All Posts By Charlene Gonzalez

Happy Birthday to me! Today I’m celebrating a new decade, the big 3-0! I’ve decided that the best way to celebrate is by sharing all the wisdom I’ve acquired these past years. I also wanted to accompany this post with a very special photoshoot embracing my new age in a sexy, confident & empowering way. My life has been a series of educational events which have made me the strong and courageous woman I am today. These are a few life lessons I wish I knew when I was younger and want to share with you all.

1. It always gets better. Even though I’ve been through some very rough times in my 30 years of life, I have learned that frustration, suffering, anger, pain, and struggles always get better. It just takes a bit of time. Remember that every day is a new day to begin again.
2. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Get to know a person before you decide what you think about them. Give people a chance.
3. You can’t please everyone. Live life for yourself. You don’t need everyone to agree with you or even like you. Wanting to belong, to be liked, respected and valued is in our human nature but it should never come at the expense of your integrity and happiness.
4. You don’t always get what you want. No matter how carefully you plan things out sometimes things don’t work out as you expect. Life is full of surprises and we get led in different directions. We have so many expectations and visions of what our “ideal” life is but you have to accept things the way they are and try a new path.

5. Money doesn’t grow on trees. Believe me I’ve learned this the hard way. Don’t spend more than you have. Live within your means because budgeting is one of the most important parts of life. SAVE MONEY, plan ahead for emergencies. Financial discipline will save you from difficult moments.
6. Every decision you make has a consequence. You’re decisions may bring you either good or bad results. Life is all about making decisions. Follow your heart and analyze every detail before making a hasty decision.
7. Love Yourself. Personally I wasted so much of my teenage years and early twenties with many insecurities. Appreciate who you are. You are beautiful. You will find true happiness when you push past your insecurities, accept and love yourself completely.
8. Smile more often. Your smile is your best accessory. Fill your life and the world around you with your happiness.
9. You can accomplish anything you want. But you have to work really hard for it. Be persistent and don’t give up.
10. Choose your friends wisely. I personally have VERY few friends. Past betrayals have thought me to be careful with the people I let close. Though I may have few friends they are worth gold.
11. Exercise. This is something I have always struggled with. Believe me my 30 year old body hates me for putting out on its physical needs. Now I understand the importance of exercise.
12. Relationships will fail, your heart will be broken but it’s not the end of the world. You may drown yourself in tears and think life is over. Trust me I’ve been in some pretty horrible relationships. I’ve even been cheated on. My heart has been torn and crushed but I’m alive. If you loose yourself in a relationship or aren’t appreciated move on. Sooner or later you will find someone who truly loves and values you.
13. Mistakes are lessons learned. Don’t live your life regretting your mistakes. Learn from them. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes either, they make you stronger and smarter.
14. Don’t believe everything you hear. Gullible, use to be my middle name until I gained a bit of malice. Not everyone is honest.
15. Try new things. Step out of your comfort zone. Commit yourself to new experiences and adventures. Enjoy everything life has to offer. Have fun!
16. Face your fears. Fear is the greatest obstacle blocking the way towards our dreams. Amazing things happen when you face you fears.
17. Live in the moment. Live within the now by making the most of your moments only to create great and unforgettable memories.
18. Relax. Life gets very busy and you don’t want to become stressed or anxious. It’s very important to find time for yourself and do something that brings you peace and tranquility.
19. Visit your doctor. Aches and pains are indicators of something. A regular visit to the doctor can save your life. This really means something coming from someone who hates visiting the doctor’s office.
20. Never say never. Don’t live under that false pretense. Everything is possible.
21. Love is a choice. Those butterflies in your stomach don’t last forever. Love is not only a feeling but also a choice. Relationships take a lot of work. We have to be tolerant, kind, loving, forgiving, respectful, supportive and just let annoyances pass. No one is perfect, Mr. & Mrs. Perfect don’t exist.
22. Enjoy your youth. Once you get older you’ll want to be a teenager again so live your young years to the fullest but wisely.
23. Skin care and hygiene is everything! Take care of your skin, hair, face, teeth (check  this post for dental services), nails and your total body.
24. Be positive. Our thoughts influence every aspect in life. Having a positive mindset brings positive outcomes. Positive thinking and success go hand in hand.
25. Be encouragement to others. Saying encouragement words and giving hope to others can change their lives.
26. God first. Put God 1^st before anything and everything else will fall into place. Through any situation place your faith in God. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me”-Philippians 4:13
27. Forgive. You will disappoint yourself. Others will disappoint you. Forgiving frees and liberates you. Resentment and grudges cause you unnecessary pain. Forgive and let go for your own wellbeing and happiness.
28. Love always wins. Revenge is never the answer. Kill those who hurt you with kindness. When you show love to someone who doesn’t deserve it you win the battle.
29. Don’t take anything for granted. We tend not to appreciate what we have until it’s gone: this includes health, your family and friends, your job and money. Nothingin your life is guaranteed to be there tomorrow, including those you love. This being the hardest but most important lesson to learn. Life can change in an instant. Make sure you appreciate what you have, while you still have it.
30. You are still young at 30. There is so much more to fulfill and learn in life, many experiences and adventures to enjoy and tons of goals to accomplish. 30 mean’s I’m wiser and stronger. I’m ready to conquer the world and a whole new decade.

Be You, Be Lovely

Charlene Gonzalez

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By Charlene Gonzalez

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