Both, I would say. Of all my friends who are in their late 20s, I see an incredible range of "settled down-ness". Some are married with kids, others living in a tent (seriously, I know people doing this). Some are making millions, while others are living with their parents. Some are wise, and some are... well.... not so wise.
Turning 27 led me to reflect on my short, but mostly amusing life thus far.
After IB, two degrees, and a host of different (and often strange) experiences, I figured, I must have learned something right?
Right??
Well, it turns out I have (or, at least, I think I have).
So, if you've made it this far, congratulations you have an attention span! (where did u get it?? I need one desperately!)
But seriously, here's a list of 27 things ive learnt in 27 years that I hope will be of service to at least 27 people (or failing that, make me seem really philosophical and cool!).
Eddie's Awesome List of Life Philosophies
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| Wisdom Pose |
1. Know what you want and why you want it.
2. Pursue your goals without hurting others.
3. Win-win situations are possible and do happen. Pursue your goals with the intent of helping others as well as yourself.
4. Time is the single most valuable, non-refundable currency we have. It also gets more valuable with each passing second. Don't waste it.
5. Objects of all kinds own you and take up valuable time. Unless you are a viking or ancient egyptian, you don't take them with you to the afterlife.
6. Keep only the things you need to live a happy, fulfilled life. Things that help you save time or truly make your life more fun or fulfilling (like, say... a hot air balloon! wheeee!)
7. Saying you don't have time to improve your life is like saying you don't have time to fill your car up with gas because you're too busy driving.
7. Saying you don't have time to improve your life is like saying you don't have time to fill your car up with gas because you're too busy driving.
8. You are what you eat. Literally. I cannot stress this point enough.
9. Its not important who doesn't like you, what's important is who does.
10. Be kind and supportive to the people you love rather than complete strangers. There's no need to impress people who don't care about you, or whether or not you get eaten by a pack of rabid dolphins (Hey, it could happen, just saying..).
11. What you wear isn't important, it really isn't. Exceptions are jobs that require a uniform or specific style to increase earning potential.
12. Focus on tasks that are not urgent but provide returns in the long run. Is it really that important to refresh your facebook page 5 times an hour?
13. Turn off the TV, point your sofa at another sofa, place another person in that sofa, and talk.
11. What you wear isn't important, it really isn't. Exceptions are jobs that require a uniform or specific style to increase earning potential.
12. Focus on tasks that are not urgent but provide returns in the long run. Is it really that important to refresh your facebook page 5 times an hour?
13. Turn off the TV, point your sofa at another sofa, place another person in that sofa, and talk.
14. Actually, just throw that TV out. Does watching Jersey Shore re-runs till 3 in the morning really help you live a fun, fulfilling life?
15. Slow down. If you can't take a moment at any given time to look at the world and marvel at it's grandeur, life is really not worth living.
16. Release all expectations. Expectations are often the root of severe unhappiness. Things are neither good nor bad, they simply happen. Adjust, find a solution, and move on with a smile,
17. Fitness is not a package, gift, or occasional hobby. Its a lifestyle choice that multiplies and enhances every other aspect of your life. There are 168 hours in a week, take 2 to do this.
18. No matter how old you get, find something that lets you stay playful and feel youthful.
19. Wanna do something but don't have time? If you really want it, make time. You're a smart person, figure it out.
20. Spend less time consuming and more time creating. This is difficult at first as consuming requires less brainpower and can appear to be relaxing. However it can actually drain you of energy. Creating things gives you energy.
21. Read something, anything, for at least 15 minutes every day.
22. Find time to relax. Literally, sit on a couch and just breathe. You will be happier and it will help you perform better.
23. Skiing is fun, but you need skis to be able to ski. Alchohol is fun, but you dont need alchohol to be able to have fun. Realize this and you can have fun whenever you want, stimulants optional.
24. Dance as often as possible. If you think you cant, you've misunderstood what dancing is. Just move your body to music. if people laugh at you, you're doing it right, unlike most others.
25. Stretch often. Stay flexible. Its awesome.
26. Salmon, grilled asparagus, and wild rice? Yes please. Food can be healthy AND delicious. Just take the extra time to consider what you eat and avoid the vortex of unhealthy food bombarding our everyday life.
27. Most of the time doing the opposite of what is socially acceptable is precisely what society needs. Many iconic figures we consider geniuses now were called madmen in their day. Break out of the comfort zone, and dare to be different!
That is all. Peace and Love :)
And Happy Birthday to me.
