Things I’ve learned (note: I’m still learning)

I’ll be 30 soon! Time for a recap of everything I’ve learned in this lifetime. So … here’s a list of things I try to live by. Things that help me get through life and make me the person that I am today.

Though, like i said: I’m still learning.

Go out and travel.
It will break down prejudice, widen your eyes and help you get to know yourself.

Have compassion.
Not just for others, but also for yourself.

Just be you.
Don’t try to be someone else. You’re the only one that can bring your unique gift to this world.

Focus on loving yourself first, before you love someone else.
Because you can only love an other person as much as you love yourself.

Live consciously.
Think about what you are doing. How it affects other people, the planet, and yourself.

Believe that you can do everything you want.
Yes you can fly, yes you can achieve your dreams & goals, yes you can be whoever you want. If you don’t believe this, it won’t happen.

Be happy.
Even if bad things happen. Even if things don’t go as you wish. It’s ok to be sad sometimes, but being happy is not linked to things, realisations or other people. It’s something within yourself.

Don’t wait for ‘the right moment’.
Life is happening now. There’s never a right moment. Just go for it.

Learn to accept compliments.
Really, when people compliment you, the nicest thing you can do for them and for yourself is to accept it and say thank you.

Take time for yourself.
Meditate, take a bath, go for a walk, learn to do nothing.

Take care of your body.
Do yoga, exercise. Your body does deteriorate as you get older ;-)

Go after the things that you want.
The universe will help you out, but if you really want something, you have to make an effort.

Do what you love.
Life’s too short to waste time on jobs you don’t like, relationships that don’t make you happy or friendships that no longer work.

Be grateful.
For the small things and the big things. But mostly for the small things.

Be vulnerable.
Open up to people who deserve it. Let yourself be seen as you are. It’s the most important thing you can do for yourself.

Be respectful.
To everyone. Because everyone deserves your respect.

Decide what it is you want.
Only after you’ve decided, figure out how to get there. If you do it the other way around, you’ll never start.

Follow your heart.
Trust me, your mind just fucks things up …

Love. Love. Love.
Love people, love things, love the world, love yourself. Even if people are mean to you, even if the world seems like it’s trying to destroy you. Love.

Live a simple life.
Think hard about the value something brings into your life. And if it doesn’t bring value, don’t buy it, do it, talk to them or spend time on it.

Know that you’re imperfect and that’s ok.
Nobody’s perfect. We’ve all made mistakes. That doesn’t mean you’re not worthy of being loved.

Learn to listen.
Most people listen to speak, but not many people can just listen to another person.

Don’t judge other people.
You don’t know what their story is. Or what they’ve been through, or how they see the world. Everyone is just doing the best they can.

Be nice to animals.
They’re people too :-)

Don’t be afraid to fail.
Just try stuff. You might fail, but you might fly.

Follow your dreams.
You’re the only one that can make them come true. It is your right and your duty to do so.

Have your heart broken at least once.
It hurts like hell, but it’s good to know that it can be broken …

Learn how to properly fill a dishwasher.
Seriously people, there’s a logic and efficient way to do it. It’s not that hard :-p