28 Profound Life Lessons From a 28 Year Old

For my 28th birthday, I decided to share some lessons and truths that have stuck with me over the years as I continue to evolve and grow.

The thing about lessons is, we will continue to learn and relearn from them for the entirety of our lives.

Right when your sure you know something for sure, life will test you by throwing you yet another curveball.

I hope to live inside of these lessons forever, practice them daily, and humbly acknowledge when I do not.

May we be ever-growing, ever-evolving students and teachers in this magical game of life :)

1. You are free to change directions at any given moment.

We are truly only as bound to things as we allow ourselves be. Don’t look at old to chart new.

2. Choice is our human superpower, do not underestimate the power of choice.

Each day we are gifted the opportunity to choose how we go about life. We may not be able to choose what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond to what happens, and that is where our true power lies.

3. Communication is the key to a healthy life and healthy relationships.

Figure out how to communicate authentically and efficiently. Figure out how to ask for what you want, and what you don’t want, from a place of love.

4. Do things that scare you!

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable! Facing and overcoming challenges and obstacles helps us grow exponentially.

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” means if you always play it safe and stick to what you know, you may not get to know all of the benefits and rewards that are waiting for you on the other side of your fears.

5. Let go of expectations and enjoy the journey!

When we create expectations and attach ourselves to an outcome, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment because we will never be able to control what happens outside of us.

Instead, enjoy the journey! When you practice non attachment, everything becomes a bonus! Trust life, it is smarter than you.

6. I am not my thoughts.

All day long my brain ping pongs thoughts around my mind.. But who is witnessing these thoughts? We are multi layered, multidimensional beings and our thoughts are just one aspect of who we are.

By becoming aware of our thoughts and thought patterns we are able to understand and direct our thoughts to better serve us.

7. Intention is everything!

Intention puts us into alignment with our “why” and also gives us clarity and the ability to move forward with purpose. Why do you do what you do?

8. Emotions are a guide, feelings are a compass.

Go in the direction of things that bring you joy. It is an indicator of your path or dharma (life’s purpose.) It is also what we came on planet earth to do!

9. Everybody feels like everybody else, just at different times.

Your suffering is not unique to you. We all share the same feelings and emotions. Sharing your pain instantly gives it less power over you. Becoming a mindful observer of your thoughts and emotions gets you ninja status.

10. You don’t need to apologize all the time.

We have been conditioned to say “sorry” for just about everything.. Stop apologizing for being human!

11. Forgiveness is the key to liberation.

Forgive, or you will suffer the price of someone else’s mistake. What other people do has never been because of you, they are living their own story, their own dream. Practice forgiveness so you can be free.

12. Movement is the ultimate form of medicine.

Movement and exercise remove stagnation from the body and help to maintain circulation and optimal body functioning! There are so many ways to move; sports, dancing, running, swimming, hiking, flow arts.. Find movement that you love and marry it.

13. Taking care of your body is the top priority, everything you put into your body matters!

Eat whole foods that are alive, in season, local, organic and colorful! The body is a living organism, it needs living food to thrive. You only get one body and it is so intelligent! You are not only what you eat but also what you read, watch, listen to, and who you hang around!

14. Don’t wait for tomorrow, for permission, for anyone.

Life is happening NOW! Go after whatever it is you want in life right now!! Chances are its never going to be perfect, send it anyway. What are you waiting for?

15. Replace ‘I have to’ with ‘I get to’.

I get to clean my house today, I get to make this wonderful food for my lover, I get to wash all of these clothes that I am so fortunate to have.. When you re frame to the I get to mindset, you practice gratitude!

16. People pleasing is a recipe for disaster.

Avoid doing things because you think it’s what other people want you to do, and rather make decisions according to what is authentic to you.

17. Humans are meaning making, poop making machines.

Think about it.. We go around all day long turning stimuli into a part of our story.. All the while our tummy is moving around making turds.. No need to take anything too seriously.

18. Physical disease is a manifestation of unhealed trauma in the body.

When we don’t communicate, feel our emotions, tell the truth or live in authenticity those negative emotions become trapped inside of us, creating blockages and stale energy that then throw us into a state of imbalance which is a cause of physical pain and disease.

19. Words cast spells.

Be mindful of how you speak, for words are extremely powerful.. Speak what you want and like instead of what you dont want and dont like.. Less words say more. Avoid filler words. Speak from your heart. ALWAYS tell the truth.

20. Reality is malleable, there is not one ultimate reality.

This means that you can create your reality in a way that benefits and serves you. What you believe to be true is ultimately what is true for you, by choosing our thoughts and beliefs we can shape our reality and lives.

21. Challenges are lessons in disguise.

Learn to recognize the lesson behind every challenge/hardship being presented to you. It is there for you to grow, and it will keep showing up in different forms until you learn from it.

22. It is possible to make money doing something you love!

Us humans love to watch someone doing what they love. It is contagious, become really good at doing something you love & find a way to provide value with it, so you can receive value back.

23. Appreciate what you have while you have it, actively.

Don’t wait til its too late to wish you would have done things differently.. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted.

24. Yoga heals.

Yoga unites the mind and body with breath. Every time we step onto our mat, we go on a journey of self discovery. Yoga is not only a physical practice but also a way of being.

25. The golden mirror.

Your life is a reflection of your perception. What is happening on the outside is a direct reflection of what is happening in your inner world.

26. Be here now.

Live in the present.. We hear this all the time but what does it mean? The past is over and the future is yet to come.. Worrying is a waste of energy because it is not a true test to reality. By focusing on your present moment experience you are able to appreciate all of the little things happening around you. This moment is the only moment there will ever truly be, and by living in it we are able to soak up all of the magic that life has to offer.

27. Keep your heart open no matter what.

Talk to strangers, be vulnerable.. Speak your truth and live courageously. Hate is easy… love takes courage. The same walls that keep out disappoint keeps out happiness. Live with an open heart and be a shining example of love. The world needs it so much right now!!

28. Love turns walls into doors.

When you remember your true nature and accept love into your life as your way of being, magic happens. Suddenly, things start working out effortlessly, opportunities arise, connection is abundant, and everything seems to flow in your favor. Think & act from a place of love and watch your world transform!

BONUS:

Everything in front of you is meant for you, otherwise it wouldn’t be there. Everything is already perfect.