“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” – Buddha

I just turned 35! I know, 35! The big 4-0 is just around the corner, but I don’t want to think about that. So I will try to focus on the present, on this year and how I’m going to make it the best year of my life.

As time goes by, meeting different people, seeing life from their point of view, reading stuff written by inspirational authors, I am starting to compile a list of things that I view as important to live by. I have to say that, through the years, I have changed a lot, but all of my experiences played an important part for me to get to where I am right now. 

Earlier this year, I started listing these life lessons down. Sometimes I go back to read them, trying to abide by them, because we all need a reminder of what’s truly important, especially when life gets tough. And this goes without saying – yes I came up with them (inspired by several chats with friends, inspirational blogs and books), and yes I wrote them down. That doesn’t mean that I practice them all the time. But as Buddha very well said, the more you think about something, the more you become it. So here you go – my thoughts about how to make this life as incredible as we can 🙂 

Nothing makes a trip more beautiful than the people you are sharing it with.

I’ve been to the same places over and over again, but I seriously don’t mind it as long as I’m with people that I love, sharing the experience with them. As time goes by, you might forget the amazing views, the impeccable museums, the wonderful souvenirs you bought. But you will always treasure the memories of that time spent with your loved ones – the laughs over drinks, the times you got lost, the sunsets you watched together, or simply chilling on the beach.

Dare to dream.

Sometimes we think, and we feel the pressure, to go through life in the same way as others around us. We go to school → find a job → get married → have kids. I say – don’t feel the pressure, but follow your dreams. Dare to be different, if that is what you want. 

Own who you are.

Own your story. Own your beliefs. Own your dreams and goals. Those are what make you, You. Don’t be afraid to be real. The world needs more of this. Real is what makes things unique, hence beautiful. 

Don’t aim for perfection.

That does not exist. We are humans, not robots. Humans are so imperfect, that beauty shines through their imperfections. Your hair doesn’t have to be always on point. I’m trying to learn that leaving my hair as natural, messy and curly as it is, is way more beautiful than straightening it out twice a week. Rather than stressing about being perfect, we should instead work on becoming the best version of ourselves, as messy as that can be. The right people will love you for who you really are 😉

Beauty comes from within.

As women, we go through a lot to look pretty and nice. Not saying that this is a bad thing, but we do not need to look ‘nice’. We do not need to add fake layers of makeup on our faces. What we need is to look like us, and know that we are beautiful just like that. If then, others also find us beautiful, good for them. But what matters is that you are you, and you are confident with the way you look. 

Everyone is going through their own life battles.

So don’t be a smarty pants and judge others. As I walk in the city, I notice all different types of people. Some are too fat, some are too thin, some are wearing way too much makeup, or clothes that I would never dare go out with. But what if they are struggling with issues that I would never imagine (health, family, financial problems)? Wouldn’t my, and other people’s judgments on their appearances, make life so much harder on top of their other problems? So basically, my point is, if we didn’t judge each other, life would be so much easier for everyone. 

Do not be afraid to be alone.

Our focus on being happy and to be surrounded by people all the time, is ironically making us feel worse. Being alone can be good. It gives us the time and space to think, to grow, to become more independent, to find ourselves and what we want to do with our time. Be open to all the emotions that come your way. Our aim in life should be to grow and learn from mistakes. Facing all the challenges in life will ultimately make you grateful that you’ve overcome them, you become proud of yourself, which ultimately makes you happy. It is important to notice the difference between being alone and feeling lonely. If you feel lonely, speak with someone you trust. Surround yourself with one or two people who get you and are proud of every little thing you accomplish.

Adulting is hard.

Do something crazy and out of character once in a while. It will make you feel better and gives you the energy to get back on track and live the best life that you can. 

And when life hits you hard, just look back at how far you’ve come, put on Elton John’s ‘I’m still standing’ and dance like no one is watching 😉

“Don’t you know I’m still standing better than I ever did; Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid; I’m still standing after all this time” – Bernie Taupin / Elton John