This week I turned 30.

My heart is filled with gratitude and joy for experiencing another year across the sun. I still have so much growing up and learning to do. Even though everyone around me makes turning 30 scary and that life as I know it is over, I am thrilled to be starting this new chapter of my life.

In honour of the occasion, here are 30 things I’ve collected over the years — observations, lessons, and reminders-

1. The magic of gratitude.

If there’s one thing that can stop negative thoughts and emotions in their tracks, it’s gratitude. Feel joy in every season of your life. It doesn’t matter whether it is stormy, rainy, or sunshine. A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles.

2. Be your own hero.

No one is coming to save you. Depend on yourself. You get to choose your next chapter. Be the writer and the hero of your story.

3. Let the world surprise you.

Keep your eyes and heart open. Withhold judgement. Think of all the people, experiences, shows, and stories you’d miss out on if you didn’t give them a chance. Allow the world to surprise you.

4. Give in to the sweetness of doing nothing.

Waste time. Go for long walks in nature. Lie down in the flowers. Fall asleep under a tree. Try out a new recipe. Read that book. Write a love letter to yourself. Paint. Knit something. Have a rest day or a year. In a world obsessed with productivity and keeping busy, reclaim the playful and creative energy within you because these “unproductive” hours are the soul-shaping hours of our lives.

5. You are enough.

Care for yourself the way you’ve always longed to be cared for. You deserve all the love, softness and kindness you always give others. You don’t need to exhaust yourself, proving it to others.

6. Create your own definitions.

People are full of suggestions on what your life should look like at any given age. But some words such as “happiness,” “success,” and “respect” you get to define for yourself.

7. Create what you wish existed.

Start your blog. Finish your book. Create your dream skincare line or a hair product that actually works for curly hair. Bring your craziest idea to life. Just do it.

8. Comparison is the thief of joy.

You can’t compare the sun, the moon, and the stars. They all shine in their own time. No same flowers blossom at the same time. Stop comparing yourself to others. Compare yourself to the person from yesterday.

9. Enjoy the journey.

You are exactly where you need to be today. Life is not a race. Take your time to the destination. Slow down and savour this moment…just like your favourite dessert.

10. The first step is always the hardest.

Just start. It takes a lot of courage and boldness to that take that first step. Do it alone. Do it, scared. Do it broke. Just take that first step and learn as you go. You don’t need to have it all figured out…just yet.

11. Some goodbyes are inevitable.

Sometimes our loved ones have to say goodbye to us. But you’ll still love them when they’re gone and keep them safe in your heart forever.

12. Moms are always right.

She’s your best friend. Listen to her. It turns out my mom has always been right. I just didn’t like her tone.

13. No looking back.

You can’t go back to the person you were yesterday. That person no longer exists. I love where you’re going.

14. Everything takes longer than you think it will.

Building friendships, relationships, starting your dream project. Everything good takes longer than we think, and life rarely goes as planned.

15. Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon.

Long walks in nature. Morning cuddles. Watching a beautiful sunset. A long candlelit bath. Jamming your playlist. Tender kisses on the forehead. Video chatting with someone you love. All these little things take up the most room in your heart. Cherish them.

16. It’s time for a glow-up.

There are no limitations on starting over. Drop the idea that you must always be who you have always been. Be a phoenix. Burn to ashes and reinvent yourself into who you’ve always wanted to be.

17. Transform yourself in solitude.

It’s okay and necessary to need quiet time to replenish your spirit. Find a healthy balance between connection and solitude.

18. It’s okay to need help.

It’s okay to need help sometimes. We were never supposed to do this alone.

19. Speak up for yourself.

You heal every time you muster the courage to speak up for yourself. Reclaim your power by making your own decisions.

20. Burn brightly.

Even if it provokes others, who are still afraid of their own light.

21. Rejection is redirection.

Whenever I thought I was being rejected by something good, I was redirected toward something even better. Believe it or not…many of my life’s greatest blessings have come in the form of rejection.

22. Worship your body.

Listen to it. Worship it. Honour it by treating it with kindness and tenderness.

23. Daily Meditation.

Create space in your daily day for quiet stillness, even for 10 minutes. It does wonders for your soul.

24. Know when to walk away.

Respect yourself enough to walk from people and places that don’t see the beauty in you.

25. Keep it weird.

The things that make you ‘weird’ are some of your best qualities.

26. Perfectionism is a myth.

Liberate yourself from the shackles of perfectionism by letting yourself be seen just the way you are.

27. It’s okay to not be okay.

Crying isn’t cringe. It’s a natural and healthy response to pain and sorrow in life. It provides a hard reset for your heart. Let it flow.

28. Boundaries are hot.

Create and stick to the boundaries that protect your softness.

29. You are not vanilla ice cream.

You can’t make everyone happy, and that’s okay. Stop worrying about what other people think. Be your own unique flavour, even if it’s not for everyone.

30. Your intuition is your superpower…so listen to it.

 

Thank you, as always, for reading.

 

xo

Yachna

 

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