I know many people say thirties are the new twenties, and that starting a new decade is like the New Year: a world full of possibilities that opens up before a hopefully-wiser-you, but I’ll be honest with you, guys, I am not exactly thrilled about saying good-bye to my twenties…

For some reason, I can’t help but feel a bit reluctant towards this particular number. I guess what puts me off the most is reaching this oh so crucial new stage in my life and realising that the way I pictured this moment 10 years ago doesn’t correspond at all with my current reality, no matter how many Instagram filters I put on it.

So today I look back on my twenties with certain wistfulness of the plans that never came to be, the trips that were never made, the books that were never read, the people who was never met… and yet, I like to think that if I had a second chance, I would make all the same choices, as every decision ever made and every experience ever had actually shaped the current human I am now. Sure, there is still a lot of work to do, but I have also come to appreciate and love who I am, and that is something to be a little proud of, I reckon!

But you’ve read the title about this never-seen-before-post-theme, right? 🙂 In my three decades of existence, I might’ve learned a thing or two that have undoubtedly contributed to a happier, fuller life, so I hope you find them interesting and inspiring one way or another!

1. Life is too short to worry about what other people think of you – you are not a jar of Nutella, you cannot please everybody, so stop trying and start liking yourself first of all.
2. Failure is a social concept – there is a metaphor about a baby taking his first steps and falling over and over. With no concept of what failure means in his head, he simply keeps on trying, lasting a bit longer each time he stands, until he is able to walk forwards. We should be that baby, brushing off the dirt after falling and stepping with even more confidence after rising, because it’s only a matter of time and persistence to get there.
3. Speak to yourself as you would to your best friend – why it’s always easier to be kinder to other people than to ourselves?
4. Music has therapeutic power – I have always believed it is a universal language, find some that speaks right to your soul and cancels all the background noise.
5. Active listening is a rare skill – easier said than done, but we should all learn to listen to what others really have to say instead of getting lost in the sea of our own preconceptions and judgements.
6. Life doesn’t care for your plans, so make them, but learn to adjust to them when they shift like a good sailor adjusts the sails when the wind changes.
7. Buy flowers more often. Flowers make you happy.
8. Work hard on your passion and value yourself highly. Nobody else will otherwise.
9. Good things take time. If you intend to reach all your goals in no time, you are in for a big disappointment. Be patient, my friend, and keep working hard. Worry not, people will notice!
10. Don’t take others for granted, relationships are like plants that need to be watered in order to live and grow.

11. The fact that you can eat two adult portions for lunch doesn’t mean you should (every single time).
12. Value the people who genuinely make you laugh. Laughter is the best remedy for most things in life. For anything else, you have chocolate.
13. It’s OK not to be OK, we all have down times. Call your mum, have a cry, watch your favourite series and eat pizza. Tomorrow will be a brand new beginning.
14. The love for material things is usually a fling, but human connections are the real deal.
15. You are not alone – whatever you are feeling today, chances are there is someone close to you that is going or has gone through something similar. It has never been easier to reach out to your community, so if you need a listening ear or a comforting shoulder, don’t be afraid to say so.
16. Never stop learning – personal growth is something you have to put energy and time into, but it will take you deeper on the inside and further on the outside.
17. Asking for help doesn’t mean you are weak or vulnerable, it means you can’t/won’t do it on your own and trust in others’ ability and generosity to help you grow and succeed.
18. Some things that are free but very valuable: kindness, empathy, laughter.
19. Don’t hold on to your luggage. It’s important to let some things go so that new things can take their place.
20. Travel as much as you can, as often as you can. Roots are for plants.

21. Confident people are able to laugh at themselves and take criticism.
22. Don’t compare yourself to others, but rather ask yourself: am I a better me than I was yesterday? If the answer is “no”, you know where to start.
23. Communication is the basis of social relationships. People are not mind-readers so tell them how you feel about them, good or bad, and work things out when needed.
24. Don’t settle for anything that doesn’t make you happy – you hold the steering wheel of your life and it’s never too late to change the things that are not fulfilling you.
25. Give your time to the people who deserve it and appreciate you for who you are.
26. Putting yourself first and taking care of your needs is not selfish, is the first step to love others in a healthy way.
27. Don’t be afraid of rejection, it’s the card you are always dealt with, but if you don’t ask for more cards you will never know if the next one on the deck is a winning ace.
28. Never underestimate the power of: a sincere compliment, a hug, a bit of mascara.
29. Stop being such a perfectionist. You are wasting precious time in things that are not even that important, but rather try to focus on the bigger picture.
30. Thirty is just a number, it doesn’t define you, so make this new ride around the sun one to remember!

Now, my official birthday is not until Tuesday. I’ve got the day off, guess will start the day up with pancakes for breakfast with my love and the rest… the rest is yet to be discovered!

Peace & Love

Saida

{BLANCO puffy sleeve cardigan – old} {H&M mom jeans – new} {Dorothy Perkins black pumps – new}

{Crochet bag – you guessed right, my mamma made it!}