Today marks the first day of 29. It’s been seven years since college, five years in this city, and two years since meeting someone special. The end of my 20s feels unique. At times, life resembles a frantic sprint towards an arbitrary finish line, with the hope that surviving the chaos of each day, week, and month will ultimately create meaning. Other times, life feels fleeting, with moments slipping by until you realize it’s been years since you last connected with a friend who once played a significant role in your life.
This letter is addressed to myself as a guide for how to cultivate the life I want to live. Challenges will arise and there may be times when these principles are forgotten. That’s okay. Even during weeks when nothing feels right, my hope is that these principles will help guide me back to the path of the life I want to build.
1. Walk a Little Slower | It’s good to have high aspirations. Even these days when you have time to yourself, you’re juggling hobbies, stay fit and seeing friends. However, some days, you get caught up in the motions of your goals and life loses its spark. During these days when you’re rushing to catch that next train, remember that it’s okay to take a deep breath and walk a little slower. Those few extra minutes won’t cause you lose sight of your goals. Instead, creating space for yourself will make the pursuit of those goals more meaningful.
2. Make Yourself Your Best Friend | The most importantrelationship you have is the one with yourself. Growing up, you learned prioritize others’ needs above your own. Remind yourself it’s okay to feel, and practice being your own greatest advocate, one that your inner child wishes he or she had. Rebuild the relationship with yourself. In time, that child will help you rediscover what life is all about.
3. Feed Your Community | You are the average of your five closest friends, but also consider what you bring to that circle. Life gets tough for everyone. Sometimes, it just takes a little extra kindness or enthusiasm to make all the difference. I know it’s easy to get caught up in your own life when things get busy. But remember, your spark can ignite inspiration in others, creating a virtuous cycle. Don’t underestimate the impact you can have on those around you.
4. Don’t Forget to Have Fun Along the Way | You’re 29. Not 40. While experiences may not have the same novelty as they once did, that doesn’t mean you need to go even further to chase the next high. Practice being a kid again and challenge yourself to explore the same world in new ways. Be open to saying yes more and just go for it. You may be done with those 6am nights, but it might be worth staying out a bit later than you normally would. You never know what experiences – or who – you might encounter.
Random Musings 