I’m only 28, but these are still valuable lessons I wish I’d known at an earlier age!
- Don’t be stingy – ever. Generosity is the greatest gift you can give yourself and others. It doesn’t have to be monetary!
- You are your best health advocate. Don’t wait for others to suggest things you should do to improve your health. Don’t rely on your doctor to tell you what you need to do. You are the only one who can take control of your health!
- Your first job will suck, but be strong – you can do anything for a year. My first “real” job was miserable. I worked for a tyrant who screamed at the employees until they cried. Or he ignored your existence. And it paid crap. But I learned so many resiliency skills having to deal with that man, that now people rarely ruffle my feathers! Looking back, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
- Make fitness a non-negotiable item on your to-do list. I’m 28, married, with 1 dog and no kids. And I think I’m busy now. I know having children will only make me busier, but I need to remember that “me” time is vitally important, and so is fitness. I will make time to do fitness activities, and I will not allow life to sideline that. Committing yourself to a lifetime of fitness is also committing to your own personal health and happiness – who doesn’t want to do that??
- Learn to let go of toxic people, but also learn to forgive them. Forgiveness is hard, and I’m only recently realizing how important it truly is. Even those toxic relationships in your life often deserve forgiveness and peace.
- Realize that it’s not all about you. I spent a lot of my early 20’s worried about what everyone else thought. I still catch myself doing it occasionally – but you know what? It really, really isn’t all about you. Stop worrying about it. 🙂
- Your teeth are important – but please – give your gums some love, too! I’ve had notoriously weak enamel on my teeth for years, and for a long time I simply ignored it. This resulted in cavities and fillings. Yuck. But now I take awesome care of my teeth, and am rewarded by praise when I go to the dentist every 6 months. But. Your gums are important too! Gums can recede with age or because of poor care…and your gums are vital to the health of your mouth! Brush lightly (soft bristles and a light hand) and floss regularly!!
- You are capable of a lot more than you think. This is my worst one on the list. Don’t forget that you’re capable of anything you put your mind to. Don’t let setbacks keep you where you are. Continue to strive and push towards your goals.
Some of my additions…
- Healthy trumps skinny any day.
- Sometimes you have to just leap.
- Keep the sunscreen handy. Your skin will thank you.
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
- Respect where your food comes from. Be involved. Don’t just eat the Ramen and chicken nuggets.
What are your additions??
