Now I’m hardly ancient, I’m actually only 28 – yet as the years tick by I feel that there are lessons I’ve learnt as I’ve gotten older that are worth sharing with my fellow females. With age we not older get wiser (chortle) but also our views on life seem to change and adjust. When I was sixteen I was consumed by exams and boys, and now my life is filled with careers and house prices – so naturally our views on the world are bound to differ. So whilst I don’t proclaim to be a professor on life, here are a few lessons I’ve learnt as time has gone by.
Now the thing about money is that it’s a touchy subject. Sometimes you’re ahead and sometimes you’re behind, but either way talking money is strictly for immediate family and very close friends. Imagine that you just had a massive bonus from work and naturally you are thrilled and want to tell absolutely everyone – well perhaps your co-worker who is drowning in debt doesn’t want to see you dangling from the chandeliers. Yes of course you can glow in success but my point here is you don’t have to specify the exact amount you got in your bonus; be ambiguous. I’m not saying you should lie, simply have tact when discussing finances – this is one of the lessons I’ve learnt.
Sometimes I get so tense and upset worrying about my future or problems in my life, but one thing that I have learnt is that everything always works out anyway. It is very rare that our problems from last year are the same as today… my point being that with time we have a way of sorting out our problems or getting over them. Those exams that stressed us out so much when we were younger are simply forgotten about. So when you are feeling panicky just remember that it will all be okay in the end. Sometimes I like to write down the Pros and Cons when making a big decision in my life – and the great thing is 6 months down the line I can look back at my list and clear as day there was nearly always an obvious direction I was going to go in, my subconscious knew, even if I didn’t. Run a hot bath or go for a jog and forget your cares… everything will work out.
A few years back my sister gave me some great advice on love. She said that one of the few factors in life you can’t control are relationships and love. And she was right. You can’t control whether you will meet your perfect partner or know how your love life will play out. Love is a game of luck and chance and whilst you can put your heart and soul into a relationship, you can get no guarantees. So if your friend launches into another long tirade about another bad boyfriend, maybe ease up on her – it’s not her fault she hasn’t met her dream man; I’m sure she is trying her best out there.
I have been lucky in that so far I have been able to gorge on pizza and takeaways without too much damage to my waistline, but as you get older you start to consider that maybe eating healthily and exercising is not to look good but to keep yourself fit and well. I want to live to 100 years old and still be able to touch my toes. As I begin to get older I realise that the decisions I make now will affect me as I grow older. Suddenly the idea of eating an apple a day to keep the doctor away isn’t such a bad idea – I don’t want to end up in a care home, or the hospital; so looking after my body is important to me. Remember you only get one body, so take care of it now – you do not want to have to get replacement parts.
That old saying that you only regret the things that you didn’t do, and not the things you did is true! As time goes by you do not want to sit back and wonder what your life could have been if only you had pushed yourself harder, dared to take a risk or change your pattern in life. For as long as I can remember I had always wanted to go traveling, and as the years when by and I still sat at home it truly began to plague me. At the age of 25 I took the plunge and brought my round the world ticket, and you know what? It was the best decision I ever made. No matter how daunting or challenging something may seem, always listen to your heart and follow it, because you cant run away from your true desires in life.
Whilst on holiday with a friend I glimpsed over her iPad and saw that she was reading about how people with different blood types suited different food diets – and there was me, exhaling and thinking what a load of rubbish; but as she rightly pointed out, life would be so dull and boring if we all believed the same stuff. So whilst I don’t believe in chakras of the body, and I’m not into healing crystals or witches, I do still love to hear about what other people believe and I love the associated stories that go with it. The message here is don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd and be proud to be different. We aren’t all supposed to be the same or even have the same ideas; variety really is the spice of life. After all just because I’m a non-believer doesn’t mean I don’t love to read my horoscopes, or have my palm read.
This modern world can seem so fast past and hectic, and after a long day of work sometimes I just want to unwind in front of the TV and be alone. Relaxing is all good and well but always remember to also make time for your friends and family especially if they are having a hard time. Truly a moment of generosity can last a lifetime. I will always remember and be thankful for the friend who took me out and made time for me after a bad break-up, what may have seemed just a small act of friendship to her will forever be etched in my memory and since that time in my life I have likewise always had her back. So remember next you are on a downer you will need your friends and family and you might wish you had spent less time with a 6x4 screen and more time with the ones you love.
So there we have it, seven of my tips and tricks for life. At the tender age of 28 I am sure there is still a lot more for me to learn, and I am aware that this is still the beginning of my Journey but already I am starting to realize the do’s and don’ts of life. However you choose to live you life, I hope it is filled with Love, Passion and Zeal. What advice on life lessons would you give me and our fellow female readers?