36 and counting

I am 36 soon.

Here are 36 lessons I thought I’d share.

If we play with the number, turn 36 into 365, it reminds me that there’s a lesson to be had every damn day.

But for now, I’ll keep it to 36 – a few things I’ve learnt along the way so far.

0. I’m starting with a zero, because I think a lesson that sits beneath all the others is to not regret being born. This lifetime is relevant. Whatever you think sometimes, it is relevant. The world needs your uniqueness.

1. People probably celebrated when I started walking and didn’t make too much fuss when I fell. I try not to be too hard on myself when I feel like I’m falling, and to remember to celebrate when I’m walking, forwards.
2. There is a dual side to everything in life, and everything we do.
3. As much as it’s lovely to have time alone, it’s also beautiful to have company. Don’t dismiss the comfort of friends and loved ones if you can help it.
4. Build solid foundations. Nothing holds up without them.
5. Change is forever constant. Make friends with it. It will always be there.
6. Love others as you’d want to be loved.
7. Think deeply, but not so much that you can’t see the wood for the trees.
8. Don’t chase material things. It’s not the real vibe.
9. Just be kind. It costs nothing.
10. Just when we think we’ve got it all sorted, something else turns up. That’s life. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. It’ll be ok.
11. Take time out. It’s true what they say – unplug to plug back in.
12. Think differently now and then. Stand on your head, look at the world from another angle. There’s something freeing in the surrender.
13. Work hard, but work harder on your strategy to work smarter, not harder.
14. Temptation is everywhere but learn to limit yourself. You build willpower that way.
15. Choices – we all have them. Try to make the right ones. And if it goes wrong, the only way is up.
16. We’re not the most important thing in the world, so we should stop acting like we are. Respect nature. Respect everything that lives and exists alongside us.
17. Money only brings time and choice.
18. Be selfless, not selfish.
19. The world does not revolve around you, so get over yourself.
20. The mirror doesn’t judge, it only reflects. It’s we who decide what to see. The moment you stop searching for flaws and simply notice what’s already there, your own quiet beauty begins to appear.
21. Not everyone has your best interests at heart. Accept it.
22. Learn as much as you can about yourself.
23. Stay unique. Don’t get lost in the sameness of surface beauty.
24. Don’t talk to yourself badly. You’ll create a reality you don’t really want.
25. Whatever you do, put vigour and feeling into it. It’s the only way to give it life.
26. Victory belongs to the most persevering but ensure what you’re persevering with is worth it.
27. Don’t be a dick(tator). There is really no need to be – it’s not that hard.
28. What others say, do, see, and feel are often different things. Trust what you notice.
29. Stop complicating your skincare. Simplicity is key.
30. The wheel of life is real. What goes up comes down and what goes down comes up again.
31. No matter how much we fight it, we’re all getting older. Accept it.
32. Be graceful and grateful, every day. Write three things down that you’re thankful for. It helps keep your mind on what matters.
33. Get yourself a dog. The cuddles are endless.
34. Crying is ok – it clears your eyes so you can see better. But laugh more often. The world joins in with laughter, not with tears.
35. Sometimes, just twenty seconds of courage is enough to silence fear and change your life forever.
36. There is always room for growth. Always.

You made it to the end.

I hope something here meets you where you are, or helps you move forward, even a little.

Ingrid x