Happy & Healthy

random life lessons that are going to make you happy

Okay, well I’ll let you be the judge on whether or not it makes you happy, but they work for me. I recently wrote about why I embrace heading to my thirties because wisdom comes with age. So hereby a couple of random things I learnt the past few years that I wish I had known sooner.

Don’t care too much about what other people think

This is key. I once wrote a huge article for Glamour magazine about this but the bottom line is: you really need to stop caring too much about what other people think of you, because no matter what you do, you  can’t influence it. Believe me, this is going to save you so many headaches.

“Just say no to all those imploring messages in your group chat”

Say ‘no’ more often

People frequently say that it’s good to say ‘yes’ more often, but it’s also so damn nice to say ‘no’ too. A friend of a friend of a friend wants to meet up for coffee to get a bit of career advice in that one week (or month, or year for that matter) that your agenda is completely swamped? It’s simple: “Sorry, but I really don’t have any time right now.” I mean, you’re busy enough as is with things that are important. Or everyone is off for a night out and you secretly want to stay home and chill on your couch? Just say no to all those imploring messages in your group chat.

It’s okay to ask for help

I am the absolute worst when it comes to asking for help and would rather try and fail miserably myself than call up a friend or family member. My latest and most exemplary example: the renovations in my house last year. For some reason I thought it would be no big deal to paint my entire house on my own. In a few days. This doesn’t work, and I had reached utter panic mode. Thank god our health editor Jet came to the rescue and as soon as she showed up, all was done before I knew it. I always have friends who give me a call when they need a hand with something and I am always honored when they do so, so I think it’s time I do the same thing.

Be kind to everyone

Because you never know who you’re going to have seated in front of you during a job interview. Being kind doesn’t cost a thing and you’ll get a lot for it in return, so it sounds like a solid investment to me.

“There have definitely been times that I earned more money than I do now, but I would always spend every last cent of it”

You don’t have to be able to do everything

Especially for the perfectionists among us, this is much easier said than done, but still. A few weekends ago a group of friends and I, 9 of us total, headed to the Ardennes for Easter which meant we had to stock up on food for three days. So we headed over to a nearby grocery store and everyone seemed to know exactly what they were doing and what we were all going to eat – and I just stood there looking around aimlessly. Heck no do I know how much of what I need to feed nine people. This used to make me extremely miserable and awkward but now all I can think of is, “hey, there are other things I am good at.” So I walked around the store observing everyone and waiting until they were all done. Same goes for the actual cooking by the way. I’ve like to refer to myself as the self entitled chief of decking the table and clearing it off. I have labeled myself as the self-entitled chief of decking the table and clearing it off. Kitchens give me the chills because they make me feel entirely useless and so I leave it to those who do know what to do. And believe me, it’s better for everyone.

Clean up your house

As of late, I’ve made it a task to always keep my living room clean and tidy. Guys, I can’t tell you how happy it’ll make you. For years I lived in a pigsty which affected my mood. Now everything is always clean and cleared, as is my head. Well, sort of.

Put aside money every month

There have definitely been times that I earned more money than I do now, but I would always spend every last cent of it. Saving money? Are you crazy, spend it! As fast as you can! And now: Regret, regret, regret. Luckily, I’ve been trying to better my life and now everything I receive my paycheck, I put nearly the entire amount on my savings account. Let’s see how long I will be able to pull this off.