23 THINGS I'VE LEARNT AS A 23 YEAR OLD IN 2018

It’s nearly the end of 2018! And as always, it’s the time for reflection…

I am the kind of person that reflects on my learnings at the end of every week (I share them over on Instagram for those who might be interested). But today, I’m here to share with you all of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt throughout the entirety of 2018!

It was a big one for me… I turned 23! So I guess it’s only fitting that I share 23 of this year’s learnings with you… Right?!

In no particular order:

1. I have a deep passion for Sustainability

I started this website with the intention of encouraging people to explore the world, but the more that my knowledge and awareness expands, the more that I discover that my true passion lies in sustainable living.

In 2018 I really discovered that doing things with the planet in mind is what makes my heart sing!

2. Every Voice is Powerful

Every person has the ability to make a positive impact. Every person has a powerful voice… It’s all about how you choose to use it.

3. Your Impact is more Important than your Intent

As much as I know – and totally sympathize – with the feeling of making a damaging mistake when it really wasn’t your intention, I’m afraid to say that your good heart is often beside the point. When you cause harm (regardless of whether you meant it or not), it’s so important to reflect and find ways to avoid it from happening again, rather than instantly justifying it with “good intentions”.

The impact you have is far more important!

4. Practising Gratitude and Mindfulness is Life Changing

Being conscious of your feelings, your thoughts and the things that occur around you will truly change your life. There’s nothing quite like waking up, listening to the bird’s chirp, being present, sitting still, and being grateful for exactly where you are in that moment.

5. I am Powerful When I Believe in Myself

I will never achieve things to the best of my potential unless I truly believe in myself. There was a moment this year before doing my Impact Travel Alliance speech, where I experienced massive self-doubt, and it was only when I turned it around and truly believed in my ability that I was able to achieve it.

You. are. powerful. And you need to believe it too!

Girl standing amongst bushes overlooking the ocean

6. Change happens when we let the affected voices speak

No matter the issue, change will never happen unless we lift up the voices of those experiencing oppression, racism, sexism, marginalisation or whatever the issue may be. We need to let the affected voices be the backbone of the conversations, without letting our privilege take over the mic.

7. Create more than you Consume – Happiness doesn’t come from “things”

Richness doesn’t come from wealth or belongings…

8. Success is NOT defined by numbers

Success is jumping from failure to failure; it’s making someone smile, feeling loved and being able to accept it, following your heart and being a kind human being.

Every person on this planet is successful for a multitude of different reasons. But followers, money, scores and grades?… None of it is the true meaning of success.

9. Being different is flippin’ cool

It’s okay not to follow the crowd… Skrew societies expectations!

Pod of Spinner Dolphins jumping from the water with one in the background doing a flip

10. Finding your purpose is not a necessity, happiness is

“Stop trying to find the forest and just enjoy the trees” – Sally Coulter

11. The real power belongs to the people

The younger generations are going to change the world. There’s really nothing more to it.

12. Blame and Shame are the Discharge of Pain

We are all just reflections of ourselves – if someone is mad at you or putting you down, know that their anger comes from a place of pain. Give them love… I’m sure they need it.

13. You need to take the time to Absorb in order to Create

Input VS Output: Absorb VS Create. Our minds are like computer systems; we need time to refresh and restore in order to be the best versions of ourselves.

Intense, vibrant, sunset with purple, orange, red an pink colours

14. You should always be willing to change with new information

If new information comes to you, always be ready to change everything you’ve learnt in the past – listen, learn, grow. Having an open mind is key.

15. We all have different thoughts and beliefs, and that is the beauty of humanity

Although it can sometimes be difficult to deal with conflicting views… Remember that having your beliefs challenged, having questioning conversations, learning of new ways of life, and listening to differing opinions is what makes humanity so dang beautiful.

16. My body is NOT an object

I am human. My body is a temple. I am not an object of sexual desire.

17. Having the choice to live sustainably is a HUGE privilege

Having the means, the ability, the resources, the dedication, the patience, the knowledge and the money to be sustainable is the biggest proof of economic and social privilege I will probably ever have.

Side profile of girl in grey jumper with mountains and lake in the background

18. I will never let my passion get in the way of my empathy

Compassion and empathy will always come first for me. Every person on this planet has different priorities, and I will never let my personal beliefs and passions get in the way of my love for all living beings.

The planet matters, the animal’s matter, and the people matter too.

19. There’s nothing like helping others take their first step

Hold space for people! There’s really nothing more rewarding than helping others learn, grow and be inspired by you.

Watching those around you follow in your footsteps – or grow in other ways – can often lead to jealousy. But please remember… When those around you grow, you’ll grow with them.

20. Instincts are Powerful

No matter what society thinks you should be doing in life, your heart always knows what’s best for you. Trust your gut… Always!

21. One person cannot “Change the World” unless they start with themselves

Focus on yourself, your values, your core beliefs and your impact. One person is not responsible for changing or healing the world… We first have to take responsibility for ourselves as individuals!

“What the world needs is people who have come alive” – Howard Thurman

Girl in white polkadot shirt overlooking mountain peaks

22. Leading by Example is EXTREMELY powerful

You don’t have to tell people what to do, you just have to show them through your own actions, just how easy small changes can be. Peaceful, KIND activism is more effective than I could have ever imagined.