… 38 Things…

It’s my birthday! I’m so excited. It’s also Chinese New Year and my birthday is the day before NYE in China. How cool is it that I get to celebrate and bring in the new year twice? It’s pretty dope! I hope you enjoy my #38Things list …

1. Kindness Matters 
2. It’s okay to ask for help 
3. There is nothing wrong with saying no. 
4. Take the trip! Don’t let anyone tell you that you shouldn’t because it’s not first class- and 5 Star hotels! Stay in your budget and enjoy. You know when the world is safe of course 😊 
5. Do something for yourself once a month. More if you can. 
6. Give! It feels good. Research two non-profits in your city/community and donate to each of them once a year. No donation is too small. 
7. Drink lots of water! 
8. Make time for your family and friends. The world is sick and in a weird place right now. So if it’s Zoom or House Party App or Skype or IG video or whatever you use find the time to slow down and connect with the people who mean a lot to you. 
9. Save! It’s important to save. Look at your budget and make a realistic plan for saving for your future 
10. Exercise … there are so many ways to keep active. Find what works for you and do that thing. 
11. Don’t be afraid to try new things! You might find out something you didn’t know about yourself 
12. Read. It’s important to read. Check out authors and genres that are not your usual choice. 
13. Laugh! Laugh a lot! It’s good for the soul. Comedy and comedians are subjective but find the ones that work for you and listen to them when you’re having a tough day. 
14. Push & Challenge yourself. Last year I hiked with some friends to the top of Yellow Mountain. I never thought I would be able to do that. I did it! What a great experience. 
15. Be thankful
16. Get a mentor – I have had mentors in various stages of my life and multiple and one time. There is nothing wrong with getting guidance from someone who has been where you plan on going!
17. Dream very Big 
18. Learn from your mistakes! I enjoyed the book “Failing Up” The best of the best have made so many mistakes and this is how we get better 
19. You spend most of your life at work! Find work that you love and that you are passionate about 
20. Work at being a better you
21. Marvel is greater than DC comics (I’m here from Wonder Woman though) 
22. Tell the people who are closest to you that you love them. You never know how long you have with them 
23. Be flexible in life. Be prepared for change. Your life will constantly change. 
24. Learn a second or third language 
25. PJ Morton and Anthony Evans are two of the best artists out there. I can listen to their music any day.  
26. Tacos are amazing and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, brunch, a quick snack or dinner! 
27. The worst someone can say is No. My dad taught me that. Don’t be afraid to ask for things. 
28. Demand what you deserve.               Do. Not. Settle. 
29. Love YOU! Beauty is subjective. Accept who you are and rock it! 
30. Stop doing more for others than they would do for you. Have boundaries in your friendships and relationships.
31. Public school is cheaper than private and you will still receive a great education. 
32. Never stop learning 
33. Be happy & Live from a place of joy as much as possible 
34. Keep a little cash tucked away somewhere. I promise it will come in handy one day. 
35. Have Fun. Life is short. 
36. Treat people the way you want to be treated. 
37. Try Yoga. It’s not that bad. 
38. Believe in something greater than you. I am a believer- CHRIST FOLLOWER. It is such a big part of my life. Pray. 

You can do it all. Maybe not all at once, but you can do everything you want. My mentor told me that right before I graduated from Georgia State University and when she told me I responded “How?”. I listed off all the things that I want to do and she said “Why can’t you do all those things?”. I really didn’t have an answer and  as we discussed it I realized I could do all the things I want to do just maybe not all at the same time. Life is a journey and while on this journey you get to have different experiences and it’s amazing. Don’t settle or limit yourself. 

Dream and Live Real Big. Believe in yourself. Travel as much as you can. 

-KMG, 2021 – Cheers 🥂 to this new year. 

I’ve turned 38! I don’t mind saying it at all! I’m so happy to see this day. So many people didn’t make it so I don’t take life for granted. 

I am sharing 38 things I know to be true. Hope they can help you in your daily lives. Take what works for you and please share some pearls of wisdom in the comments for me. 

Cheers 🥂 to 2021 being an afrotastically dope year! 

I hope you enjoy this song!

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE*