These are the personal lessons that I've learned and the lessons that I appreciate the most.
1.Believe that anything and everything can happen.
By believing that impossible is possible, it allows you to expand your creativity and strategize accordingly. Working towards the impossible allows you to push to your best possible potential, and mostly, it allows you to believe in yourself.
2.Understand that everything you have is as fragile as eggshells.
Your health, your money, your relationships. It is all very fragile. Everything, I mean EVERYTHING, can be taken away from you in an instant. Take care of it. Appreciate it. It is a gift. It is much more difficult to lose it and get it back than to gain it in the first place.
3.Relationships are your door openers and teachers.
Every relationship I've had in my life, relationship with my parents, strangers, friends, clients, suppliers, colleagues, ex-boyfriends, even the ones with question marks as their label... all are important. Some relationships have an expiration date, but the lessons from the relationships are everlasting. They are your best teachers. Value all of the connections you have with anyone. It will open all of your opportunities -- it will grow you into the person you are meant to be.
4.Learning how to spend is just as important as making your dollars.
Often people chase after money in the world we live in, and many don't know how to spend it. Once people reach their goal, people often think it will never run out. It is knowing how to stretch your dollar that will allow one to live more abundantly and intelligently.
5.Trust in your skills.
As Dr. Seuss says, "You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose."
6.Be grateful
Appreciate that everything is a gift. You will learn to cherish everything around you, even yourself and even the hardships.
7.Understand that everything is temporary.
Life can be painful sometimes. It also can be amazing. But all of it is temporary. So when it hurts, know that the pain is temporary and healing will soon begin. When it's amazing, absorb every second, because it will soon fade as well.
8.Never forget those who have helped you along the way.
Whatever you do in your life, you cannot do it yourself. We, human beings, are social creatures. We are a community. We are interdependent. Everyone who has helped you, never forget their lending hand. Pay it forward so you can be that person to someone else.
9.Things get tough. It's okay to cry.
I've had many ups and downs. Many challenges. There is no cruise control when it comes to life. It will get tough. Cry. Be angry. It's okay to cry. It's okay to be angry. It is NOT okay to ignore your pain.
10.You are not the center of the world.
You are the center of your own world, but you are not the center of THE world. Each individual is the center of his or her own world. So be understanding. See things from their perspective.
11.Everything has ROI. Determine your decisions based on it.
What would be the lesson you learn? What would be the memories you gain? What are the conversations you will have? Is this positive or negative? From your time to your dollars, everything has ROI. Evaluate it before you invest it.
12.Never take anything seriously, but take the lessons seriously.
Be able to laugh at all situations. Be able to see humor in all situations. It will provide you with positivity but knowing that everything has a lesson, it is taking those lessons seriously that will provide you with more skills and strength.
13.Balance.
The importance of balance is substantial. There is balance to everything. From the food you put into your body, work-life balance, to your intellectual, emotional, spiritual balance. Observe everything in your life. See if it is balanced.
14.Forgive yourself.
If you don't forgive yourself, how will you move on and become better? How will you stop sulking every time you are at fault? We are human beings. No one is perfect. And when you forgive yourself, you will learn to forgive others too. Goodbye vengeful anger.
15.Always admit your flaws.
First step is admitting that you have a problem. It is cliché for a reason. Some great CEOs have told me that when you know what your flaws are, you will hire to fill in that gap and that will lead to a strong organization with growth.
16.Do not conform to this society.
We are all different for a reason. Be your own character. By being complete self, you are an instant leader.
17.Love yourself.
If you don't love yourself, how will you know when others love you?
18.Never be afraid to apologize nor to speak up.
There's freedom in apology when you know you have done wrong or pained someone. There's meaning in the apology when you truly admit your fault. But never apologize for something you absolutely believe in and speak up. Be assertive.
19.Travel.
It will make you appreciate your home. It will make you appreciate the world. It will make you see and experience things you will never do otherwise. It will open up your network and make you understand that this world is huge yet very small.
20.Everything has a purpose.
Even something that happened 10 years ago, there are moments, I realize, "Oh that's why that happened then." Everything has a purpose.
21.Laugh at yourself.
You will love yourself more. And others will too.
22.Love but never be attached.
Love and attachments are two separate things. Love everything and everyone but be able to let it all go. Attachment is your personal want where love is a pure connection.
23.Mom is always right.
Just think how many times your mom (or mother figure) has said, "I told you so." She knows everything, even if you don't think so. Be smart and listen to her.
24.Be able to listen to the birds sing.
When you hear the birds sing, you are aware of your surroundings.
25.Age does not mean a thing.
It has been 25 years of lessons, memories, conversations and connections. Not 25 years of age. I am forever grateful and excited for the next quarter of this life. Thank you.