Last week, on the 10th of September, I turned 38. It was a great day full of love, pamper and surprises. The kids totally stole the show as always when they came to meet me in town, they went all in on dressing for the occasion. It was very cute.
I am always very thankful when my birthday comes, because each year should be cherished, even if it has been a hard one. My 38th year hasn’t been easy, in fact it has been the most challenging year of my life to date, but it has taught me so much. I am thankful for the lessons and will use them to help others.
Below, I share with you 38 of them:
- Love always wins. Sometimes we need to dig deep to show it, but it still always wins. I am happier when I respond with love, even when I feel hurt or angry. Responding with love is always the best way.
- Sometimes people are not well enough to show love to you or themselves, mental health is at the heart of everything. Don’t take anything personal.
- Forgiveness is key to happiness – forgiving others and yourself. It takes knots off those shoulders. To be kind is more important than to be right.
- Resentment and bitterness is bad for the mojo. The happier we are and the more work we do on ourselves, the more likely we are to let things go.
- People and experiences are worth more than things.
- Becoming a parent will change how you view the world. Cherish as many hugs as you can, especially when they are little. You don’t need to rush as much. I may have purchased a super soft, velvet style hoodie to encourage our 5 year old to snuggle into me more. It is working: ‘Mummy, this top is so soft’. Come to Mama and give me all the hugs!!
- Slowing down and being present isn’t just for the weekend and when we are busy, slowing down and being present is essential every single day.
- Our ego needs a good slap in the face each morning.
- Daily self awareness is key. Our emotions and hormones fluctuate and that is ok. Check in with yourself and see what you need. Sometimes that means hiding away from the world for a bit.
- Life isn’t meant to be easy.
- Pain builds character and can at times be beautiful. Don’t be afraid to sit in the dark, the light always finds a way in.
- You can never have too many hugs.
- Stingy hugs suck.
- A global pandemic will teach you what you took for granted before. Non stingy hugs, singing, music in restaurants, a mask free chat, travel, swimming, a spa day, changing rooms and being able to touch things when shopping, to name a few.
- The energy you bring is infectious.
- People are going to judge, so be yourself and proud of who you are. There is still a lot of stigma around honesty but keep calm and carry on is so outdated. When we remove shame, we heal at a faster rate.
- Sleep is SO important.
- A lack of sleep for too long will drive you crazy. Protect your sleep.
- It is okay to lose your mind for a bit, just don’t let it define you. You are more than your mind.
- Running is a great way to connect to your soul, especially when it’s in nature. So is meditaion and music.
- It is important to always stay curious and open minded.
- The only competition is you. Celebrate the success of others. Remember that success means different things to different people. Follow the path that you want to take, not what is expected of you from others. It isn’t cool to build your happiness on the unhappiness of others. Don’t compare yourself to others. You are enough. Enjoy your life.
- We all need a creative outlet. Make time for this.
- When we judge less, we live more. We are wired to judge to keep us safe but we can retrain our brain to think more compassionately. A judgemental face ain’t sexy. A kind face is the best makeup.
- Do less and be more. A quality life is better.
- You are stronger than you think.
- Getting clear on your values is a great way to ensure you are on the right path. Focus on intrinsic joy. What would you spend your money on purely for joy and not status? What lights you up or makes you go ‘ahhhhh’? Do more of that.
- Enjoy and appreciate the senses that you have. The sound of nature, beautiful scents and oils, touch, flavours and music to be inspired and change your energy. Don’t be afraid of eye contact.
- Love is an action word, not an emotion word. Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital if you are able. Enjoy cooking food for others, put love into it. Give sincere compliments, use your talents to light up those around you.
- External self awareness is also key. Listen to feedback, some of it will be useful. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.
- Be thankful to those who have been there for you and never given up during the hardest times.
- Smile at people as often as you can. Smiling is good for us and others.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously. The ability to laugh at our flaws is a great life skill.
- Time really is a healer. But don’t rush the healing process either.
- Keep singing and dancing, as often as you can (even if it has to be behind closed doors).
- Leave the phones off the dinner table.
- Sometimes we need to take the scenic route.
- Wild swimming in cold water offers an amazing and natural mojo injection and the more you do it, the easier it gets. If you don’t enjoy that, find something else wild to enjoy. We were born to get a little wild and in the words of Seal:
‘You’re never gonna survive, unless, we get a little crazy’.
You got this. Jojo x
