Everyone likes to celebrate their own birthdays… everyone, except me! Not because I am a party pooper or afraid to get old but because I feel it is so egocentric and narcissistic to celebrate one’s own birth day… as if the entire universe has to be grateful because I pointed out my head out of my mother’s vagina on that day (and for the reference, it was my mom who did all the work and the pushing).

It was my birthday recently and as always, I chose not to celebrate - at least not extravagantly. I was blessed with friends and families who respected my will. So there was no big “surpiiiiise, we’re here!” or a ridiculous three-tier cake with sparklers… no fancy themed-parties… just a couple of drinks, dinners and an unimaginable amount of laughter that made me realize that despite everything I went through throughout my 31 years on this planet, I was still very lucky.

As I reflected on my life’s incredible series of highs and lows, I realized that both the happy and sad days have taught me unforgettable lessons:

1-     Surround yourself with like-minded people... people who are courageous enough to take risks with you and passionate enough not to give up on you!

2-     Smile… always, not because life is beautiful but because your smile is.

3-     Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone... you'll be surprised by how much you'll like it.

4-     Everything happens for a reason… really. Sometimes it will take you a while to understand, but you eventually will and when you do, you will be very grateful it happened.

5-     People come and go... Don’t clutter your life with unnecessary acquaintances. Never beg someone to stay… Staying is a choice, leaving is too.

6-     As long as it isn't stage four cancer, nothing is impossible. Every problem has a solution.

7-     Remember to breathe.

8-     Dreams do come true only if you believe and dare dreaming.

9-     There are no mistakes, there are only lessons learned.

10-   Surround yourself with people who know how to make you smile even when you're at your lowest...

11-   Give eggplants a second chance… not people.

12-   Travel alone… Enjoy your own company… Fall in love with yourself… There is a risk though that you will start questioning the need for all that noise around you.

13-   Some things blossom despite lack of attention… Flowers are one, relationships are not.

14-   Don't wait for recognition... whatever you do, do it for yourself, for self-satisfaction not for compliments.

15-   No one has put a spell on you... your misfortune is not a result of an evil eye. It is just life...

16-   Never care about what people say... they'll always find something to talk about.

17-   Not everyone has to like you… unless you plan on starting a new religion or a political party.

18-   Never regret taking a chance… Jump at every opportunity… you never know where it might take you.

19-   You come first because eventually, everyone will leave…

20-   Distance yourself from negative people… unless you’re a therapist.

21-   Allow yourself to make new friends. Some people you meet will change the course of your life.

22-   The more you think about dieting, the more weight you gain.

23-   Don’t expect people to change… you should learn to adapt instead.

24-   Laugh... often… this is the best therapy.

25-   Finding a job is like getting pregnant… once you get off the pill, it can happen in a month, or a year… you just need to keep trying.

26-   Sow in the right place and you will reap at the right time.

27-   People are wolves not sheep… Don’t let appearances fool you.

28-   Everyone is dispensable. Never think you’re too important to be replaced.

29-   Do not pretend you can change the world when you can’t even change your own life. Start with yourself first.

30-   There is nothing wrong with giving up… some things aren’t worth fighting for. Save your energy and your nerves.

31-   Do not race, do not compete… Just be better… naturally…