Today I am 27 and I’m off to celebrate my birthday (with tea, of course!) shortly. But first, I’m sitting here and having my first cup of tea at my new age (it’s a masala chai, in case you’re wondering) while I reflect on the past year and even the ones before it. Another year went by in the blink of an eye and I’m really looking forward to this fresh, new age. In honour of this day, I thought I would share a few life lessons I’ve learned by 27. This list is in no particular order, and you may find a few tea related lessons here, too.1. Kindness goes a long way and costs absolutely nothing. In my now 27 years on this planet, nothing irks me more than unkind words and actions. The tiniest bit of kindness can brighten someone’s day.

2. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Let go of those who drink coffee don’t make you happy.

3. Tea is magical. I often don’t focus on the physical health benefits, but tea has been a huge stress reliever over the years. The emotional health benefits are unreal. Tea has also provided me with many opportunities.

4. Unplug often. Social media can be so exhausting – especially when you do it for work.

5. It’s important to tell people you love them at every chance you get. Life is so very precious. You never know what tomorrow can bring. Say what you want to say while you still have the chance.

6. Don’t skip out on that glass of water. Hydrate! Especially drink lots right when you wake up and right before you go to bed.

7. Busy is not an excuse. When you really want something, you’ll find time to make it happen. If you really like someone, you’ll find time to make them a part of your life.

8. Always put your health first (both physical & mental). If you don’t have your health, everything else is hard.

9. On that note, take mental health days and don’t feel guilty about it. Seriously. Do it!

10. Live life by the Golden Rule – “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.

11. Experiences mean more than materialistic things. Do you really need the latest phone when your current phone is perfectly fine? There are so many more valuable “things” that your money and time should go towards and none of those “things” are actually things.

12. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to make and enjoy tea. If someone tells you otherwise, just brush it off and go make tea the way you like it. It’s your cup… they’re not drinking it.

13. Write that book. You are a writer.

14. Take all the photos! Be that annoying person who always has their camera out. You’ll never regret taking so many photos, but you’ll definitely regret if you take none at all.

15. Stop grabbing food with cilantro in it. You don’t like it. It tastes like soap.

16. You need “me” time. Connecting with yourself is important. Learning who you are as an individual is sooooo important.

17. Enter giveaways and contests that you think you’ll never win. You’ve got nothing to lose. Don’t forget that time you won a chance to dance on stage with Britney Spears.

18. Laughter truly is the best medicine. Life doesn’t need to be taken so seriously. There’s nothing better than a good belly laugh.

19. Don’t touch Alfredo sauce. Your stomach will make you regret it. Instantly!

20. Being an introvert is not a bad thing. Being an introvert is cool. We make great listeners, leaders, friends and so much more.

21. Don’t buy into detox teas (aka teatoxes). Yes, tea can be magical, but it’s not a magic pill.

22. Be smart with your money, but not so cheap that you miss out on things. Cheap and frugal are two different things. 

23. Stop being so hard on yourself. Be your biggest fan and acknowledge every little moment that is worth celebrating. You’ll get farther in life when you cheer yourself on and stop putting so much pressure on yourself.

24. Put your phone away when you’re with other people. Unless there is a legit reason to be texting someone or scrolling social media, it’s rude. Give people the attention they deserve.

25. Home cooking is way better than eating out. No matter how many times you may try to convince yourself otherwise (out of laziness), this is very true. It can also be quite therapeutic. Get in the kitchen and learn to cook good meals. Include lots of vegetables in your dishes, too.

26. Learn to be comfortable with saying “no.” This word seems like a bad one to first learn when we’re young, but when it comes to adding more things on your plate and doing things you don’t really want to do, it’s okay to say no. It feels great actually!

27. No one has all the answers to life. Just like no one can truly be an expert in tea (there’s always more to learn), no one can be an expert at life. You’re doing awesome, keep it up 🙂 

Here’s to another year!

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Was there a life lesson on this list that resonated with you the most? Let me know in the comments below!