Saltroom Archives

26 Things I Learned at 26

  1. Commitments are karmic. Choose what you devote yourself to wisely.
  1. Never dull down your interests simply because someone may see them as odd. You live for yourself, for whatever keeps you going – not for the empty theatre.
  1. The only way through it is through it.
  1. Surround yourself with love. Not by distractions disguised as affection, but love that fills you, doesn’t leave you dry, ignites you, inspires you!
  1. The best revenge truly is happiness. Not success, not fortune, not fame – but genuine happiness for the life you live.
  1. No one can fall behind in life unless they believe they are actually falling behind. Life is not a race, nor will it ever be. Certainly no one can truly finish last when ‘getting there first’ is not the definition of true success.
  1. Only offer what’s reciprocated. Never be left with nothing.
  1. Learn to read people well and act accordingly.
  1. Time spent with yourself is time spent with yourself. You always have company. Your company. You are never truly alone unless you turn your back against yourself.
  1. Civility is a given, respect is earned.
  1. Let people walk out of your life for good. It is decidedly a personal decision, one which you shouldn’t take personally. Respect it and keep moving.
  1. No matter how cliché, failure from trying is the recipe to victory. The more times you fail, the closer you get to finding what’s right for you.
  1. The only way you can stand firm in this world is by knowing yourself well. That regardless of what people say or do to you, or even what life throws at you – you know who you are as a person.
  1. Money and worldly value is not finite. But your lifetime is! Prioritize what’s important to your being.
  1. A pause is sometimes the healthiest thing you can do for yourself.
  1. There’s always something new around the corner, waiting for you to discover. A new flavor, a new song, an unexpected encounter. There is so much for you to look forward to.
  1. As they say: the people you choose to keep in your life reflect your self respect. We accept the love we think we deserve. Do not minimize your worth.
  1. Sometimes circumstances refuse to be controlled, because it is teaching you compromise and acceptance. The ability to adapt to any situation is a life skill.
  1. Patience is a virtue often overlooked. There is power in waiting, in standing still, in calculating your next move.
  1. No, you cannot change anyone. You can only inform and trigger someone to reflect, but not necessarily transform their mind. Change is a mostly independent process.
  1. To hurt others is to also hurt yourself. Practicing a stoic view is a form of self preservation.
  1. There is so much joy tucked in the process of learning things. Take the time to slow down to read, write, watch, listen, create…not for the sake of being proficient, but simply for the sake of enjoying yourself.
  1. At the end of the day, the cool breeze will continue to blow, and the trees will sway. And the sun shall shine again. The world is always waiting for you. Everything beats so you can feel alive.
  1. Appreciate all the gifts that every day brings. You’d be quite overwhelmed if you actually counted them.
  1. The power of mystery. The power of your own silence. Not everyone needs to know anything, let alone everything. Always keep them wondering.
  1. If you are reading this, thank yourself for a job well done. You’re still here, and you’ve come this far. Be mindful of all your little wins through the years, and your upcoming victories.

26 Things I Learned at 26

2024

© Rizu Lu

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