بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

date: 10/27/2023

author: hawa ali drammeh

I decided to make this a birthday tradition! I turned 22 a few days ago(getting old omg)! These articles are gifts to myself . They allow me to reflect on my year and work towards an even better one, and share my learnings with others.

I wrote a lot in my last article for my 21st birthday, but from now on I will only write as many tips as my age. Without further ado, here are 22 things I learned from age 21 → 22 , which serve as a reminder to myself first! 😃

  1. Listen to Your Body and Soul

I’ve come to understand that our health is intricately tied to the alignment of our body, soul, and mind. Through my experiences with health issues over the past year, I’ve learned that ignoring the signals from any of these can lead to suffering. It’s essential never to put yourself in a situation where you’re at odds with your body’s wisdom. This principle applies to physical actions, energy, and thoughts.

When you sense negative energy from those around you, it’s important to trust your instincts and distance yourself from such situations. If someone consistently causes you stress or physical discomfort within your body, it’s a sign that they might not be a healthy presence in your life. Furthermore, suppressing intense emotions can lead to serious physical and mental health issues. Allowing your body to experience and process these emotions is vital for your well-being.

Being in environments or around people that force you to suppress your true emotions and thoughts can be detrimental to your health. It’s essential to pay attention to your instincts, emotional responses, and overall well-being to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.

2. Consume Self-Growth Content Mindfully Self-help and self-growth content, whether it’s in the form of books, videos, or podcasts, can be incredibly valuable, but moderation is key. Knowledge is only as useful as the actions it inspires. In the digital age, there’s a temptation to consume self-help content voraciously, often leading to the illusion of personal transformation without meaningful change.

Rather than rushing through self-help materials, I’ve adopted a slower, more deliberate approach. I tackle self-growth books one chapter at a time, diving into deep reflection and dedicating weeks to applying each chapter’s insights in real life. This deliberate pace has prevented me from deluding myself and has resulted in more meaningful personal growth. Find a rhythm that works for you, but remember that taking action on what you learn is the essence of self-improvement.