One

Feed Your Soul.

Of course, you have to nourish your body and fuel yourself to have a successful and productive day, but you also need to make sure you are feeding your soul. This means finding the moments, activities and memories that made you feel the most alive and searching to create more moments like that. Go to a museum, watch a film with your friends, plan your next trip. These little pieces of life that make all of the stress worth it nourish and replenish your soul so you can be more resilient. You need to have those times for care and reflection in order to decompress. I know for me, I need to make sure to schedule in fun and take time to check in with myself mentally before I just jump into a stressful task. This means waking up early in the morning so I can catch the sunrise, grab a cup of my favorite coffee and not be rushing when I leave the door. It also means saying yes to plans with friends so I make sure I smile each day, instead of locking myself away in the studio to do my work.

Two

How You Think About Yourself Is Important.

This may sound cliché but this lesson is probably one of the most important. That little voice inside our heads has the power to make or break a day. You know that saying that’s something like “ life is 50% what happens to you and 50% how you react”? It’s kind of the same thing. You have the power to change the way you view the world and most importantly yourself. One of the most impactful mindset changes I’ve made personally is that I am not fat, I have fat. I have fingers too but I am not just fingers. You have to change the way you talk about yourself, your life, and especially your mistakes. Don’t get caught in the negativity of the world and let it drag you down. You have the ability to view yourself with understanding and respect. The way you speak, view and display yourself in turn changes the way that others perceive you. Be strong in your ways, walk heavy and stand tall.

Three

Dreams Are Just As Necessary As Reality.

Inside all of us is a dream, a goal, a fantasy life. A lot of time though, these dreams aren’t that out of reach. A dream can be achieved if you work hard enough, if you truly believe in yourself, and if you prepare. Dreams can also be described and accomplished as passions. What is your passion in life? Without one, these can seem pointless, in turn making you move through life without effort or inspiration. Everything in my life has inspiration and more importantly, intention. When you match your intentions with your actions you maximize your output and become more productive as you are working on your dreams.

Four

Those Who Matter Don’t Mind And Those Who Mind Don’t Matter.

If people truly care about you & your life, they will not judge you for your bad days, or off moments. Instead, they build you up and surround you with what you need to get back to yourself. Be your weird self, be silly and be true. The people that are meant to be a positive impact in your life will accept those traits and in turn you allow them to be true as well. This kind of reinforcement creates an endless circle of flowing energy and is what creates true bonds. Anyone who judges or stifles you when it comes to expressing yourself should not be someone you want to keep around. Surrounding yourself with these positive people strengthens your personal network and thus makes you enjoy life just a little bit more.

Five

Never Let Someone Question Your Instinct And Ambition.

I find this is especially true when trying new things. Whether it be an outfit, an art concept, or a travel idea, don’t let others opinions smother your own excitement. Theres a reason why you thought of it and theres a reason why it made you excited. If you feel that little fire inside burning passionately, then let it burn.

Six

Dance, Always.

I think this one is my favorite lesson. Whenever you can, whenever there’s music, bust a groove. Dance like no one is watching and you’re alone in your bedroom

(not like I’ve done that before…), dance in the grocery aisles, dance when you’re shopping and your favorite tune comes on. Not only does this lighten the mood, but it makes you smile. Any chance you have to shake it out is a chance to find joy and just have a good laugh. Dancing for me is something so energetic, so releasing and evocative of good energy. I love dancing while I’m making breakfast, when I’m picking out my outfit and when i’m brushing my teeth. Engage your body in positive and expressive movements that bring you joy. The best of course is when you can dance freely with people you love. Feel that freedom together.

Seven

Take A Photo Of Everything, Especially The Sunset. It Will Never Be The Same Twice.

My mom and I share this sort of sunset bond. To me, I find the way the clouds align in the sky and the way the sun shines through them so peaceful. The view from my dorm room allows me to see such beautiful sunsets and it illuminates my room. I am constantly admiring the light bouncing off my Papa’s antique mirror and my plants draping off my wardrobe. But in regard to everything else in the world, I’m certainly a visual person. I take photos of practically everything. Meals, smiles & moments that will forever make me smile to look back at. I find it so calming and reassuring to know that I will never lose those tiny pieces of my life.

Eight

Trust the Universe, Trust the Timing of Your Life.

This year has been a lot for me. A lot of sad/ bad/ unfortunate things have seemed to stack up in such a short span of 12 months. However, I could either let them weigh me down by constantly asking “why me?” or I could accept the fact that life is mostly always uncontrollable. I’m trying to choose everyday to act kindly, especially towards myself, and to not rush anything. What will be, will be.

Nine

Nothing Works Unless You Do.

In that same stream, nothing will be unless you work hard for it. If you truly want something to happen, you need to take time to create it. There is a saying that says “ Success is when opportunity meets preparation”. How can you achieve the goals you have without working towards them? So, while it is good to process with softness and kindness at the negativity around you, it is still important to grab on to what you can control.

Ten

Hurt People Hurt People.

As humans, the easiest way for us to process emotion is to share it with other people, whether that be in a positive or negative way. I’ve learned that most of the time, if I’m ever feeling hurt by a situation, there’s a 99% chance that the other person involved is also feeling some kind of hurt. Most issues and conflicts arise when two people are in argument but can only see their own point of view. If you’re feelings are hurt, maybe someone else’s are too. Keep this in mind if you feel like someone is acting emotionally out of character- check in with those around you. If someone is doing some hurting, they are most likely hurt themselves.

Eleven

An Apology Without Change Is Manipulation.

This lesson was and is very hard for me to remember. I am a very forgiving human, and would much rather apologize myself to resolve conflict even if I’m not in the wrong. Or, when someone does apologize- perhaps for the fourth or fifth time, I’m very easy to forget the past and accept each apology as if it is genuine. However, this is not effective in creating healthy boundaries or healthy relationships. In order to maintain trust & respect, you have to know what you deserve in any kind of relationship. If someone is constantly letting you down, hurting your feelings, and promising a better future without producing any action towards that, it’s no longer a genuine apology. I’ve learned that if you let people slip through the crack on accountability, it is you that ends up getting hurt and let down. Don’t let people turn your kindness into a negative.

Twelve

Seek To Create Meaningful Relationships, Not Multiple Ones.

I’ve never been the kind of person to have loads of friends, or flourish with small talk. I’m more commonly fond of having a tight circle of people. I prefer genuine and deep conversations over coffee or lunch rather than yelling over people at a party. In my experience, the moments that matter the most to me, the ones that I hold dear, have come from having those one on one connections with my people. These make me feel important, valued, and understood. I find it much more self- fulfilling to know that I have a team, a unit, and a bond with those around me.

Thirteen

Compassion and Understanding Beat Anger and Judgement Every Single Time.

For most people, judgement comes from a lack of understanding. When approaching a new or difficult situation, I’ve learned to first step back, remove yourself and your opinions completely to further asses and understand what is truly going on. This goes for situations of jealousy, competition and hurt. It is best to try and strip down your pride to not only listen but actually hear where someone else is coming from. In general, people don’t want to cause confusion or harm on purpose, so try and see before you act.

Fourteen

If You Don’t Have Time To Do It Right, When Will You Have Time To Do It Over?

I was always taught as a child to do my homework assignments correctly, and with intent. As a very busy young professional in today’s world, there’s nothing more valuable than time. It may seem easier to rush through something to simply check it off your to-do list, but in the end it will only harm you. The time it will take to re-do the assignment or task will take you much longer than it would have for you to just take your time the first round!

Fifteen

It Doesn’t Matter How Many Times You Say “I Love You”, It Matters When You Say It.

This of course goes with this overly stated phrase in today’s society, but it also goes for much else. If you overdo or overuse certain things that are supposed to be cherished and special, they will lose their charm. For instance, if you love Paris, yet visit the Eiffel Tower ever day for a month, i’m sure it won’t seem as magical to you. Let special things be special so you can cherish when they occur naturally.

Sixteen

You Can Be The Kindest Person In The World And Some People Will Still Not Like You.

This one is a tough pill to swallow. As a perfectionist and a giver, I seek to be kind to all and offer whatever I can to people. However, this doesn’t always go appreciated. Some people will just not like you, and you shouldn’t get upset over this. There will always be competition, comparison, and judgement with people- it is a part of life. Every one of us has a person we “don’t like” but when asked why we just say “ they rub me the wrong way” or “ they seem in-genuine”. It happens, and it will happen to you. It’s best to not get your feelings hurt. Instead, focus your energy on those that do value you.

Seventeen

Die Happy While You’re Still Alive.

This one is very very important for me to think about everyday. I’m such a goal and future oriented person, that sometimes I forget to look around where i am at the moment. It’s important to do things that not only improve your future, but also improve your current state. This can be hard to balance at times especially in stressful work or school positions, but I’m learning that by taking care of your present, you help improve your future- especially mental health wise.

Eighteen

Happiness Is Truly Real When Shared.

I first heard this notion from one of my favorite movies, “Into The Wild”. The story follows a young man on his journey to abandon society to find the truth of the world. However, upon fining himself lonely and in a desolate land without connection, he realizes that true happiness comes from sharing it with others. We smile when others smile, laugh when we make others laugh, and love to be in love with others. Our whole society is based off of connection, sharing, and keeping in touch with people. Don’t lose the people that make you happy, in the end that is all that will matter.

Nineteen

Everyone Is Healing From Things They Don’t Speak About.

This goes back to the topic of hurting. You never know how the things you say and do will affect someone else. Everyone acts and forms opinions based off their own life experiences and everyone has their “things”. Through my own pain and grief, I’ve been able to empathize and see the pain in other people as well. Everyone has sadness, and everyone has joy. One topic may be highly emotional for someone, and yet mean nothing to someone else. Watch what you say, seek to speak words of compassion rather than of hate, and always try to love people a little harder in the parts that they are weaker.

Twenty

Strive To Find The most Honest And

Genuine Expression Of Yourself.

Possibly my most favorite of lessons, this one I find myself repeating every single day. The clothes you wear, music you listen to, and hobbies you engage in should make you feel like yourself. I love waking up each morning to prepare my outfit for the day, I wake up to my favorite music, look forward to sipping my favorite coffee. Find what makes you feel connected to your true self and live that each day. This blog is one of the most active ways I like to express myself. Writing these posts, creating visual content, and having creative visions for this blog is what fuels my fire. I hope everyone finds, and is proud to express their true selves.