Everything happens for a reason. This is such a popular saying and it’s the motto I live by. My whole life feels like it can be summed up by this one quote. Everything from failed interviews to health complications to every other traumatic thing that has happened, resulted in something positive in the end. Make the best of every situation and know that something better is right around the corner.
Break ups are not the end of the world. You are more than a friend, a girlfriend, a boyfriend, you are YOU. You were amazing before you met said person, and you are amazing after said person. You will someday meet someone who will make you think, “Wow this is why it didn’t work out with “so-and-so”. I promise.
There’s a learning opportunity in everything you do. There are so many less-than-desirable things that happen on a daily basis, but there is always something you can learn to improve the quality of your life.
Connecting with others is crucial. Nothing is quite like human connection. You can have everything in the world, but if you don’t have other humans to connect with, you will struggle to find happiness.
Alone time is so important. Learning to be okay by yourself and be alone with your own thoughts is something that I struggled with for so long, but have became so much stronger mentally as a result of facing it head on and conquering it.
You are your only limitation. The only thing stopping you is you and your own excuses.
You have to work damn hard for the things you want. Don’t expect things to come easily or for things to be handed to you. Plus, it’s a hell of a lot more satisfying earning something than just simply receiving it.
Always choose the experience. You’re going to remember that poetry reading you went to that one Saturday night than that new sweater you’ll probably get rid of next year.
Traveling makes you richer. Seeing new places, experiencing new cultures, and connecting with people from all over the world is going to open your mind and make you a well-rounded human being. When thinking of the best moments in my life so far, my international travels top the chart.
You are in charge of your life. If you don’t like something, change it. Do something about it because no one else will. You’re capable of becoming whatever you want in this lifetime, so get out there and make it happen.
Food is fuel, not the enemy. When you start looking at food as a thing your body needs in order to function optimally instead of this thing that you really want to eat, but your mind is like “nah, that’s not good for you”, you automatically begin to make healthier choices.
Listening to your body will lead to results. Hungry? Eat. Are you sore? Skip the gym. Overtraining and undereating are huge hindrances in fitness journeys. Your body is amazing at letting you know what it needs, so listen to it!
It’s never too late to change. Stop making excuses as to why you can’t do something. As long as you’re alive, you’re never too far gone to change something in your life.
Now is the most perfect time as it’s gonna get to start whatever you’ve been dreaming of. There’s never going to be a “perfect time” to begin your fitness journey or begin that online course you’ve been wanting to take. Just pull the trigger and BEGIN! You’re not getting any younger. Start today.
Health and fitness is a way of life. It’s not a diet. There is no quick fix or magic pill. Commitment will get you there and your body will feel so, so good.
Time heals everything. It’s easy to be overcome with emotion in the heat of the moment, but things always blow over.
Acceptance is key. You can’t change things that have already happened. Do your best to fix situations, accept them, learn from it, and leave it at that. It does no good to dwell about things that you cannot change.
You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to be helped.
You can’t please everyone. And honestly, why would you want to? Who gives a flying shit about what other people think. YOU DO YOU and stand tall and proud. If you’re happy with yourself, you’re exactly where you need to be.
It’s okay to be selfish. Take time for self-care. Make decisions bearing yourself in mind. Look out for yourself first and foremost.
You are stronger than you think you are both physically and mentally. Need I say more? You are truly capable of whatever you can dream up.
You can’t control others actions. No matter how much you want that car in front of you to speed up, tailgating them will not make them speed up, in fact, it could result in an accident. Is getting to your destination 3 minutes quicker really worth it?
Treat everyone with respect no matter the situation. You don’t know what that person may be going through.
Don’t waste your precious time with people who don’t make you happy. Keep a small group of friends close, and invest all your free time and energy into those who you love, not a giant group of people who you just moderately like.
I could honestly go on and on for another 50+ life lessons. I’m very proud of where I am at in life and who I have become. Looking back, there are so many things that have happened throughout the years that I thought I wouldn’t be able to overcome, where I thought I would never be okay again. I’ve created the strongest, healthiest version of myself, especially in the past year of my life and I am excited for the years to come. Bring it on, 24!
Mandi.