If you’re reading this, that means you’ve survived my 7-day spam attack on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram of the French Riviera. It was brutal. It was dangerous. And not all made it out alive (seriously, I lost 5 followers so I’m assuming they all died). Ha. But luckily, when you go on a weeklong celebration through a bunch of Mediterranean coastal cities and realize that the end of this celebration means going back to... well, another Mediterranean coastal city like Barcelona, ya know life ain’t so bad. So yes, I’m home and my vacation was 10x more than I could’ve ever dreamed it would be.

For those unaware and I’m rather curious how much rent is under that rock, I celebrated my 25th birthday by taking myself around the French Riviera with stops in Montpellier, Marseille, Saint-Tropez, Cogolin, Nice, Èze, and Monaco. This was my cheapest trip yet, and by far the most fun and relaxing.

I wanted to avoid all touristy things and just celebrate my life in the best way I knew how. Beachside, on boats, and with a glass of wine in hand. On repeat. Daily.

That being said, I had a lot of time to do some self-reflecting of the last 25 years, and while I recently announced plans of a summer-release for my book, my head is always in writing mode. So I jotted down these 25 pieces of advice for anyone and everyone wanting to chase their dreams, live a happier life, and just make the most of every moment they’re given.

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1. 1.Do something that pays the bills, and something that makes you happy. Then repeat this cycle until the latter does both.
   

2. 2.Keep a journal or diary documenting the happiest moments of your life and save it to be read at the end of the year, when you’re stressed, or just need a reminder of your purpose.
   

3. 3.Whatever happens in certain phases of life, it’ll either be a good time or a good story. Embrace them both.
   

4. 4.Find a free activity that you enjoy and do it weekly.
   

5. 5.Have a go-to song that puts you in the greatest mood and download it to your phone to be played at least once a day.
   

6. 6.You know that thing that scares you? Do it anyway.
   

7. 7.Despite what your family or close friends might think, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
   

8. 8.Go on a solo trip somewhere. Take your camera, a notebook, and a one-liner that will serve as a conversation-starter with strangers.
   

9. 9.Cook more at home and eat out less. The bonding you have with yourself/family/significant other is much more intimate than that in a public setting. You’ll also save a good chunk of money to be better spent on life experiences or ya know, travel.
   

10. 10.Never forget how to be a kid and never let the magic, mystique, and mystery of the world stop amazing you.
    

11. 11.Instead of online dating, try online friending. Friend someone you’ve met online for the simple purpose of having someone you can go with on walks, community events, work outs, or other various hobbies. There’s so much pressure put on romantic relationships, let’s pursue friendships and play mates instead.
    

12. 12.Stop hating on your friends’ successes/relationships/jobs/marriages. The bitterness can be felt and smelt a mile away. And dat sh*t stank.
    

13. 13.Stay humble and never forget where you came from and especially those who were there for your struggle.
    

14. 14.Be your own source of comfort, inspiration, and motivation.
    

15. 15.Never stop dreaming.
    

16. 16.Do what you love despite what your wallet might suggest. Money is an illusion. It comes and goes. There will always be ways to make it and spend it, so don’t waste your life being a slave to the almighty dollar/euro/pound.
    

17. 17.Find out what your worst quality or characteristic is, and work at it daily. Strive to be best version of yourself as possible.
    

18. 18.Regularly sleep at least 7 hours a night (unless you’re in college, because LOL, Mission Impossible).
    

19. 19.If you wouldn’t scream it in a public room full of strangers, it probably doesn’t make a good Facebook status.
    

20. 20.Never apologize for your confidence. Especially if it’s something that’s been recently acquired. In a generation where depression, suicide, and self-esteem issues are running rampant, how dare someone try to knock you for being 100% happy in your skin. Own that ish my friend.
    

21. 21.Give to the homeless more times than not. If not money, then a smile or simply, compassion. Not all of them got there on their own.
    

22. 22.Have an outfit at your disposal that would make a snowball melt in Alaska. “I’m toooo HOT! [Got damn!] Call da po-lice and da fiyah-man!” Resist, I could not.
    

23. 23.If you want something bad enough, no dollar amount will come in the way of that. Don’t let the size of your dreams intimidate you.
    

24. 24.Come to terms with the fact that any issues other people have with you is none of your business. You could be the kindest, most giving, and loving person in the world and someone will find a way to have a problem with that. The self-hate and bitterness others have for themselves need to be projected on others to keep them satisfied. This disease is only contagious to other self-hating victims. Criticism knows no limits in a world where everyone’s a critic!
    

25. 25.And most importantly, never feel entitled to anything you didn’t have to sweat or struggle for (my favorite quote by Marian Wright). Life happens to everyone, but the world owes you nothing. Fight for what you want and pay for it with your own sweat and tears. It becomes so much more rewarding that way too!
    

Thanks so much to everyone who sent well wishes and made my 25th birthday spectacular! I can only imagine what my future has in store, but for the meantime, I’m gonna keep making the most of my present! XOXO

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