Life Advice: 25 Things I’ve Learned In 25 Years
Right before my 26th birthday I decided to reflect on my 25 years on earth. I asked myself, how have I spent my time? What mistakes have I made? What have I done right? What have I learned thus far? After thinking about it, I came up with this list of 25 things I’ve learned in 25 years!
Regardless of your age, my aim is for this list to provide you with some insight on life. I am flawed just like every other human being but because of learning from my mistakes and choosing everyday to change for the better I have come to a place in my life where I have a high sense of self love and gratitude for this universe with all the beings that encompass it.
Continue reading if you’re interested in learning important life lessons and how to embody them to live your most fulfilled and happy life.
- Love, Loves, Love
I had to put this first because it is the embodiment of our essence. It’s literally rule number one, the golden rule! By fully embodying love, you send love to others, and attract love back. Spreading love amongst us all. The first time I heard this line was during a spiritual book study session with Swami Bhakti Asraya Keshava. It will stick with me forever.
2. Be True To Your Unique Yourself
There is only one you. You are a one of a kind, beautiful loving soul. You have a unique set of qualities and strengths that make you needed during this time period on earth. When you fully embody your essence you are getting closer and closer to fulfilling your dharma. If we all embrace our dharma the belief is that the planet will align.
3. Always Try New Things
I encourage you to visit new places, taste new foods, and step out of your comfort zone. It is through discomfort that we inevitably grow. Be smart about your decision making and understand your boundaries of course, but with that said don’t be afraid to try something because you think you won’t succeed. Don’t let doubts get in the way of you living your best life.
4. You Are Never Alone
For anyone out there that needs this reminder…you are never alone. Never. When the world looks dark and sadness engulfs the mind, please know that there are people out here who are ready to listen and lend you a helping hand. All you must do is ask. Above all else the divine is always with you. Speak to God, the universe, your spirit guides and ancestors. Why play a guessing game and assume help will be given to you? Ask and you shall receive.
5. Let Things Go
This is a biggie! If you don’t get something right the first time, try again. If you made a silly mistake, don’t keep burning the replay in your head. Everyone slips up every now and again all you can do is reflect and move forward.
6. We Are One
Humans, animals, plants. We are one. Regardless of race, ethnicity or gender. We are one. As big as this universe is, we are all interconnected. Together we form a collective consciousness. When you realize this, choosing a noble path becomes easy.
7. Never Stop Learning
There is no limit to the amount of knowledge one can attain in a lifetime. Dive deep and become an expert on one topic or learn a little bit about a lot of things. What you gravitate towards is what you should devote your time into learning more about. It will always benefit you in the long run.
8. Differences Are Okay
Some people may not have the same viewpoints as you and that is okay. Our differences are what makes us unique. As long as you stay true to yourself the people who are meant to be in your life will find their way to you.
9. You Can Create Your Reality
What you believe to be true becomes you. Our thoughts are extremely powerful and the energetic vibes we put forth in this world is what we receive in return. I believe we have the power to manifest all our desires, you just have to trust the process.
10. Don’t Put Off What You Can Do Today
Procrastination can be one’s worst enemy. Life can become stressful so don’t take on more than you can handle but when you start to get lazy no progress can be made. Make a list, and wake up an hour early one day this week. If you are able to accomplish one thing that gets you closer to your goals then you are on the right path.
11. Appreciate Your Family
We are all born into a specific family for special reasons and trust that it’s exactly where you’re supposed to be. Family may get on your nerves sometimes but deep down the bond between family can never be broken. Your lineagical genes are what makes you, you.
12. True Friends Will Love You For You
You never need to apologize and feel bad for being your true self. If someone has issues with you or always has something negative to say about your opinion then those are not the type of people you need in your life. True friends will always have your back.
13. Trust Your Intuition…ALWAYS
If something doesn’t feel right then it’s probably not right for you. The more you trust your intuition the more it will help you. Fine tune this skill because it will save you so many times!
14. Always Be Thankful
Having gratitude in your life will make you an overall happier person. Having abundance and prosperity in your life is great but without gratitude it can be easy to take things for granted, and that is never a place you want to be in.
15. Stand Up For What You Believe In
There is a time and place for everything but don’t be afraid to voice your opinion especially if there is extreme wrongdoing taking place. Gaining knowledge is wonderful but when it comes time to spread that knowledge don’t be afraid to do so. You never know who you may inspire.
16. Enjoy Life! Don’t Forget To Have Fun
Take in this beautiful moment. Stop and smell the flowers because life is too short! Enjoy every moment of this beautiful human existence. Dance when your favorite song comes on like no one’s watching. No matter how mundane may you find joy in all that you do.
17. Communication Is Essential
Confrontation can be awkward but I bet many issues could have been resolved if people just communicated better. It’s okay to have emotions and differences, but hearing the other side of a story can help people relate to one another and hopefully find middle ground.
18. Nothing In Life Is An Accident
I truly believe that nothing in life happens at random. Yes we may choose different paths and some choices may be more life altering then others but at the end of the day we are all ending up exactly where we are supposed to be.
19. Be Intune With Your Body
The best way to do this is to start a daily yoga practice. Through yoga I have become more in tune with my body. I know what makes it thrive and what slows it down. Treat your body with tender love and care because it’s the only body you have. Check out my self-care spa night at home routine to help with this.
20. It’s Okay To Feel
Crying is good. Sadness is good. Anger is good. Happiness is good. Love is good. Any emotion is good to have, but recognizing why you feel the way you do is a different story. This might be tricky at first but when you feel an outburst of emotions try to look at them from a third party perspective. What is causing this reaction in you? Why is it causing this reaction? What can you do right this second about it?
21. Be Kind To All Living Things
Be kind to fellow humans, the earth and animals that live alongside us. We are all important and vital to each other’s existence. Show kindness in all that you do and you will see that in return tenfold.
22. Negativity And Positivity Go Hand In Hand
If there was no sadness then we wouldn’t appreciate happiness. Bad things happen and it sucks! But it’s what you make out of a bad situation that counts.
23. Forgiveness Is Key
When someone has wronged you it is okay to be hurt and mad. You don’t have to become friends with the person again by all means but when you are ready it is up to you to personally forgive that person. You don’t even have to verbally tell them. What’s important is that you tell yourself. Forgiveness is the key to inner happiness.
24. Be In The Moment
When I think of this I picture stopping everything I’m doing including planning for the future or reminiscing on the past. Breathe deeply in through your nose and slowly out through your mouth. When your stress takes a moment to do this, when you’re in front of the most beautiful view you’ve ever seen, do this.
25. Travel More To Discover Yourself
The slogan that started it all! I had to add my website catchphrase to this list. I’ve learned so much and have grown through my travels. I truly believe the more you travel the more independent and wiser you become.
Travel puts you in situations where you have to decide things for yourself and solve issues that may arise. Travel opens your mind to other cultures and new ways of living, helping you to self analyze and discover your true self.
If you need more reasons to travel check out this blog post.
To Sum It Up
I hope this list has given you a lot to think about. I hope it helps those who feel lost and stands as a nice reminder to those who have figured these lessons out all on their own.
We all have unique experiences in our lifetime but I think the lessons mentioned on this list are universal truths. Lead with love and everything will end up alright. Sending love to all my readers today! Thank you for supporting me.
Xoxo, Ari
