Turning 30

I write this on the eve of my twenties - I turn 30 tomorrow. It feels like a lot is happening this month, and it all compounds to mark a new beginning in my life - a rebirth. Not only am I turning 30, I'm moving in with the lovely Eva and will finally close the curtains on the important, yet elusive time I spent at the old flat above the popcorn-machine shopfront on Waverley Road. To mark the fresh beginning, it feels appropriate to jot down a few key learnings throughout the turbulent decade that was my twenties. Here goes!

1. You won't make friends by trying to be admired.
2. Binge drinking to numb social anxiety is not a good strategy.
3. Don't sit on the fringes - be a part of it and put your pre-conceived anxieties to the test.
4. Otherwise they'll continue to fester and consume you, leaving you isolated and ending up the thing that you feared.
5. Don't blame your family (or anyone for that matter) for your misfortunes or your perceived personality flaws. Take responsibility.
6. Don't bad-mouth others - you only discredit yourself.
7. Want to make a really weird first impression with someone you've just met? Be stoned around them.
8. Take pride in your work and treat others with dignity.
9. Have integrity in everything you do.
10. Make an effort to know your parents more deeply - ask about their past, experiences and upbringing.
11. Treat animals with the same respect you would treat another person.
12. Life is fuller and more connected without social media.
13. Don't have one-night stands.
14. Don't fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others - it will make you resentful in the process.
15. Don't expect others to save you from loneliness.
16. Meditate regularly and practice self-awareness; perhaps the greatest skill one can practice throughout this chaotic decade.
17. Talk to your family more.
18. Don't expect a big change, anyone or anything external thing to fix you of existential dread.
19. On the above, instead search for contentment from within.
20. Feeling desire for someone or something is form of suffering - notice this more.