Every year when my birthday is coming up, I like to reflect on the year I had. I wanted to share 3 things I’ve learned this year.
Being the age of 24 has been a monumental year. The world has gone through & experienced life differently, especially within these last 4 months. I think a lot of my growth throughout this year also happened in these last few months. There was a lot that I needed to learn, unlearn, & have an open mind about.
I was asked this question – what do I value? I was left thinking shit, what do I value? I mean, like, I value my family and friends but what else do I value? Perhaps the Earth & animals, of course. It’s been a journey, but with some self-exploration, I figured out so far that I value self expression, time, & being out in nature.
Whether I’m writing a blog post, journaling, doing yoga, dancing to music, filming YouTube videos, taking photos, documenting memories- I’m expressing myself. Being able to dig deep into my creative side is what fuels me. Self expression is who I am, how I operate, & how I fill myself up with joy.
As for time, I think most people value time. We realize that time is the one thing we can’t ever get back. For me, I value always documenting what I do with my time because I never want to forget memories or small details. I value spending my time doing the things that bring me a sense of clarity, things that help me continue my growth, & things that fill me up with happiness.
Being out in nature is one of my favorite things. Whether I’m hiking in the mountains, laying out at my apartment pool, walking on the bike trail, hanging out at the river near my apartment, at the ocean, or even just being out on my deck- nature is my sanctuary. Nature is my escape, the place where I can think freely. I love seeing wildlife while out in nature, the blue skies, the random flowers that catch my attention, butterflies that fly by, & hearing the birds chirp. Read this post about how to find calmness & clarity in nature.
Learning to be happy in your present moment is so powerful. Being present in the moment is where you find gratitude, peace, joy, & love. I’ve heard if you’re suffering from depression, you’re focusing on the past. If you’re suffering from anxiety, you’re focusing on the future. If you’re focusing on the present you’re filled with gratitude.
If I’m focusing on my present moment, I’m not getting wrapped up in what I need to complete off the checklist. I’m not focusing on what everyone else is doing because I’m focusing on myself. Sometimes we get so stuck in our head, which can lead to doubting ourselves or losing motivation, but once you’re able to recognize when you’re doing that then you’re able to pull yourself out of that mindset & bring yourself back to the present.
Lastly, I think being present creates stillness. So many of us live a life that’s nonstop, you’re always just going. Magic can happen in stillness. Stillness allows you to breathe, relax, & take in your present moment to the fullest.
I love this phrase “lead with love.” It’s powerful & has a strong meaning to it. Lead with love rather than hate. Lead with love rather than jealousy. Lead with love rather than impatience. Leading with love gets you of our your own shoes & seeing the situation from a different persons perspective. What goes hand in hand with love is compassion.
When you can come from a place of love & compassion, you’re able to really empathize with someone. Just like hate can be contagious, love can be contagious too. But would you rather come in contact with someone who’s always spreading love & compassion or hate? We need more love in this world. Love for other people, love for the Earth, love for animals- I’ll always stand by that.
Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey with me all along, you’re so appreciated. & thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday- it made me so loved!
Okay, friends. It’s officially 11pm and I’m trying to wake up by 6am, I g2g to bed. Have a great start of your week tomorrow!
xx, Aubrianna