It’s my birthday!! I have spent 24 years walking around on this planet. Many ups, many downs. And as I’ve always loved those “X things I’ve learned by X years” lists, I’m gonna jump right in and share you mine.

1. You can do anything you want. But like, for real. You just have to convince yourself that it is worth the effort, and you will make it happen one way or the other. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The saying ‘if he really wanted to, he would’ goes for everybody.
   
2. Nobody really knows what they’re doing. We’re all just people, trying something in life. Even the ‘best’ of us.
   
3. Be playful, silly, spontaneous, wild. Especially when you’re in your 20s, but it goes for all ages. You’ll never be this young again.
   
4. There are still wonderful people in this world. Kindness is not dead. Let’s keep spreading the love. Find some inspiration here.
   
5. It’s okay to not know where in this world you belong or should be. Give it time and just take it day by day. As long as you feel at peace, who cares?
   
6. At the end of the road, you want to be talking about the things you did, not the things you wish you did. I hope you can start living with less regrets and just do whatever you’re longing for.
   
7. Manifestation works!! However, this does not mean you can sit back and wait for things to happen. But when you work for it, you will get the outcome you wanted. The universe is working with you.
   
8. Live more in the moment. I need to be more aware and grateful for certain moments when they are happening, and not only when I’m reminiscing. These are all going to be memories that you’ll never be able to experience again.
   
9. Money can buy happiness. As a person who shamelessly uses “treat yourself” as an excuse whenever she feels like it, and whose love language is gift giving, yes, money is crucial. Imagine all the things you could do? The joy you could bring to other people?
   
10. Stop depending on other people. What is it that you need from them that you cannot give to yourself?
    
11. Whatever it is, it’s not that big a deal. The world keeps on turning, people move on with their day. Of course you can sit, sulk and allow your emotions for a minute. But you were fine before, and you’ll be fine again.
    
12. You need to go through a lot of dirt before you can start digging gold. If it’s easy, it’s probably not that valuable. Whatever you committed to, try to stick it out. There’s still light at the end of the tunnel. Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
    
13. Pay attention to your emotions and allow yourself to fully feel them. Being numb does not help you in the long run. When did expressing your emotions become a bad thing?
    
14. Ask for help. As much as I hate to say it, as someone who wants to do it all and all by herself, you can get more done with a little help.
    
15. Losing people or growing apart is nothing personal. It’s a bittersweet part of life, whether you like it or not. We’re all busy people trying to keep up with time. It’s not always intended, it just happens. I’m sure everyone is grateful in some way for the time you’ve spent together.
    
16. Being grateful is the key to happiness. Let that sink in. Gratitude can turn even the smallest blessings into reasons for joy.
    
17. Take action. Honestly, what are you waiting for? How valid are your excuses? You’re never going to feel ready. And it’s definitely not just gonna fall into your lap. Just do it.
    
18. You’re in control of your mood. Put on a banger playlist, hype yourself up, dress to impress, whatever you need. Whenever you’re feeling down or annoyed, you’re actually in control to turn it around. You saw or heard something that brought you down or drains your energy? Remove, unsubscribe, get rid of it. Focus your attention on the things that bring you joy.
    
19. Appreciate what you have, don’t take it for granted. You should feel blessed to be bored (thank god you could take some time off), or blessed to be busy (look at all these things you have going for yourself). Blessed to be focused, or blessed to have distractions. The list goes on.
    
20. Discipline is a form of self love. It’s admirable how you keep showing up for yourself and the things you want to achieve. You’re willing to put in the work and not just take the easy road.
    
21. Don’t do things just because others tell you to or because you believe it’s what you’re ‘supposed’ to do. Do it because you want to, it was itching you, you felt a spark. Wear the shoes that actually fit you, and you’ll be going much farther. Book inspirations: Atomic Habits, Give & Take, Take Your Power Back, What you do is Who you are, and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck
    
22. Society’s timeline is not one size fits all. You’re not running out of time.
    
23. One thing I recently came across and really stuck with me: If they couldn’t speak, would their actions still make you feel loved? And this goes for all types of relationships.
    
24. Everyone started without experience. Even experts were just beginners once, and eventually they somehow still made it. Even though job hunting might be the biggest pain in the ass, don’t give up. Start at the bottom, with something small, and you’ll be able to spread your wings over time.

Which one is your favorite? I’d love to hear about your personal experiences!

Until next time!

Lara