I've got a confession to make. As I sit here typing this, I'm actually in the glory of 32 glorious years of life. I know, I know, the headline promised you 30 life lessons, but hang on a second! I figured that since I've now graduated into the oh-so-enlightened realm of my early thirties, I could toss in a bonus dose of wisdom.
So, without further ado, welcome to the newsletter where we dive headfirst into the chaotic, the swaggy, and the downright insane world of adulthood… all sprinkled with a touch of wisdom (??)
Buckle-up, here we go!
Smile at strangers.
The cool guys in high school are not the most successful in life.
When you feel unhappy, don’t stay alone: call someone, help a friend.
Having goals is vital. Reaching them … no so much.
Your 20s are for exploration: live abroad as much as you can.
Beating yourself up is not self improvement.
Curiosity is an important form of humility.
Embrace both opulence and simplicity, living like a queen while staying prepared for a pauper's life.
One day you will realize your parents are just humans trying to do their best -usually this day is when your friends start having children).
Do a little bit of something you love every day.
Conquer your freedom. Forgiveness, commitment and action will get you there.1
Keep a photo of “little you” in you wallet. Let it be a reminder of the promises you make to yourself.
Don’t be scared to detach from anything that is bringing you down.
Your life is a story where you’re both the scenarist and the hero. You’re framing the narrative, don’t let it control you.
No-one can believe in yourself for you. And that’s what makes the difference.
… And yet no-one succeeds alone: surround yourself with people who want the best from you and demand the best out of you.
Money is safety. Think deeply about what your “rich life” is and use your money accordingly.
Dress like the person you want to become.
Don’t chase fame, it will only leave you unhappy and ungrateful.
Spend more energy on what makes you feel strong than trying to improve at things you’re bad at.
Cherish the moments with your family (the one you didn’t choose as well as the one you chose).
Read poetry, it’s medicine for the soul.
Do all you can to meet your heroes: you will either realize they are more humans than Gods, or they will enlighten your journey and reinforce tour sense of purpose. Either way: you will learn from it.
Do one thing everyday that makes you proud to be you. Let your actions be a testament to the person you are becoming.
Be loud with the people who make you life better. Appreciate them often, privately and in public.
You can’t save someone who’s not willing to do the work. And you can’t do the work from them.
Putting yourself first is not selfish. It’s a prerequisite for taking good care of others.
Learn from the past, but let go of things that no longer serve you.
Spend time in nature (without your goddamn phone, please).
Super-heroes are a fallacy: why are you trying so hard to be one?
Learn to let your guard down: vulnerability is a source of strength, practiced with the right people. Cherish intimate conversations.
Stay kind. Don’t let fear rub you of your original candor.
I guess I can’t call it a lesson, but I couldn’t write about my wild 3 decades without mentioning my husband. I feel like these lessons are both the cause and the consequences of having found - dare I say it?- my soulmate. If it’s not your case, I truly hope you find this person that makes life worth living.
Until next time, keep smiling at strangers, dancing like nobody's watching, and embracing the fabulous chaos that is existence. Stay swagalicious, my friends!
On that topic highly recommend Hannah Arendt’s essay, The Freedom to be Free.
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