It’s my birthday! 12 Things I’ve learned about life and adventure …

It’s my birthday! 12 Things I’ve learned about life and adventure …

Today is my birthday and it’s hard to believe I’m 34 because I don’t feel my age. It doesn’t seem so long ago that I turned the big 3-0.  I decided that the best way to celebrate my birthday was to reflect. This morning, I sat down and wrote out the first 12 “life lessons” that came into my head. I’m guessing you’ll be able to relate to at least a few! 

1. Reduce the amount of negative inputs to your life.

2. Focus on income more than expenses.

3. Get over it.

If you’re like most of us, something bad probably happened to you some point. It was unfair and cruel. Maybe it was even really bad. But you have to get over it for reasons that are entirely selfish. Simply put, you can’t let these things define you. It’s about your life, not anyone else’s. At some point, you just have to move on.

4. You are better than you think.

Don’t let those limiting beliefs hold you back. Belief and confidence will carry you to where you want to go.

5. There will always be haters.

No matter what you do or how much you give, there will always be haters. I’m making a pledge to rid my life ( and my online world) of any consistently negative, non-constructive forces. If you want to hate.. go get your reaction someplace else.

4

2

6. You don’t need nearly as much money as you think you do.

Another revelation that has come into my life in the past year or so. You really *need* far, far less that what you think. 

7. Be the change you want to see in the world. 

8. Avoid getting into a position where you’re unable to walk away. 

9. Learn to live in the present moment.

John Lennon once said, ” Life is what’s happening while we’re busy making other plans. ” While we’re busying making those plans life passes us by. Kids grow up too fast. We miss little experience that show us how great it is to be alive. 

10. The more I act like my daughter. The happier I am.

11. Failure is overrated. 

People often paint failure as a glorious thing. “Embrace it!” Really? You are a WINNER. Choose to WIN. Sure, you’ll probably fail at some things. Whatever. Who cares? SUCCESS is better. 

12. As a child, I never once worried about food, water, shelter, or love. I was never once abused or neglected. I got everything I needed and most of what I wanted. Both my parents were ( and still are) hard-working, supportive, and have great values. The older I get, the more I realize how insanely fortunate this makes me.

And there it is.. everything I know. 

Those are my 12 things, in no particular order except the last. Thankfully I was only turning 34 and not 75.. that would have required a lot more thinking. 

Whatever age you are, what have you learned? 

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Len Parent

“The most important thing to remember is that you can wear all the greatest clothes and all the greatest shoes, but you’ve got to have a good spirit on the inside. That’s what’s really going to make you look like you’re ready to rock the world.” —Alicia Keys

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40 Comments

  1. Charlotte Francisco
    November 2, 2016 / 10:13 PM

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE FASHION BLOGGER ❤️You’re such an incredible person and such an amazing role model for young females like myself. I absolutely love your positivity and absolutely love seeing you grow the past three years that’s I’ve been watching your blog and social media. Have an amazing one because you deserve it!?
    Happy Birthday!!! What a gorgeous donut cake, btw!!!
    Huge fan, Charlotte

  2. Shannon Marie Hernandez
    November 2, 2016 / 10:21 PM

    Happy birthday birthday Len! I’m really really proud of you!

  3. Shannon Marie Hernandez
    November 2, 2016 / 10:22 PM

    Happy birthday HOT MOMMA! You are my inspiration!
    lots of loooooveeeeeeee

  4. Genevieve Nash
    November 2, 2016 / 10:26 PM

    Hey, Len! You share a birthday with my dad! Happy birthday gorgeous!!!
    Huge fan right here 🙂

  5. Sarah Joy
    November 2, 2016 / 10:30 PM

    Those are adorable birthday cake!!! I love the number 5. Thanks for sharing this wonderful thoughts!
    Happy birthday my stunning girlfriend!
    Sarah Joy ??

  6. November 2, 2016 / 11:25 PM

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Len!!! ?
    This is such an inspiring post. Love the positivity coming from it.
    I’m 25 years old and one of the most important things I’ve learned is letting go. That allows me to fully enjoy the present and not have things or people or situations in mind that I must change.
    Have fun on your big day!

    http://www.fashionradi.com

  7. Aj Michelle Rosenberg
    November 3, 2016 / 12:18 AM

    Happy Birthday. Stunning woman, stunning model. You are amazing!

  8. Jeannie Victoria Co
    November 3, 2016 / 12:21 AM

    You look beautiful & Happy Birthday Len & Congratulations on your baby boy! 🙂 xxx

  9. Lilly Ledesma
    November 3, 2016 / 12:25 AM

    Happy birthday Len! Hope you had a good one & got everything you wanted☺️ x
    Stay happy and blessed!
    Xoxo

  10. November 3, 2016 / 1:01 AM

    Happy Birthday Len <3
    I love the part " the more I act like my daughter the happier I am " 🙂
    And it's so true about living in the now.

    Best wishes
    http://style-hue.com/

  11. Bukky
    November 3, 2016 / 2:43 AM

    Happy birthday to you beautiful friend. What an awesone way to celebrate your birthday.it’s very important to be reflective in life.

  12. November 3, 2016 / 6:12 AM

    Great life lessons, i can totally relate.
    Happy birthday.

  13. November 3, 2016 / 2:28 PM

    The cake looks DIVINE, delicious! 🙂 Happy birthday to you gorgeous! I really enjoyed reading this. You are truly amazing and one of a kind.
    Stay gorgeous as always!
    Xx, Raysa

  14. November 3, 2016 / 5:16 PM

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY GORGEOUS! I enjoy reading this, my best part is “the more I act like my daughter the happier I am”
    I wish you an amazing day beautiful!
    XO Erica
    http://www.ericavoyage.com

  15. November 3, 2016 / 5:48 PM

    First let me wish you a very happy birthday beautiful!
    You are totally amazing and loved this donut cake!
    My favorite part was – The more I act like my daughter. The happier I am.
    Have a great year ahead!
    Richa | Fancier’s World

  16. Idu Emeziem
    November 3, 2016 / 7:24 PM

    Great lessons. I love them all. There’ll always be haters hahaha. Very true. That donut looks so yummy. Happy Birthday babe.

    http://fashionablyidu.com/

  17. November 4, 2016 / 2:55 AM

    Happy birthday beautiful! I hope you had a fantastic day! I loved reading about your 12 life lessons! Its so true that we all need to live in the moment. Life is too short!

    xo, jackie
    stylemydreams.com

  18. Melanie Bang
    November 4, 2016 / 9:51 AM

    Have a happiest birthday gorgeous girl! Love you for who you are! YOU ROCK!!!
    –Melanie

  19. November 5, 2016 / 11:58 AM

    Happy Birthday dear!! I never guesses that you are even over 30 years old! Gosh, you look so young and joyful all the time, that is great! 😀
    This an inspiring post and I really agree with everything you said, but I find it hard sometimes to put in practice everything :)) Still, I am thriving to succeed!

    http://thewonderfashion.blogspot.com

  20. Shannon Marie Hernandez
    November 7, 2016 / 7:27 PM

    Happiest of birthday beautiful Len!??

  21. Stormy Necole Jellan -- Spokane, WA
    November 7, 2016 / 7:43 PM

    Happy birthday, Len! So many blessings by only 34 years-old! Enjoy every bit of it ?
    KEEP ON ROCKIN’!!!!!

  22. Emmeline Chang
    November 7, 2016 / 7:47 PM

    Kisses to Tabitha and Joshua and David. You guys are loved!

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