A quick disclaimer that I’m constantly working on these 23 things as it was very therapeutic to put in written form and is more of a self-reminder of things “I’ve learned” but don’t always follow as much as I would like to. I’m inspired by the author Eckhart Tolle so I’ve included a couple of his quotes that relate to the points.
I not only wrote this from a place of self- reflection but also considered conversations I’ve had with people in my life as I like to learn from others and ask for advice in situations that I’m unsure of. So naturally a lot of these are what I’ve learned from people whom I’m very grateful for.

1. People do change! You know that funny passive aggressive argument in the movie Bridesmaids. Well initially I believed that deep down no one really changes, however after only one year of considerable personal growth I’ve realised that’s not true.  Change is necessary and inevitable if you live an open life with new experiences as this helps you to improve yourself. Change is welcomed!
2. When you’re feeling sad about something try to put it into perspective. ‘Will this affect me a week from now, a month from now or even a year from now? “Realise that the primary reason for your unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.”
3. Care less about what people may think of you!
4. You don’t have forever to wait for your dreams to come to you. Move towards them, make a plan and make a beautiful life for yourself.
5. People come and go from our lives and we need to accept this. “Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power than defending or hanging on.” As hard as it is to understand, people are allowed to put themselves first, they’re allowed to do whatever they want to better themselves and become someone they want to be. This may not involve you so why be bitter towards somebody who is looking for their own happiness.
6. One of the most important things you can do in life is be present and focus on the now, rather than the past or future.
7. Don’t hold grudges!
8. Always tell people how you feel about them and don’t be afraid to be honest about your feelings. It shows more courage to be open because at the end of the day we’re all just worried about their reaction. Open your mouth and say what you mean and don’t be disheartened if you don’t get the reaction you were hoping for. They just weren’t meant for you.
   
9. If someone says or does something that bothers you, always confront them about it after evaluating the situation. Communication is so important in any type of relationship whether it be a friendship, family or a partner. Give considerable thought about the issue to ensure you’re not overacting and if it still bothers you then let the person know. Sometimes your initial reaction isn’t always the right one so give yourself time.
10. Give people the benefit of the doubt.
11. As soon as you find yourself judging someone, take a moment and consider why you might be. I remember so clearly of a situation about a month ago when I judged a stranger and then realised that my judgment was rude and not the truth. I would love to elaborate more about this experience in a future post because it was extremely powerful.
12. Go on walks and be in nature as much as possible, look up at the night sky often and allow yourself to be in awe. Appreciate the beauty of this world.
13. Be adventurous with food and try new things, always.
14. It’s okay to not always be doing something and it’s also okay to be doing a great deal. I am constantly having an internal argument with myself about what I should and shouldn’t be doing. Life is about balance and you need the quiet times to recover mixed with the busy and adventurous times.
15. DO NOT take things so personally! Everyone can get in a mood sometimes and won’t always say nice things. Do not concern yourself with worrying if it was directed at you as 9 times out 10 it wasn’t.
16. Be kind to your parents and remind them of how much you appreciate and love them!
17. Don’t get so grumpy when people overtake you on the highway because you’re actually doing the speed limit (sometimes like 5km over) Just wave and smile at them as they speed past you in frustration. Trust me, it’s a lot of fun.
18. Always be open to meeting new people and initiate conversations with strangers as daunting as it may be sometimes you can learn so much from people, realise that there’s a lot of kind people or better yet, make a new friend.
19. Accept that some people won’t always give you a clear answer as to why they did or said something. You can try to fight for an answer but sometimes you will never get it. Better to walk away quietly and be content with ‘no answer’ as your answer.
20. Say sorry and mean it! Sometimes it’s hard admitting that you were wrong but it shows the type of person you are and it feels really good.
21. Keep in touch with your loved ones who don’t live nearby. It’s so easy these days to connect with family and friends, whether it be over Facebook or Facetime. I am guilty of being the worst at replying but a simple “hello, how are you” goes a long way. Keeping in mind that sometimes life can get busy and replying back straight away isn’t always going to happen.
22. Always wish people happiness!! We’re all just trying to find it in such a harsh world.
    
23. Cruise along the highway with your favourite music playing loud. This always makes me feel so free and so unbelievably happy!

Lots of love and always remember, to be present in life.
Leticia xx

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