32 Thoughts For 32

A list of life thoughts as long as I am old.

Hello! It is me back again, but this time I am…DRUM ROLL…32 years old. Woah, where have the years gone? I like the literal sound of this number, though, which has to mean something, right? Regardless, there is no negativity about welcoming a new year around here. Every October 28th, I will be thrilled to welcome another year of life.

While I do not feel any different than I did this time last week, I do notice differences from this time last year and certainly from this time two years ago. I feel a lot calmer, a bit more centered, and certainly more committed to living a life that feels right to me. That means pursuing a life of depth, variety, and intentionality. I am more comfortable with my emotions, clearer on my values, and less resistant to slowing down.

In honour of another trip around the sun, I am sharing 32 life thoughts…

1. Seek to know a little about everything and a lot about the things you love. Explore without boundaries.

2. Do not let anyone make you feel bad about your enthusiasm, your openness, and curiosity. There is no need to limit yourself to a single discipline; let your enthusiasm and curiosity lead you to unconventional interests and pursuits.

3. Everything is better when curated over time—your wardrobe, home decor, friends, bookshelves, hobbies, and life. Add slowly and intentionally as the years go by.

4. Visit art galleries, listen to music from every era, read classic literature, go to the ballet and theatre, and watch foreign films. Surrounding yourself with art keeps your perspective rich and varied and enriches your understanding of the world.

5. Managing people is hard, and being in a leadership role is challenging. It is absolutely okay to recognize that these are skills that need to be continuously developed.

6. Your brain truly thrives when you let it work hard and do difficult things. Do hard things, feel good, repeat.

7. Traveling is just as much a state of mind as it is distance. Nurturing a spirit of adventure means exploring your own city and the areas surrounding it just as much as it means going to the other side of the world. Every day is an opportunity for exploration.

8. We are at home when we are in nature. This is our original home. 

9. Prioritize lifting up others on their journeys. Creating networks of mutual inspiration and support benefits everyone involved.

10. A well-rounded life filled with friends, fun, and adventures can absolutely happen without alcohol. It is not necessary for a vibrant life.

11. Carving out time to actually call your friends and family will usually leave you feeling incredibly happy and satisfied, much more than a text. However, come on, respond to those texts.

12. You are responsible for setting your own standards of success based on personal growth, happiness, and the fulfillment of your aspirations.

13. Some of the best books ever written were penned over 20 years ago by women you have not heard of in a language other than your own.

14. All the self-care tips, tricks, and products mean nothing if you do not have the basics down: nutritious food and water, sleep, exercise and stretching, sunlight, and moments of quiet and reflection. And leave your phone far away from where you sleep.

15. Listen without interrupting. Give people time and space to speak - not everyone is as quick to chat as you are.

16. Friends and relationships are for a season, a reason, or life. Let them be what they are supposed to be. Nurture your lifelong friendships, be open to new ones, and mostly surround yourself with people who encourage your growth.

17. Get used to repeatedly asking yourself questions—what do I want? When do I feel good? What does a successful day look like for me? If I knew I would die in 10 years, what would I do today? Make use of those journals and write, write, write. All of the positive changes in my life over the past few years have started with journalling.

18. Seek beauty everywhere—in nature, people, animals, art, and moments. Surrounding yourself with beauty feeds the soul and keeps you inspired. Objects can also be beautiful, but so can many other things.

19. That thing you really want to do, yet consistently put off—your brain is making it a bigger deal than it needs to be. Set a timer and start with 15 minutes.

20. Doing things on your own is a muscle that needs to be regularly activated. Take yourself out on dates, go to movies on your own, sit with your book at a cafe, and remember that you very much enjoy your own company.

21. Both mental and creative growth are essential. Read widely, create freely, and let each pursuit enrich the other.

22. Drinking black coffee on an empty stomach is absolutely the reason your stomach hurts.

23. Singing out loud - no matter the quality - is one of the best ways to release endorphins. It is science!!!

24. Learning languages is a bridge to other people, other cultures, and other ways of viewing the world. Language is the only thing worth knowing even poorly.

25. Embrace love on your terms, not based on societal expectations or ideas that you once had.

26. There are seven types of rest (physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, sensory, social, and creative), and you need all of them at certain points.

27. Being involved in your community is the best way to make a consistent impact. The world’s problems are large and often all-consuming, but focusing on your community will provide you with options to make a difference in a tangible way.

28. If you do not plan out your time, it will slip through your fingers. Make a list of all the things you care about and want to be a part of your life and then time block them into your calendar.

29. Feeling sad after making a decision does not mean it was the wrong decision.

30. Remember, this is every person’s first time at life. Be kind, gracious, and empathetic.

31. Turns out, a Friday night at home is an absolute delight.

32. An interesting and intentional life, that is the goal.

I would love to know what thoughts you have about life at your current age!

Speak soon!

Jennifer

xxx