I read something the other day that really resonated with me. Okay, it was a tweet – either way, it was inspirational: Tell more people exactly what you feel.
I tell people how I’m feeling from time to time. I tell my boyfriend I truly love him. I tell my parents I love them, too. I tell my friends they are my favorite people to sit with and actively do nothing at all. Tell these people more.
Tell your significant other you wish you could have known them as a kid, because you’d have so much fun with them and you honestly appreciate their adoring existence. Tell your parents they make you feel safe and you secretly love when your mom texts you at midnight, wishing you good night (at age twenty-six). Tell your friends they make life flavorful and exciting and you appreciate when they listen after calling them in a buzzed tizzy at 1AM, freaking out about life.
Relationships are important; they make the world go round. Cherish them.
From one twenty-something to another, tell people what you feel.
Rule #141: Listen with the intent to understand, not reply.
Ever wonder why therapists constantly ask questions? (Writer’s Note: I’ve never been to a therapist, but I guess I’m not above it.) They aren’t being dicks. They want to understand. For the benefit of humanity, you should too.
Rule #142: Be genuinely happy for people.
As a woman, I’ll admit it – it’s hard not to be competitive with friends; especially at the ripe age of 26. When everyone is getting married, climbing up the professional ladder and popping out kids (yikes, I’m sweating about that) it’s hard not to get caught up in the timeline of it all. I try to think of the competitiveness as a natural survival tactic. Either way, let it rest. Be genuinely happy for people when their lives move forward. You’re not on a timer; the right things happen for people at different times. Now THAT’s natural.
Rule #143: When you want to dye your hair purple/pink, ask yourself: what do you need in life that’s missing?
Easy, Cabbage Patch Kid. If you have to, put the pink streak in your hair, but remember you have other things in your life that will give you personal satisfaction, like a professional career. Unless you’re a total hipster and are doing what I’ve always wanted to do and writing a book – go ahead. I might envy you and this rule is entirely pointless.
Rule #144: Be with someone who makes you obsessed with yourself (in a humble way).
There are little things about ourselves we are generally insecure about. The person you should be with will suddenly make you love those things. Freckles, a quirky smile, a bigger than average nose, a snorty laugh…the person you should be with will teach you how to love them because they do. And that’s true love.
Rule #145: Try improv.
Actively experience things you haven’t before and become comfortable with the uncomfortable. The first thing I thought of doing that makes me feel entirely uncomfortable is improv. Seriously, I get actively nervous when I raise my hand to ask a question. Trying new things makes you a better person (this is ruling out drugs). Diving out of your comfort zone makes you outgoing, react quickly and better your personal and professional life. So climb out on the skinny branches, people. That’s where the fruit is, after all.
Rule #146: Always wonder WWBD (What Would Beyoncé Do?)
I’m pretty sure every answer to this question is Jay-Z and a little relaxation at a private beach because she can.
Rule #147: You can’t fake passion. Work and live somewhere you find genuine happiness every day.
And that’s a WRAP. **throws mic**
Be Fearless & Kind [Twenty-Something Rules]
