To Whom It May Concern:
In honor of my 31st birthday, I wrote down 31 life lessons that have been resonating with me lately:
- Breast cancer is a part of your story, but it doesn’t define you.
- Love unconditionally.
- Aim for courage rather than confidence.
- You cannot turn back time, so spend it wisely.
- Vulnerability is a strength.
- Failure and adversity are the greatest teachers.
- Be kind.
- Prioritize your health and self-care.
- Career doesn’t define you, character does.
- Loneliness is really about the quality of your connection to yourself.
- Successful relationships are 100:100, not 50:50.
- Take pictures and videos to look back on.
- Speak up and advocate for yourself.
- Know when to make decisions with your heart vs brain vs gut.
- Home is truly where the heart is.
- Never give others the power to tell you who you are.
- In an age of speed, learn to slow down.
- You grow rich when you seek new experiences, not material things.
- Call mom and dad often.
- Celebrate progress rather than focus on perfection.
- You don’t have to like everyone and not everyone has to like you.
- Don’t just consume. Produce and give back.
- You have two ears and one mouth, listen.
- There is freedom in letting go.
- Don’t think your way into change, act your way into it.
- Pray often.
- Your self love should be stronger than your desire to be loved by others.
- Create your own definition of success and don’t compare.
- Worrying truly gets you nowhere.
- Commitment gets you started, consistency gets you somewhere, and persistence keeps you going.
- Embrace your 30s and be grateful to celebrate another year of life.
Breast regards,
Michelle
