As part of my birthday celebration this year I decided to indulge in sharing, in no particular order, this collection of incomplete, unjustified, and unsolicited pieces of advice!
The bite-sized nuggets come from a wide variety of influences from family and mentors to thinkers and celebrities and my own observations and beliefs.
Lessons & Advice, Meaning of Life
I’ve been thinking about the meaning of life, a la The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, which I am reminded that I really would like to re-read.
Usually careful to cite sources, provide context and justification, as well as practical applications, in this case I’ve cast all that aside. Instead, I’ve just compiled, willy-nilly, some of what I consider to be the most important lessons I’ve learned so far. Some might be thought trite, some are redundant, and there are certainly important lessons I’ve failed to include. However all have provided meaning and motivation to me at some point.
Concepts I’ve listed here are also included in my work here in my articles, in my classes and coaching, online on YouTube and social media. Some will bear elaboration in future offerings and I’d love to know what piques your interest.
Podcast 100: 42 Life Lessons
How perfect that this also comes in time to be the topic of my 100th podcast:
- You are just the way you should be
- You are loved
- Fake it till you make it
- If you’ve got it, flaunt it
- Let your heart lead
- There is nothing wrong with you
- Isn’t life always so exciting?
- Being intimidated by a subject can be a good sign of your respect for it, don’t let that stop you
- Don’t let not being picked first stop you
- Feel fear and take action anyway
- Be grateful and see the abundance in your life
- Go ahead and dream and plan, it is good to seriously explore what might be you passions
- And also, be open to even better things happening than you imagined – the adventure is so much more incredible than I dreamed
- You will always be you at every age, and your identity and awareness will continue to grow
- Establish the habits that are important to you and be patient about them yielding results
- People tend to regret what they didn’t do
- Starting is half the battle
- Inspiration meets you when you begin
- Be ready to start over again and again
- Luck can be cultivated by paying attention and seizing opportunities
- There is only now
- Always say “I love you” and acknowledge people when you can
- None of us know how long we will live
- Read to expand your world, for pleasure, and to learn
- Write to learn, remember, think, reflect and express
- Get support: coaching, therapy, professionals, groups
- Practice your craft
- What you pay attention to grows
- Resist social conditioning when it interferes with your true self
- Stand for equality, against oppression of all kinds (this struggle will never end)
- Learn from the past, your personal experiences and global historical context wherever possible
- Have curiosity and a growth mindset
- We all have our gifts and our pains
- Learn to travel by bicycle, car, motorcycle
- Focus on the ride
- It is more important to be truly known (as kind) than famous
- Here to have a lived experience, recognize connection with others, with all
- Food and eating is one of the great pleasures of life
- Mindfulness makes life better and makes you a better artist and person
- Allow people to surprise and delight you
- Art flourishes with restraints
- Trust divine timing
Questions for Reflection
- Which of these lessons resonate for you?
- What important lessons have you learned so far in your life?
- What words of wisdom have you learned from family, friends, mentors, study?
- What do you want to learn more about?
Resources for further Exploration
- Say the Magic Words: Musings on Resonant Affirmations, Powerful Phrases, Prayers, Stands, & Mantra
- How I coach dancers & creatives through difficulty into delight
- Healthy Habit-Building
- My Creative Morning Ritual
- Why Bother Distinguishing Your Why? 5 Tips for Purposeful Living, Inspiration, Meaning & Motivation
You’re always more than welcome to reach out to me via email or on Instagram @ablythecoach and I’m grateful we’re connected.
Blythe Stephens, MFA & Bliss Catalyst
she/her or they/them
A Blythe Coach: ablythecoach.com @ablythecoach
helping multi-passionate creatives
dance through their difficulties