Mindset Matters
27 Lessons from 27 Years of Life
(This is two days late, but that’s okay. It took some work, some thinking, and I went on a trip this past weekend.)
Last week, I celebrated my 27th birthday. That’s not any crazy milestone number or anything like that, but I thought it would be a fun exercise to list off 27 things I’ve learned throughout my life. I hope that these lessons inspire and motivate you to keep pushing through, despite how hard life can be sometimes. So, without further ado, here are 27 lessons from my 27 years of life!
People notice a lot less than you think. More often than not, people you pass by in the store are more worried about their own lives. They’re not concerned whether or not your outfit matches, or that you have a pimple on your chin. Most people don’t pay attention, so don’t even worry about it.
Your mind and body feel better when you give yourself a break from screens, and yes, this includes the TV. Even when writing, I find that the words come to be better and faster if I’m using a pen and paper instead of utilizing Google Docs. Also, everything feels so much more productive if you do it away from a distracting screen.
You don’t have to track everything you do in your life. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with ensuring you’re drinking enough water, counting calories, or keeping a record of all the books you’ve read. But the moment it starts to feel overwhelming and stressful, then it’s time to take a step back and ask yourself why you’re really tracking something.
Sometimes, people will drop you as a friend for the smallest, most absurd of reasons without even having the full story. And they’ll ignore you in public like they’re five and giving you the silent treatment. The best thing you can do for yourself is to say, “Who cares?” and move on.
Spending time doing absolutely nothing but sitting outside, observing the world around you is very beneficial to your overall health. You feel lighter, and it honestly makes a lot of problems feel insignificant.
Never be afraid of saying “yes” to an experience or adventure. Whether it’s just a family member or friend inviting you on a trip to the grocery store, or one of your buddies asking if you want to check out a new off-road trail—say yes! You won’t regret it.
If something you do or say will guarantee that someone else laughs, you should always take the opportunity to do it.
You don’t have to take pictures of everything. Coming from a photographer, this might sound weird. Trust me, though, some moments don’t need to be photographed. Some moments and experiences need only be preserved through memory or journaling. I find that I almost prefer to journal about my experiences after the fact, as it enables me to fully relive the moment.
Imperfection is nothing to fear; rather, it should be embraced. Last year, I bought myself a Polaroid camera, not only for the novelty of collecting physical photos, but also to help me overcome perfectionism in my work. I love it when a photo comes out blurry or washed out or has light flares and streaks. It adds character! This character can be incorporated into any art form, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are just a part of the story.
You should never rush taking care of yourself. Take your time with your shower, your skincare, your workout, your meditation session—you’ll feel so much better if you slow down and take your time.
Nothing matters; yet everything matters. Hear me out. I know that sounds like a vague, abstract concept, but it makes sense, at least in my mind. For example, say you almost get into an accident on the way to work. You didn’t actually get into an accident, so it doesn’t matter. On the flip side, perhaps you or the other person take a mental note to be more careful on the road from that experience. That matters, because having a cautious mindset around driving can save lives.
Going with the flow is one of the best attitudes you can carry. If you can’t change it, accept it and move on. This life is too short to worry about the things you can’t change. Let that shit go.
Literally, just be weird. Again, life is too short to squeeze yourself into a box for someone else’s comfort. Embrace being uncomfortably yourself! People are going to think what they want about you anyway, so you may as well be weird and give them something to talk about.
Observing the clouds is very important for your overall wellbeing. In fact, being in nature itself is important for your overall wellbeing. Spend more time in nature.
Doing the things that you enjoyed doing as a child are still very important and beneficial. Whether it’s coloring, making up stories, or swimming like a mermaid, always take any opportunity you can to feel like a kid again.
Take several moments throughout the day to take a few deep breaths. You’ll always feel better afterward.
If you’re able to, try making something for yourself instead of buying at the store. I tried my hand at soapmaking, and it turned out great! I’ll be making another batch soon. Try growing your own good, or crocheting some gloves. Creating something that you’ll use feels so much better than purchasing them.
Keep physical notes! I have several different notebooks and journals all serving a different purpose. Life feels more intentional if you take the time to write everything down. I find that I remember more when I take physical notes as opposed to using a notes app on my phone. Perhaps, I’ll share my journaling ecosystem with you all soon.
Stop saving stickers for the “right place.” Just stick them wherever you want! Stickers are meant to be used, not saved.
Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty. There’s a saying in the off-roading community that tells us, “The mud washes away, but the memories last a lifetime.”
Never be afraid to bring something up, or ask a question. I feel like many people are worried about looking stupid or are scared of being told no, but clear answers are better than vague assumptions.
I have a note from a fortune cookie pinned to my calendar that says, “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” That really changed my perspective on procrastinating. Any day could be your last—get shit done.
Working out should always be something you enjoy and feel good about after. Working out is a celebration of what your body can do, not a punishment.
Writing is a lot of thinking. Sometimes, you have to stare out the window in silence and wait for the words to come. And they will. They always do.
Find a local spot to hang out. Invite your friends. Get to know the bartender. Make it a monthly thing. You won’t regret it, and it gives you something to look forward to every single month.
Do things for the fun of it. You don’t need to have a reason why. Just take time to enjoy life for the sake of being alive.
Not everything is black-and-white. There are three sides to every story. Gray area is more prevalent than you realize.
—Carissa
Love that❤️