Last week I turned 30 years old. I spent a long time imagining how my life would be at this age and to be honest, I was really excited. Unfortunately, the Nicaraguan crisis turned my life upside down, just like it did for thousands of Nicaraguans. Things have changed drastically for everyone and the idea I had of how my 30th birthday would be, turned into a distant memory of something that never happened. 

I thought about not even mentioning my birthday on the blog. It just didn’t feel right. The truth is, these days nothing feels right. But I also realized that turning 30 years old is a privilege that many were denied. And while I cannot celebrate because I am in mourning, I do have to be grateful.

So the only thing I can do to show my gratitude is to share with you 30 life lessons I’ve learned over these 30 years. I have no idea what the next decade of my life will be like. All I know is that these 30 ideas have helped me define who I am and where I stand today. And I truly do hope at least one of them turns out to be as helpful to you as they have been for me.

1. Mental health is priceless. 

Your mental and emotional stability is worth much more than money. It always comes in first place when it comes to choosing between the two.

2. Time does heal all wounds. 

Sometimes it seems impossible, but it truly does. 

3. Only 5 minutes at a time. 

When you’re in the middle of chaos and everything feels so overwhelming, try to focus only on the next five minutes. Divide huge tasks into tiny steps and focus on those. 

4. “No” is not a bad word.

Being assertive does not mean being rude or insensitive. 

5. To de-clutter is to live again.

Whenever you feel like you don’t know what to do with your life, de-clutter something. Your closet, your bag, your Spotify playlist. It will help you relax and feel like you are in control of your life again.

6. No matter how bad things are, they could be worse.

7. Don’t do unto others what you don’t want to be done unto you.

It’s that simple. 

8. Choose a value and life your life according to it.

Life is confusing but values are like lighthouses that guide us along the way. They help you set your priorities and make decisions.

9. Never say no to travel.

It doesn’t matter if it is to a different city or continent. It doesn’t matter if you have already been there a hundred times. You will always learn something new and it will always be worth it. Travels are the best schools.

10. Don’t cling to what you were and believed 10 years ago.

Because 10 years ago you were an idiot.

11. Occupational therapy is the best remedy for anxiety, sadness and lack of inspiration.

12. There are things in life that are not your fault, but your responsibility. 

Take ownership of everything that happens in your life, regardless of who’s fault is it. 

13. Every new skill is like a new tool in Batman’s utility belt.

No matter how trivial they may seem. You never know when that random skill will come in handy. Take the time to learn as many as possible.

14. Romance is so overrated.

It is a fun way of entertainment, but nothing else.

15. Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself.

Over and over again.

16. We have humanity’s knowledge at our fingertips.

There are no excuses not to look for answers when you have access to Google. 

17. Being brave does not mean not having fear.

It means to do the right thing, despite fear.

18. Having friends is better than having money.

19. Calm always comes after the storm.

Sometimes it takes a while, but it always comes. 

20. It’s always better to tell the truth.

Sometimes it will get you in trouble, but being in trouble is better than having a heavy conscience.

21. Every single action leaves a trace. 

Even the tiniest things count, even when it seems like they may not. 

22. Willpower is like gasoline. 

It runs out throughout the day. That’s why goals should not rely on willpower but on discipline. 

23. You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar.

Never underestimate the power of kindness and politeness.

24. The secret to dealing with people who are upset is to acknowledge them. 

If you tell them to “calm down” they’ll get defensive. Just show them you understand they’re upset and acknowledge their reasons. They’ll put their guard down and let you speak. 

25. You never lose in life.

You either win or learn. 

26. The reason why others are better at something is that they’ve tried and failed more.

27. A happy life is not a life without problems. 

It’s a life filled with the right kind of problems. This depends on what’s your core value. 

28. Question everything. 

All the time. 

29. Emotions don’t come from the heart, they come from the brain. 

If you want to change the way you feel, you have to change the way you think.

30. Stop fighting things outside of your scope of influence.

Focus on things you can control and try to adapt to the circumstances. In life, you have to be a good planner but also a good improviser.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and that these life lessons resonate to you in some way. Please leave me a comment below to know if you liked it and share some of your life lessons. As always, thank you so much for being here and may the force be with you. Until next time!