29 things I learned in my twenties.

The big 3-0 is looming on my personal calendar, and, boy, let me tell you there are fewer things that make you contemplate your life-like turning thirty does! While entering this milestone may be a whole new chapter for me, here's what I've learned leading up to this point:

1. Have faith and trust your journey. You don't have to have everything figured out in your twenties! 

2. Always put everything in writing. I taught my interns this from day one as the number one golden rule of business and personal matters.

3. Social media is what you make of it. Enjoy it, embrace the opportunities it brings and use it wisely, but don't be fooled by its volatility. I always say, "If you wouldn't put it on a billboard for the world to see, then don't post it."

4. Empower, enlighten, educate. There's someone out there that wants to learn what you know.

5. Preparedness and Punctuality are the two most important qualities of a leader. 

6. Don't be afraid to start from the bottom and as you rise, lift up others.

7. “When you do more than you’re paid to do, eventually you will be paid more for what you do”- Zig Ziglar 

8. Dress well and neatly no matter the occasion. I love what Tom Ford said in his quote, "Dressing well is a form of good manners.

9. Travel. Explore. Get lost in cities you’ve never seen. Traveling expands our minds and perceptions and creates an independence in us that is truly liberating! 

10. Mentor someone. It will be your most rewarding pursuit. 

11. Journal. Write down everything- Ideas, thoughts, feelings. There is power in putting pen to paper. 

12. Drink plenty of water and eat your greens. I never quite comprehended the value of doing so until my late twenties. Whatever they taught us in school and on those health sites- it's ALL true. So just listen and do it!

13. Find yourself a hobby to stay creative and remain inspired. Blogging, photography, cooking. Whatever it is- you do you!

14. Do random of acts of kindness regularly and don't tell people about them.

15. Learn to perfect and cook at least one good meal.

16. . You will be sorry if you have that last tequila!

17. Host regular dinner parties. Nothing builds character like the pressure one endures to host a couple of friends while trying to keep a poised “Oh, I just quickly whipped this up" persona.

18. Time is the best gift you can give someone.

19. You can't please everyone nor can you control everything either. (This is more like a mental note to self, but you should remember this too!)

20. Comparison is the thief of joy.

21. It doesn't hurt to be diplomatic. 

22. Learn to say no. (No- I will not elaborate on this any further, BUT I will leave you with a quote from Steve Jobs; "It's only by saying NO that you can concentrate on the things that are REALLY important")

23. Save, save, save and not just for a rainy day- for all occasions. Your hard earned money will have more value when you are more mindful as to what you are spending it on.

24. Take photos. Copious amounts!

25. Slow down- My mom used to say "My Child, you live a very fast life." I used to laugh it off until the need to slow down became a mandatory survival tactic. Take some time out once in a while!

26. Go at your own pace. Marriage. Children. Alcohol consumption.

27. Be humble. 

28. Read as much as you can, as often as you can.

29. And finally- the more you celebrate your life, the more there is to celebrate! 

So here is to saluting some of the finest years of my life so far- my twenties. Now it’s time for 30- where a night of drinking requires more recovery time than minor surgery.

BR

Chanelle