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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
The 20s are key growth years. Not physical but mental, emotional and spiritual. Shivika Sinha reflects on what she learned in her twenties.
One propels through life, and the little breaks for fresh air often become moments of great evolution.
Each moment of reflection and introspection is a gift to yourself and those around you.
As I watch a fiery sunset over Manhattan, I break for a little fresh air.
Images of my 20s flash and the promise a curious teenager in the Himalayas made to herself, yells resoundingly.
That promise was to never stop mindfully evolving.
The dots connect.
That promise was the underlying thread that shaped my 20s through the five different cities I've called home.
It fueled the passion to spend four years honing my creative spirit and the courage to leap headfirst into a career as a professional dancer.
It gave me the sense to study marketing and become a consultant before delving into high fashion.
Most importantly, it staved off complacency.
From trekking the Rockies to marveling at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, I sought adventure.
From listening to the blues in Tennessee and discovering underground raves in New York City to photographing dawn in Varanasi, it gave me thirst.
From rehabilitating after a spinal injury and many, many broken bones to rigorous introspective journeys, it gave me grit.
With a year left in my 20s, that rebellious teenager continues to keep her promise.
This breath of fresh air, this moment of clarity while gazing over the Manhattan skyline has elucidated 20 lessons which have fostered mindful evolution.
Shivika Sinha is a former professional dancer and choreographer based in New York. She was raised in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Vietnam, India and Bangladesh.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Intellectual curiosity is gratifying and attractive.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Say less than what is necessary.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
You only fail when you fail to learn.
Failure is your best guide, embrace it.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Doubt often means 'No'.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Begin the process of bouncing back, immediately.
Make strides, not excuses.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Keep travelling.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Your character and destiny are the sum of what you do daily.
Don't waste a day.
Live mindfully.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Give more than you receive.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Meditate.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Your relationships will shape your life.
Invest in good people.
Never underestimate the importance of flow.
You can't force relationships.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Ladies and gentlemen take note, glamour begins with impeccable grooming.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
You have more grit than you realise. Push yourself.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Social prowess is invaluable.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Wisdom and intelligence are alluring.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Strive for excellence in the process, not perfection in the outcome.
The process will define your character and long term success.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Authenticity is your gift to yourself and those around you.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Exercise.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Rigorously introspect.
Question, explore and expand yourself.
Do this and don't stop, ever.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
You really are what you eat.
Truly. Don't underestimate the basics.
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20 life lessons I learned in my 20s
Nearly everything you've learnt about the value of your physical qualities is a lie.
Unlearn the messages from your peers and media.
Your appearance and self-worth are more unrelated than you can imagine.