Last April we celebrated my Mum's 50th Birthday. Coincidentally I was back in my home town at the same time to be able to celebrate with her and her friends at a dinner & drinks event. Once we were all seated at the table, I asked the people around me what the one piece of life advice they would either give to their younger selves, or to me as a young adult. The answers I have kept anonymous because, well... #thetruthhurts.
1. Marry rich
Ahh, the truth. So refreshing, isn't it? If only we could choose our life partners by the number in their bank account, not by the fact that they are good in bed or super good looking. (Because none of these are superficial at all).
Money solves a lot of problems, but it also causes a lot too. Take this advice with a grain of salt, lemon and tequila.
2. Be happy & don’t waste your life
This piece of advice was from someone much older, let's say 70+. This is probably the advice that I absorbed the most due to the person who said it. We get told all the time that life is short and to live a happy life, yet we are all still working a 9-5 in a town we hate with people we hate even more. I have heard it way too much by the people around me and through friends that they are 'living to pay bills and nothing more'.
Stop, evaluate your hopes and dreams and aim for it. Don't settle for TV dinners and shit bosses, raise your standards and live a wonderful life.
3. Be smarter
A classic. In this context it was about drinking too much and spending too much money on dumb things (aka beers at the same pub, with the same people, at the same time every week. That is my nightmare FYI).
This kind of relates to #2 in that to fix this, all it takes is a few goal setting sessions with yourself and/ or your partner and the action to start changing your environment. Be smarter on how you spend your time because you will never get this moment back.
PS. Thanks for choosing to spend time reading this blog, much appreciated sista.
4. Love the people you love the most
This is a deep one. Right in the feels.
The people in your 'circle' that may be your friends, family or work colleagues, are all around you for a reason. They support you, encourage you, challenge you and love you all at once. If you take just one minute out of your day to call someone, send a 'how are ya?' text message or leave a very annoying voicemail when they don't answer, it lets them know that you are thinking of them and that is enough to make anyone smile. Actions speak louder than words (but it's always nice to be told 'I love you').
5. Remember where you came from
Know your roots. You are not above anyone. Everyone has a story and respect goes a long way.
6. Live simply so others can simply live
To be selfless. In a world that is now Instagram and the Kardashians, we can often forget how lucky we truly are. To live simply, meaning to be mindful and intuitive of your surroundings, so others can simply have their time of day just as you have your whole life.
7. Be kind
Be fucking kind. It's what we teach 5 year olds when they are sharing their toys, or a 3 year old when their baby sister is getting all the attention. So many 'adults' forget to be kind and instead be selfish and entitled. Think before you speak, your voice is a privilege not a right. Time. And. Place.
Not bad, huh? I was surprised at how diverse each answer was, and quite thankful for what they all shared with me. Everyone is bound to make mistakes, go down the wrong path and mix with one or two of the wrong people in their lifetime, but if just one of these pieces of advice help someone in one way or another (I know they have helped me already) then that's all that matters.
Live a life you love!
PS. Move more, move better
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