). What other people think of you is none of your business
It’s so easy to fall into a vicious cycle of wondering if people like you, or wondering why they don’t. At the end of the day, if someone has an issue with you, it’s their problem to deal with, not yours. Live your life knowing that not everyone will love you, and you’ll be just fine.
25). Say what you need to say, before it’s too late
Tomorrow is never promised for any of us. If you love someone, tell them. If you argue with someone and want to make it right, do it. Never allow your pride or stubbornness to get in the way. You never know if the last thing you said to someone will be the last thing you say.