Birthday reflection learnings

Do you ever feel like the weeks, months and then all of a sudden years disappear wayyyy too quickly?

It's particularly pertinent for me around my birthday which is in July. (I just turned 29… plus or minus 10 years???)

I've been reflecting on the year that was and inspired by Hitha Palepu 's recent post, I came up with my 3 top life lessons, and 9 smaller things I've learnt to date:

The 3 Life Lessons I (try) to remember every day:

• The glass is half full (if it's not, look harder)
• Remember you always have the?power to choose?- your attitude, your job, the circle of people you surround yourself with
• Always look for the joy, the wins & the helpers

9 Game-changing 'little' things I've learned:

1. Just say no ???Seemingly simple advice my friend Sandra taught me - it’s ok to say no to a dinner out you can’t afford. The extra project, you don’t have time for at work. To the second date that you’re just not that into. It’s ok to be ‘selfish’ and choose when to happily say yes and politely - unapologetically - say NO.
2. Always add vegetables ??To pasta sauce. Morning smoothies. Omelets. (Bowel cancer runs in my family so incidental fiber is?)
3. Take the stairs ?? Do you need an elevator to take you up 2 flights of stairs? Or 6? Or 10? NO. Most of us, most of the time, should choose the stairs.
4. It doesn’t hurt to ask (nicely) ??? There’s no harm in asking! When it comes to pay, discounts, a date, an opportunity, a favor
5. "Ahhh lads - This is why we work!"?????♂? My friend Mark Ward loves to roll out this phrase whenever we’re enjoying a weekend away or a good dinner out together - I love this reminder to enjoy the fab times.
6. A swim is always a good idea!?????♀? Inspired by my friends Ash and Lanozza this really needs no explanation other than to say, yes, this does apply in winter?per my polar plunge on New Year's Day in New York
7. "It doesn’t suck!"??? A phrase I love and picked up from my insanely positive and amazing Bondi girls - a reminder to reflect on all that we have. I think a lot about how even the 'simplest' thing like being born with an Australian passport and good health is truly a gift.
8. Stop and Smell the Roses??? Inspired by my late grandpa who used to tell me this all the time and I take it quite literally…still today?
9. Write the card, send the meal, or post the book??? Letting people know you’re thinking of them is one of life’s greatest joys - for both parties?

I’d love to know - what's been your top life lesson to date?

Let me know in the comments below.

Meggie