33 life lessons for 33 years

birthday cake life lessons 33 years

Today I turn 33 years old. I’m not usually one, who makes a big deal about my birthday, but as always, it has given me an opportunity to reflect. I thought I’d share a handful of lessons I’ve learned.

  1. No hurry, no worry. “Carpe diem”, but there’s also a “mañana” (tomorrow). Slow down and relax.
  2. It’s not about HAVING time. It’s about MAKING time. If it matters, you will make time.
  3. Embrace change! If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you. Great things never came from comfort zone.
  4. Surround yourself with inspiring and positive people. Being surrounded by the wrong people takes a lot of energy. It’s ok to distance yourself from toxic people – even if they are family.
  5. Stop complaining! The world is big. You’re tiny and so your problems. It’s not all about you. You’re not the center of the universe.
  6. Be yourself, be silly. Don’t care about what people think. Be authentic.
  7. Don’t fear being alone. Enjoy your time alone. Enjoy your own company.
  8. Trust your gut. Start listen to your body.
  9. Only you know, what’s good for you. There are doctors and teachers who show HOW to do it, but you pick WHAT to do.
  10. There are different shades of grey. The world is nor black or white. Grey is okay. There’s not just one way to do it right.
  11. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It makes you real. (That was really hard for me.)
  12. Dream big. Follow your heart. And start with small steps towards your big dream.
  13. Love what you do. Find your passion and figure out how to get paid for it. (I still work on the second part.)
  14. Closes one door, another opens. There’s always a plan B. Life goes on and on.
  15. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. It takes too much energy to hate.
  16. Don’t take yourself so serious. No one else does.
  17. No one is in charge of your happiness except you. Your attitude matters.
  18. Time heals almost everything. It’s annoying, but so true.
  19. Whatever doesn’t kill you, really does make you stronger. Learn from your mistakes.
  20. Save your time for the good stuff. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
  21. Say NO! You have to learn to say no without feeling guilty. You can’t do everything.
  22. Never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to try new things – even if they scare you.
  23. Know your real friends. In good times, you have many friends. but the true friends stay in hard times.
  24. Never take your health for granted. You will regret it once you’re injured. Health is an invaluable treasure. Give your body regular nice treatments, like massage or a spa day.
  25. Material things won’t make you happy. Don’t buy stuff you don’t need. Happiness is not for sale.
  26. Life is too short not to enjoy it. Don’t take anything for granted. Appreciate every moment.
  27. You can’t please everyone. Stop pleasing others and start pleasing yourself.
  28. Be honest. Lies will come back to you. Sometimes to say the truth is hard, but later it will be better. It’s okay to tell the truth.
  29. Expect nothing and you will be positively surprised. Let go of expectations. Don’t idealize things. Afterwards you’ll be not disappointed.
  30. Don’t be so hard to yourself. You deserve to be happy and to be loved.
  31. Don’t to let your past define who you are today. You can do it better.
  32. Travel. It opens and change your mind.
  33. Smile and laugh a lot. Have fun.

I never thought that I would write such an entry. Three years ago I fell for a short time in a depression. My life had been so strongly influenced by external factors, that I no longer recognized me and got me help. Now I feel good again and I enjoy life all the more.

Even if the list may seem too cheesy, so I think you should focus on the positive. Life has its ups and downs. And we can also learn from the lows. Writing this list has given me more energy. Life has many lessons left to teach me and I’m looking forward to them all.

  1. Pat
    | Reply

    This is truly inspiring. I can’t wait to share this with by man, he just turned 33❤️

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