“I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.” ― Douglas Adams, The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
It’s My Birthday!!! Thank you in advance for all the birthday wishes 🎂

I wrote this post a year ago but never got around to posting it…my bad! 😅 There has been so many experiences over the years that I’ve learned something whether it was good or bad…each has shaped me into the person I am today.

Here are my top 26 lessons and an extra one, I’ve learned these past 26 years:

  1. Don’t Let Other People’s Opinions Become Your Opinions! Everyone thinks differently and that is why you should form your own opinions. (Just because your friend doesn’t like someone, doesn’t mean you have to dislike that person too.)
  2. Learn Who Your Real Friends Are! My mom taught me that just because someone is your “friend,” doesn’t mean they are. People will say they’re your friends but don’t have your best interest in mind and that’s okay. Realize who your friends are and end the “friendships” that aren’t real.
  3. Be Genuinely, Apologetically Yourself! People will like you for who you are so don’t try to be anyone else but yourself!
  4. Red is the Color! Whether it’s a red dress or red lipstick…RED makes everyone look good!
  5. Your Style! Fashion trends are always changing, but find your to go style. Some might prefer comfy over chic or the other way around! Just make sure your style is you!
  6. Drink H2O! Drinking water is really good for you….PERIOD! And your future self will thank you!
  7. Your Skin Should Be A Priority! Get to know your skin type and take CARE of it! Once you find a good skin cleanser and moisturizer, make sure to stick to a routine. Also wear a sunscreen and drink lots of water!
  8. Heartbreaks Are Unavoidable! Heartbreaks will happen and trying to “protect” yourself from future heartbreaks doesn’t work. So don’t let being “scared” prevent you from dating someone new.
  9. Save Money! Saving money is hard but trust me…do it! Even if you take 25% of your paycheck and put it into you saving account, it will add up. (You never know when an emergency might happen and need to use it!)
  10. Be Active! Growing up I was always active in organizations but now that I’m an adult I’m not so active like I was before. So find hobbies that you enjoy doing!
  11. Be Private on Social Media! Don’t post everything on social media, especially private things that you might not want everyone to know. Some things are just meant to stay private and not be shared.
  12. Eat But Also Exercise! You can find a health balance of eating everything you want but also exercise!
  13. Know Your Drinking Tolerance! Know what your drinking limit is and pace yourself! (Make sure to eat before you start drinking!)
  14. Comfy Shoes Are A Must! Don’t be cheap and get good tennis shoes, heels, sandals, boots, etc. And invest in soles so you don’t get blisters! (Always carry band-aids!)
  15. Technology Isn’t Everything! Yes, it’s good to invest in technology for school or work but don’t replace your phone or laptop each time a newer one comes out. (Don’t waste money if you don’t have to!)
  16. Quality Time With Family! Always put time aside for family. Everyone is busy but always make time for the people who have watched you grow up and supported you since day one.
  17. Take Photos But Also Live In The Moment! I’ve always struggled with this since I love taking pictures. But while you are capturing a moment, remember to also enjoy it as it’s happening. Be present!
  18. Chapstick & Gum! Always make sure your breathe doesn’t smell and your don’t have dry lips. (Never know who you might kiss next! 😉)
  19. Invest in a Purse/Backpack! Don’t go crazy and spend a lot. Buy a good-size leather purse and a durable backpack that will last you a long time.
  20. Your Health Should Be A Priority! From physical to emotional to mental…all of your health is important. Which means eat healthier, take your vitamins, exercise, and drink lots of water!
  21. Travel! Traveling is a ticket to the world…learn a new language, try new food, meet people, lose yourself in a new place, get cultured! So what are you waiting for…book your ticket and go!
  22. Time Is Not On Your Side! When we’re young, we tend to think that we have all the time in the world but the reality is…time doesn’t wait for anyone. So if you want to travel somewhere…go, start your own business, go back to school, tell someone you love them…..whatever it is, just do it!
  23. Doubts and Regrets! I doubted myself a lot over the years. And because of this, I didn’t always go after what I wanted and now I have regrets. So stop doubting and instead believe in yourself and live with no regrets!
  24. Happiness Is A Must! At the end of the day, if you’re not happy with something in you life then change it. You are the only one that is responsible for your own happiness.
  25. Death Is Coming! At the end, we all die. Don’t live your life in fear instead live it to the fullest. And hopefully one day when you are old, you won’t be scared of dying because you lived an amazing life.
  26.  Don’t Compare Yourself With Someone Else! Everyone is at different points in their life so don’t compare yourself with someone else. This is in terms of graduating on time, owning a car, moving out of your parents, getting your first adult job, getting married, having kids, owning your first house, etc. You will also accomplish these and so many more things, once you are ready to do so. So stop worrying, it will happen when it’s meant to happen.

 

I remember wondering at 15 what kind of life and person I would be once I became an adult. Never would have imagine all the experiences that I would go through but I am thankful for all the ups and downs. Every single good and bad experience has shaped me into the person I am today. I’m thankful for these past 26 years and the many lessons I have learned so far and I like to think 15 year old me would be proud!

Part of me wishes that I knew what my future has in store for me but what’s the fun of knowing that if I can’t experience it to the fullest at the moment everything happens, right? Here’s to 26 years and so many more to come! Here’s my quarter century crisis…just kidding! 😆

Love Always,

26 Year Old Lidia

P.S. Extra lesson I learned recently…literally this week!

27. Let Go So You Can Reach Your Potential! Letting go of something or someone is hard. But there comes a time when that thing you are holding on to no longer helps you grow in life. Whether it’s a job or someone, they can be holding you back from reaching your potential. Let go & move on! ❤️