On October 17th I turned 27 years young. Although the big ‘dirty thirty’ is approaching faster than I’m comfortable with, I have a feeling my 30s and beyond will actually be the time of my life. Why? Because I’ve devoted the last half of my 20s shamelessly on myself. Every year I’m learning and unlearning, becoming and unbecoming, and letting go off what no longer serves me.
Let’s just say my twenties have been all about laying the foundations for healthier, happier and more present years to come. With that, I’d love to celebrate opening chapter 27 with you by sharing a lesson for each year of my life so far. I hope you enjoy reading through them as much as I enjoyed reflecting on them!
27 lessons I’ve learned in 27 years
- You can often trust what your body is telling you more than you can trust your thoughts. Don’t believe everything your mind tells you and remember, you’re not your thoughts.
- The only person you’ll spend all your life with is you, so befriend and get to know yourself.
- Actions speak louder than words.
- People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
- Being selfish is not a bad thing. Sometimes it’s very much called for.
- Talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend. You wouldn’t talk down to a friend, so why are you doing it to yourself?
- Boundaries. Boundaries. Boundaries. Don’t let people run all over you. Learn to affirm your own boundaries. At first it feels scary, but keep at it because it will get easier.
- You’ve got this!
- Spot your energy takers and givers. Do more of the things that recharge you and minimise the people, obligations, and other things that drain your energy.
- Where focus goes, energy flows.
- Hold onto the promises you make to yourself and other people. That is a sure way to earn not only others’, but more importantly, your own respect.
- Thinking about something you don’t want to do usually feels way worse than actually doing it. Set yourself a timer and push through the task. You’ll feel accomplished afterwards.
- Sometimes all you need is a really good cry.
- Learn to let go of the need to control situations and outcomes. Think laissez faire. Allow things to unfold naturally, because the outcome might turn out better than you could’ve ever even imagined.
- ‘No’ is a one-word sentence; it rarely needs explaining. No.
- Emotions are energy. Allow yourself to sit with them and pass through you. Trapped emotions will haunt you one way or another, so don’t try to outrun them. Let yourself feel.
- We’re constantly evolving and changing, becoming and unbecoming. Who you were three years ago can look completely different to who you are today.
- A walk outside can make your day a whole lot better.
- You have the ability to change your mind over time. That’s your superpower.
- Your mental health journey is a marathon – not a sprint. So, buckle up and have patience.
- University will be over in a blink of an eye. Enjoy the time and don’t take yourself too seriously. Try out new things, meet people, and let yourself have fun.
- Ask for that promotion at work.
- If you feel intense jealousy or anger towards someone, ask yourself why. This often reveals more about you than the other person.
- Be careful whose career advice you listen to. If they’re not where you want to be in your life, then chances are they aren’t the right person to give you advice.
- More people will talk down on your goals and dreams rather than support you, so become your own cheerleader.
- Be kind to yourself.
- Nothing lasts forever. This too shall pass.
A marketing professional in tech by day, Lilli finds a creative release in exploring and writing about her perfectly imperfect human experience on muija. With heart and soul, she is learning how to navigate this life, and in sharing her stories Lilli hopes to inspire others to follow their curiosity, too.
