24 things I learned by 24

Birthday week. If you’ve been around for some time, you know that I don’t necessarily like (to say the least) my birthday. I never organise big birthday parties and I usually prefer to spend it with my family (when possible). The days preceding my birthday are full with ups and downs, and an unexplainable feeling of anxiety and panic overwhelm me. Well, I decided to make this year different. I figured that thinking about the fact that I am getting old and I didn’t achieve enough is slightly unhealthy for a 24 years old. So, I decided to share with you the most important life lessons I’ve learned by this age. Also, at this age, I am more eager to learn than ever, so feel free to leave your own wise lessons in the comments below.

1. 1. Love is the most important thing in life. It is better to love and not be loved, than to never get the chance to feel it. Love is always enriching, no matter how hard or painful it is.
   2. Your mom is usually right. Even if it makes absolutely no sense to you at the moment, you will get back to her words sooner or later
   3. Learn to love and respect your body. It will bring you more peace than you ever expected. Sleep and drink enough water.
   4. Travel! Always invest in experiences. They contour your personality.
   5. There is no such thing as “it’s time”. You have your own time, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with you if you are still in University at 30, while all your friends have families, kids, and prospective jobs.
   6. You are the only owner of your body. Nobody can tell you what to do or not to do with it.
   7. Happiness stays in small things.
   8. Be kind. Always and with everyone. It doesn’t cost you anything.
   9. Nobody owes you anything and you don’t owe anything to anybody.
   10. Words hurt more than swords. Not everything you think of is worth saying. Not saying it loud is not dishonesty- it is wisdom.
   11. Read, read, read. As Will Smith puts it: There’s no new problem that someone hasn’t already had and written about it in a book.
   12. Getting to know yourself is a hard job, and it can be damn painful.
   13. Don’t criticise anyone. Only express your opinions towards someone if you are asked for it. Even so, be careful.
   14. Praise instead. Always express your appreciation.
   15. You have a special, almost instinctive connection with your country, even if you haven’t been there in a while, even if you think you don’t belong there. It’s in you.
   16. Never justify your decisions to anyone. It is your life!
   17. Learn something new every day.
   18. Know your worth, but don’t you dare think that nobody’s better than you. Never stop evolving.
   19. Don’t buy things you don’t need. Try to live as sustainable as possible.
   20. You have your right to your guilty pleasures. Eating that cake doesn’t mean you have no will, it just means you are human.
   21. Physical activity is important. Pick one that you like and do it consistently.
   22. Work will take you further than talent.
   23. Don’t judge!
   24. Always follow your heart!