- Enjoy the small daily things in life.
It is in these things that there are the deepest treasures. When I was in my 20s, I spent countless hours wondering and thinking about the future. Though it is important to think about the future, I personally noticed how dwelling there kept me from capturing the day. I missed the small things. Or, like so many, I noticed them, but didn't see what a treasure they were. Catch the smile of another. Breathe in the fresh winter air. Savor the delicacy of french pastries. A handwritten note from an old friend. Your daily lunch break. Enjoy the small daily things.
- Create more.
This is something that is being currently reawakened in my life, but I can't seem to stress the importance of it enough. Be disciplined in your "creating times." Filtrate it into the crevices of your life. Knit. Draw. Paint. Write. Sing. Sew. Dance. Craft. Build. It's up to you, but make it a necessity in your life. Just as your heart was made for relationship, so it was also made for creating. After all, you are God's creation. It's in your DNA to create. Take this time to discover it.
- Give away more.
This should be forever evolving in our lives, but it is a word of wisdom I wish I had heeded to in my twenties. That being said, give away your clothes, material possessions, time, money, and ultimately your life into the lives of others. Pour yourself out and you will find that you'll continually have an addiction to giving. Furthermore, give away something that is important to you. After all, that is true sacrifice--and it's beautiful.
- Try new things.
This is one thing that I did get "right" in my twenties, but it is still a challenge I propose to myself. Always be willing to try new things. New foods, cultures, etc. Take chances to truly experience all that is before you. Go on a hot air balloon. Skydive. Travel to Thailand. Golf. Get a tattoo. Karaoke. The list goes on. As your mother once told you when you were young--not wanting to try the unfamiliar item on your plate: Just try it. You never know, you might like it. The same goes for everything in life. Now this being said, don't do something illegal. They are illegal for a reason. But get out of your comfort zone and embrace life!
- Expect the unexpected. Take it as a gift.
Finally, the last piece of wisdom that I impart to you is this: Expect the unexpected. Treasure the unexpected as a gift (because that is what it is). There will be things in life that blindside you. Someone you love dies unexpectedly. You lose your job. You're given a promotion. The person you gave your heart to suddenly rejects it. The last person you expected to fall in love with captures your heart. You find out you're pregnant. You are in a car wreck. You lose your baby. You are left an inheritance. Your house sells. You move across the ocean. Life is full of the unexpected. So, shouldn't we expect it? Be ready for change. That way, even when it smacks you across the face, you won't be knocked out. It's all about perspective. Take the unexpected as a gift--whether it's good or bad news. Take it as an opportunity to embrace life!
And after all, isn't that what life is? It's a gift. Whether you are 20 or 80, each moment is a gift. We are forever learning. Breaking and piercing through life, we have a decision. Are we going to learn and grow or are we going to remain complacent--forever the same? Today, I choose to learn. I choose to keep growing--right where I am. May you do the same!
Carpe Diem!
It's been a pleasure sharing life with you.
Hellen
