Every year, I love celebrating my birthday. For some reason, I’m not as excited this year as past ones… I don’t know if it’s because 24 doesn’t seem cool and young or if it’s because this past year has been such a whirlwind.
Either way, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting over the past 12 months on how I’ve changed/grown and what direction I want to go next. While 24 years isn’t that long in the grand scheme of things, I’ve created a little bit of tips and advice that I’ve learned so far along my life journey.
Don’t drink on an empty stomach.
I’ve learned this one the hard way… when you drink on an empty stomach, you just end up hammered and hungry.
People can be very ignorant.
It’s really best to just leave them be. It’s a battle you’ll never win. “Never wrestle with pigs. You both get dirty, but the pig likes it.” (quote by George Bernard Shaw)
Always Forgive.
There’s no reason to hold onto hate or anger when the other person is trying to resolve the issue. Don’t necessarily forget, but do forgive – for your own good and peace of mind.
Chase your dreams like there’s a monster behind you.
Although you’ll hear “no” more often than “yes”, those tiny victories will build into your empire. All you need is one right “yes” to change your life.
Don’t let discouragement get you down for longer than a day.
I think one day, maybe two, is a good amount of time to wallow in self-pity, and then it’s back to the drawing board.
If you’re upset with someone, tell them.
The more you put it off, the more upset you’ll get, and they might not even know that they hurt you in the first place. Nobody knows your thoughts or feelings besides you.
Read the books you’re assigned in high school.
I think one of my biggest regrets so far is SparkNoting my way through high school. Ironically enough, I’m now buying all the books I decided to skim over so that I can truly appreciate how incredible they were.
Never concern yourself with the opinion of others.
I’ll be honest, I’m still learning how to stick to this one. Words can be powerful, but they can also be hurtful – as long as you know who you are and are confident in yourself, those hurtful words mean less and less.
Laugh.
Laugh so much you cry. Laugh so much you snort. If someone is upset, help them laugh. Life is way too crazy to take it seriously, and there truly is no better medicine than laughter. I sometimes laugh at the most inappropriate times (read: at funerals, in hospitals, etc.), but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that laughing cures so many problems.
Don’t buy a dog.
I know, they’re the cutest things ever. Don’t do it. Buy a fish. Or a hamster. I love my Captain to pieces, but my gosh, he’s a lot of work…
Bri Car 