Wellness and realizations in mid- 30’s

It is definitely important to watch what we eat and exercise, but I think it is equally important to feel good in your own skin.  My perspective on life changes as I get older. Now that I am in my mid 30’s, I see life differently.

I remember when I was a teenager.  I was shy, I liked to spend time by myself, I took care of my studies, and I had only couple of friends.  I loved dancing, but I had no idea what to do with my hands.  I was concerned that others will notice my awkwardness.  I still have parts of this 18 year old girl with me.  When I remember about her, I embrace her, and I smile.

Here are some of my realizations:

1)      The concept of home is much broader for me nowadays.  Home can be Bulgaria, Las Vegas (where I spent eight years as an international student) or Winnipeg.  At this point, home can be anywhere as long as I feel at home with myself, comfortable in my own skin.

2)      Nothing is the end of the world.  I used to think that some events in my life would pretty much finish me.  We all go through challenging times when we wonder how we are going to make it to the other side.  Now I know and tell myself “this too shall pass.”

3)      When we are younger or when we are vulnerable due to personal struggles, we might take comments or feedback personally.  As I get older, I realize that a comment is just an opinion.  It is up to me to decide if I want an opinion to matter to me or not or how much for it to matter.

4)      We are more alike than we are unalike.  We are together in this adventure or journey called life.  We all share the same human foibles.  We tend to hide our imperfections because we don’t want others to think we have weaknesses or worries.  How about sharing our genuine self with each other?  When I am genuine, you will feel comfortable to be genuine as well.  We cheer up, we become less judgmental and more forgiving.  We find ourselves among friends.

How about your life lessons or realizations? I would love to hear about them.