#1 On Making Mistakes

When you make a mistake, own up to it, don’t beat yourself up about it and try to do better next time.

#2 Travel Every Opportunity You Get

Even if it is hard or you don’t have anyone to go with you. Do it.

I keep thinking about NYC last year and how I almost didn’t go because it was inconvenient, because it needed a bit of planning and budgeting. But we did it, and do I regret it? Absolutely not. I have never regretted any money I spent on experiences.

#3 Take People As They Are

Change is hard; people only do it if they want to, and even then sometimes they cannot. That is why you have to take people as they are, or at least aim for halfway and love them. That being said…see point four below.

#4 Jobs, Friendships & Relationships; Don’t Let Them Drain You >40%

While we need to take people as they are, we only get one life, one precious life. The years are so short; don’t spend time around people or in situations that drain you more than 40%. Don’t get me wrong, no one and nothing is perfect. Everything and everyone has quirks. I know my strengths and weaknesses are often two sides of the same coin. But you can graciously step away from people and situations that don’t serve you; in fact, the older I get, the more essential I think it is to do this.

#5 Back Yourself & Surround Yourself With People Who Also Do

My husband believes in me so much, and this year, I am trying to believe in myself a little more, especially with my writing.

#6 Friendships are so Important; Hold Onto Them

I write and think about friendships so much because society doesn’t even come close to acknowledging how important they are. Hold onto them. Prioritise them.

#7 Talk About Money, Stocks & Savings With People You Trust

We broke the term on our mortgage early after a conversation with a friend that saved us thousands. I invest regularly because of advice from my friend and brilliant CEO of Girls That Invest Simran. We used a real estate agent to help us find our house when the market was particularly gruelling after getting advice from my brother. We live in a capitalist society, and money matters whether we like it or not. It buys us comfort, freedom and time.

#8 Your Body Is Fine Just the Way It Is

In fact, it’s actually beautiful, but it’s okay if you don’t think so today. Be grateful for legs that carry you through life, arms that hug people you love, and hands that will pat beloved pets. That is enough.

#9 You Aren’t Responsible For Other People’s Feelings

No matter how much you love them. Bonus; if you have to contort yourself and constantly adjust your needs and desires for the feelings of other people, red flag.

#10 It’s Cliche, but Love Will Find You When You Least Expect It

And when you find it, that person will love you how you need to be loved. Don’t settle for less. But also, keep working on yourself, creating the person you want to be, the life you want to live. I wrote this years ago and think about it often;

because maybe we don’t find ourselves, maybe we create the person we want to become.

I hope I can spend the next decade creating that kind, brave, assertive person, and I hope you can too, dear reader. Do you have any advice for your younger self you want to share?