23
Me, awkwardly smiling, accomplishing a lifelong dream at 22 (and a half): buying my first car, Guillermo (AKA Willy)!
My birthday is just a few days away (this coming Friday, for anyone interested 😉), and I’ve been blasting 23 by Wallice for the past few weeks. The lyrics have been resonating with me a lot.
“In my childhood bedroom
And I'm so bored of 22
…
Expiring at my momma's house
Really thought that I'd be out by now
…
And I just can't wait to be all grown up and 23“
Wallice at the 9:30 Club, 2022
RIP King
Over the past few days, I’ve been thinking of some important stuff I hope to take into this new and exciting chapter of my life. Onto my 5th year of being an adult (that’s f$%@ing scary), I’d say I’ve learned a thing or two.
So, without further ado, here are 22 pieces of lessons/pieces of advice/things to myself that I hope to take into 23.
You have many books on your floor. I can count 20. Just on the floor. Read them. Digest them.
Yoga class with mom is fun. Keep going as much as you can.
Try to learn more things from dad. He’s really smart, you know.
Go on walks right after eating, you’ll feel so much better.
Keep feeding your creativity, whether it’s through taking on new artistic hobbies, playing guitar, singing, designing, doodling…
The blog is a great way to keep track of your life. Write more.
And on that note… Continue journaling every day. It’s a great outlet for you!
Water is your friend… drink even more than you think you should.
Make sure you are eating nutritional food, junk will hurt your body so much more than you think.
Fix your posture/sit up tall. You’re just f@#$ing yourself over.
Start the band.
Keep thinking of ideas for a passion project, you’re almost there… I can feel it!
Take Guillermo on as many road trips and camping trips as possible, far and near!
Get out more – see the world. Go on walks, drives, planes, trains, whatever. Live as Anthony Bourdain would.
Keep your space clean, as the more cluttered it is, your mind will become the same.
Don’t stop learning. Whether it’s about topics that align with work, or things you’re interested in… whatever. Keep learning.
Screens ruin everything. Keep that in mind.
Don’t become desensitized to pain, suffering, and bad things going on in the world. Don’t become desensitized to your phone addiction and to easy dopamine fixes.
Make more food from scratch.
You need structure, you can’t function without it. Don’t let yourself tell you otherwise. So, fill your time with passion projects, seeing friends, new adventures, stuff that makes you happy.
The future is really scary. I know you get anxious. Live in the moment as best you can and practice so much gratitude. Life can change drastically at any moment.
And, some bonus lessons from folks who wrote in my travel journal in Italy:
Kelly (top left) and Emma (below that) were the two lovely ladies we sat next to on our flights from IAD to LHR, and LHR to LIN, respectively. The rest of the people who signed on these pages were friends we made at our hostel in Zagarolo.
From Luca and Ulia, the amazing owners of the hostel we stayed at in Zagarolo. Their words translated, hopefully it’s just as beautiful in English:
What would you say to me, Luca, 20 years ago?
Meet many people, travel a lot, listen to many stories.
Learn to forgive and judge less.
Fall in love as much as you did.
Don’t always rush — it’s not necessary.
Take your time.
Be kind, but don’t expect too much in return...
Luca
_______________
If I could go back 20 years, I would tell myself:
to repeat everything I was lucky and willing enough to do: travel, have a thousand experiences, dream and work for a better future, for everyone... for another possible world!
And once again fall in love (with Luca, my love).
Good luck guys! All the best! Good fortune!
Ulia
What’s your favorite piece of advice? What would you tell your past self? When’s your birthday? Sending you hugs in this weird time we’re all in.
Happy early birthday to meeee,
