one more sleep…

Tomorrow is gorillas day! I just cannot wait – am so excited to be able to tick yet another thing off my bucket list… And have actually been thinking a lot about that list and also reflecting on how time just flies by, soon another year has gone!

I am still not sure how it is possible that I am 40 years old. In my head I often think that I am still 27! The years just seem to have passed by so quickly! Yes, there’s been a whirlwind of fantastic experiences and wonderful people along the way but also quite a few trials and tribulations. But that’s life, right? We learn through all of it…good or bad! And now that I have most likely lived half my lifetime what are the things I have learnt? Great!! A chance to make another list 😀 here’s my top 20 in no particular order. Feel free to comment and add to the list – would love to hear what you’ve learnt!

1. A sense of humour can get us through the toughest of situations (with a healthy dose of sarcasm as well in my case)

2. It’s OK that some people don’t like you, leaves more space for the people who do

3. Don’t delay your dreams, there’s never a perfect time (I’ve learnt that the hard way!)

4. Do something to treat yourself each month (yes, champagne counts!)

5. Be curious – travel as much as possible – savour the experiences and the moments

6. Save money for when you really need it (like when you want to take a six month sabbatical!)

7. Love is never easy (I’m living proof)

8. Be humble and vulnerable – and don’t take yourself too seriously

9. Try to forgive – you gain nothing from being bitter

10. It’s impossible to please everyone (so why do we always try?)

11. Be honest – especially with yourself and your loved ones

12. You never stop learning – be open to new ‘stuff’

13. Work hard for what you believe in

14. Life is too short to always have a clean house (unless you can afford a cleaner, then I guess it’s quite nice!)

15. Listen to your body and be healthy (I have been so bad at this and am now paying for it)

16. Do everything you can for family – we do not choose our family but we should always be there for each other

17. Take pride in what you do

18. You do not have to plan everything (tough one for me!)

19.  True friends are more important than one can ever imagine (you know who you are, thank you for being there – I love you!)

20. Knowing if you’re happy is the biggest riddle in life (but knowing when you’re not seems to be easy to figure out!)