7 Life Lessons I've Learned The Hard Way, So You Don't Have To

Birthdays are a time for celebration, reflection, and gratitude. As I celebrated my 33rd birthday this week, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the love and appreciation showered upon me by friends and family. Birthdays offer a unique opportunity for self-reflection and an opportunity to grow. I'm excited to share with you the seven most significant lessons I've learned over the past year. These lessons have had a profound impact on my mental, physical, and energetic well-being, and I hope they inspire you on your journey as we drawer closer to your next birthday.

Lesson 1: Action is Everything

One of the most transformative lessons I've learned in the past year is the power of taking action. Instead of merely daydreaming about my ideal life, I started taking small, intentional steps toward making it a reality. The results were astonishing. Action, even in the smallest forms, leads to progress and aligning with your authenticity brings its own rewards. I've shed the imposter syndrome to a great extent and now focus on taking action and moving closer to my dream life.

Mark Manson's "Do Something" principle perfectly encapsulates this idea – inspiration, motivation, and action are interconnected. Whether you start with inspiration, motivation, or action, as long as you do something, the rest will follow. This principle has guided me throughout the year, propelling me toward positive change.

Lesson 2: Follow Your Energy Source

Every day, I check in with myself to identify what aligns with my energy and what I need. This practice has become my decision-making compass. By understanding where I draw my energy, what ignites my passion, and what brings me joy, I ensure that I remain aligned, energised, and rejuvenated. Recognising the sources of my energy and surrounding myself with people who radiate positivity has been a game-changer. It's a reminder that self-care isn't selfish; it's essential for our well-being.

Lesson 3: Your Unique Story is Your Superpower

I used to compare my path with others, wondering if I made the right choices or if I could have reached my goals sooner. However, I've come to realise that our unique stories, shaped by our experiences and perspectives, are our superpowers. Embracing our individual journeys, rather than fixating on the destination, allows us to appreciate the magic in the process. Our stories set us apart, and it's these stories that make us extraordinary.

Lesson 4: You Can't Fake a Feeling

Our intuition and gut feelings are our internal compasses. We can't fake these feelings, and they're there for a reason – to guide us. By trusting my intuition and acting on those instincts, I've made quicker and often more authentic decisions. While rational analysis is important, our instincts are informed by our past experiences and environments, helping us make rapid, well-informed choices.

Lesson 5: No One Will Do the Work for You

Waiting for others to validate or support our endeavours is a recipe for stagnation. I've realised that I must be my own cheerleader and champion my own path. Doing the work for myself, without seeking constant external validation, has been liberating. It's a reminder that the only person who can truly advocate for my dreams and aspirations is me.

Purpose & Pinot event captured by Nick Coghlan

Lesson 6: It Doesn't Matter What Others Think

For years, I struggled with worrying about what others thought of me. Over time, I've come to understand that it's a fruitless endeavour. Believing in yourself and trusting that the right people will recognise your worth is empowering. True freedom comes when we release the burden of seeking external approval and prioritise our own self-belief.

Lesson 7: You Hold the Power to Your Story

Our beliefs shape our reality. By recognising and changing limiting beliefs, we can transform our lives. I've learned that I have the power to rewrite my narrative. It's empowering to know that we can alter our beliefs, which are not facts but rather ideas we've created. This realisation has helped me shed limiting beliefs and embrace change.

As I enter my 34th year, I carry these seven valuable lessons with me. They have transformed my perspective and brought me closer to my most authentic self. I hope you find inspiration in these lessons and keep in mind that birthdays are not just a celebration of another year; they're a celebration of the wisdom and insight gained along the way. Embrace your unique journey, trust your intuition, and believe in yourself. The best is yet to come!

Claire xx