Having turned the big 3-0, I’ve decided to write 30 life lessons I’ve learnt. Wish I knew these things when I was 20, but hey, better late than never!
- Stop sweating the small stuff. It’s really not worth it.
- Let go of friendships that aren’t meant to be. Don’t hang on to disappointments and let them eat you up.
- Always develop yourself, no matter how old you are. Whether it’s a skill, a language or a part of yourself you’d like to improve, always make the effort to better yourself!
- Don’t be disillusioned when you meet some truly terrible people. I’ve discovered that some people can be truly awful, BUT, some people can also be truly wonderful. There will be times when some evil people will hurt you badly, but it will be made much better by people who are kind, generous and supportive. Out with the rubbish and in with new people who bring in positive energy!
- Speak to your parents more. You will regret this when you no longer have the chance.
- Success isn’t defined by your bank account. Having more money is always a good thing, but if you have loads of money but do not have friendships or fulfillment in life, you’re not successful.
- Today is the youngest you’ll ever be. This is a quote my friend Anna told me and I really like it. If you have a dream, start working on it today. Stop procrastinating!
- Nothing is impossible. I first went to Japan 5 years ago and fell in love with the country. When I went back to Malaysia, completely influenced by the style of the Japanese, a lot of people laughed at me for dressing and doing my makeup like the Japanese did. They also made some nasty comments like, “Don’t ever dream you’ll ever work in Japan! Wake up!” To whom, I say, who’s laughing now? 🙂
- Whatever your race or religion, the emotions people have are the same. It’s the culture we grow up in that make our responses to situations very different.
- Smile at more people, even the ones you don’t feel like smiling to. The world needs a bit more happiness.
- The best conversations are had when there are no distractions. If you’re talking to a friend, put your phone away. Be present.
- Discrimination exists everywhere. Try to do something to make sure you aren’t discriminating.
- Be private with your dreams. Treat them like sacred gems and do not share them with everyone until you are absolutely sure of yourself and ready to handle the criticism and mudslinging that’s bound to happen.
- You really cannot judge a book by it’s cover. I have learnt this many times over.
- If you are ever betrayed, realize it’s not about you and about the other person.
- Gossip is harmful. It may be fun in the short term, but in the long term, it gives off a bad vibe and doesn't do anything than turn you into a petty person.
- Designer handbags don’t give me any more joy. When I was younger and had just started working, I craved the day I’d be able to buy a nice Prada. That day has come and gone, and I’ve realized a Prada is just a bag. Doesn’t make me a better or worse, happier or sadder person. It’s just a bag and it no longer inspires me.
- Don’t reward bad behavior. Know some people who are really obnoxious but always get their way? It’s sometimes because we allow them to behave badly and get away with it. Stop.
- Stop judging. Stop judging on race, age, religion, job, interests, physical size, hair color, whatever! Judging just makes the world an unhappier place to live in.
- Don’t be fake. People will see through you. Be genuine.
- If you feel the urge to constantly pick on someone, it’s time to question what’s so severely lacking in your own esteem that pushes you to keep doing it. Are you picking on someone weaker than yourselves because of your own feelings of inadequacy?
- Create more and consume less. Best recipe for happiness, at least for me, anyway!
- The Babyliss miracle curler truly is a miracle that has saved my life. Wish I’d discovered it sooner.
- Respect people, at all times.
- Don’t be pushy and force people to go out with you. You don't have to keep asking them why they're busy or can't make time. Respect their space.
- Don’t hang out with freeloaders. This has been a major friendship dealbreaker for me. I don’t spend time with leeches. It's caused me way too much pain, both mentally and financially.
- Sometimes, go out of your way even if you don’t have to. Just because it’s nice!
- Be generous. Not just with money, but with time and knowledge. Don’t be the dog in the manger.
- Surround yourself with people who inspire you. If you can’t get to them, listen to podcasts or interviews of successful people. You will learn from them.
- We all have different motivations and this causes us to behave in ways that may not always be understood, but I have learnt that just because I don’t understand something, or it’s something I find very different from my scope of normalcy, it doesn’t make it wrong.