5 Bits of Life Advice From Women Who Travel
#2 — Make a long term investment in you.
I just turned 24 years old three days ago. Like everyone else, I never thought our routines could’ve change this much within a few months.
Is anyone thinking more about life and what they value during this time? I am — I constantly find myself contemplating my future, feeling the bravery to express my love and appreciation to my friends and family. Why? Because I don’t know what’ll happen next.
Looking back in time, so much self-love and growth has manifested since my last birthday.
I traveled with my best friend to Washington D.C. for a long weekend, went on my first solo international trip to Quebec City, and found a community on Facebook — Women Who Travel — that encouraged me to take the leap in traveling alone.
I remembered that my dad always stressed that we are students for life; that we are always learning. So when someone recently posted a question in the group looking for life advice, I found myself paying attention, reading gems from people in their 40s, 50s, and 60s giving life advice to a twenty-something.
Each and every one of these lessons came from valuable experiences — and I can’t imagine the stories that came along with those experiences. I share my interpretation of some of my favorite ones below.
1. There is power in the words we speak. Keep an attitude of gratitude and be kind.
At first, I interpreted the power in the words as in manifesting what you want. Verbally sharing your goals with the universe is powerful, as it’s an acknowledgment and declaration to yourself.
But then I realized that there is power in the words we say to others. Recognizing others for their talents and skills can uplift someone’s mood and brighten their day.
And being kind not only to others, but also to yourself is essential. Embrace your weakness, and understand that it’s okay not to be okay.
2. Start investing. Do something this year that you will be grateful for in 10 years. Make a long term investment in you.
Financial investments always sound so daunting because I don’t understand the stock market trends. Yet as I grow older, I’m realizing there’s something so wise about creating a passive income — and that there are many apps created to help beginner investors. I am far from a professional and can wholeheartedly say that investment is risky, but take the time to understand and learn the market.
However, truly, the most significant investment you can make in life is yourself. Do things that fuel your passion. Do things that make your eyes sparkle. Learn a new skill and attend a local meet up; you never know what lifelong friends you can meet in unexpected events.
3. Do lots of charity work.
As someone who just joined the workforce, this spoke to me. Philanthropy has do-good, feel-good energy. There is a famous story floating around the internet I recall that sparked a discussion in my philanthropy class in college.
A father and a son were walking along the beach. The son kept on picking up starfish on the sand and tossing it into the water.
The father told the son there are a lot of starfish rolled up from tides on the
beach — he can’t possibly save them all and make a difference.The son went on to pick up another one and tossed it into the waves. He told his
dad that he made a difference for that one.
As much as I would love to save everyone, there are many things outside of my control. But if we can do good within our power, I encourage everyone to pay it forward and help those in need.
4. Make good friends while everyone has time and fewer commitments, travel, and enjoy being young.
Before your friends settle down and build a family where last-minute trips can’t be so last minute anymore, it is important to spend time with people who bring positive energy into our life. It’s crucial to show your appreciation to your friends.
Don’t hold back on the compliments. Tell them you appreciate their company, their humor, and their jokes.
5. Don’t be so serious.
Enjoy life and everywhere it takes you.
