Birthday Reflections: 10 Traits for Achieving a Happy & Healthy Life by Elisa Schmitz

Opinion
5 years ago

Birthday Reflections: 10 Traits for Achieving a Happy & Healthy Life

Birthdays may mean we are another year older, but I focus on the fact that we’re also one year better. Each of us is on a unique journey. This birthday, I am reflecting on the 10 traits that I believe have helped me get this far in life.

1. Be resilient – Resilience allows you to experience adversity and overcome it. Bouncing back from negative events is perhaps the most vital skill to being a successful person. We all experience failure; it is often the best way to learn. It’s what you do after the failure that makes all the difference in how you perceive life and your ability to succeed in the future.

2. Be fearless Being fearless does not mean that we do not feel fear. It means that in spite of our fears, we move forward. It’s OK to be afraid. Just don’t let it stop you. 

3. Be passionate – Why do something if your heart isn’t in it? Life is too short to spend your time on things that mean nothing to you. Find your passion and pursue it with purpose and intention. Chances are good that you will succeed. 

4. Be adaptable – If there’s one thing that is constant, it is change. Surprises (not always the happy kind) are around every corner. Don’t be surprised by surprises, especially in these volatile times. Keep calm in the chaos. The ability to be flexible and adapt to a constantly changing environment is key to staying happy and healthy. 

5. Be kind – Because, why be hurtful? It costs us nothing to treat each other with kindness, and the outcomes are so much better than treating each other with disrespect or hatred. Kindness begets kindness. Please, pass it on. 

6. Be empathetic – Expand your mind, and your heart, to allow room for others’ thoughts, opinions and perspectives, even if they are far different than your own. Empathy allows you to hear and feel others, and by doing so, you may learn something or find more room in your heart because of it. And really, can you ever have too much heart? 

7. Be grateful – Every day, find a reason to be thankful. Look around and notice the little things. Even on the darkest of days, we can find gratitude. And when you feel grateful, life is simply better. 

8. Be loving – Show your love to those you care about. Life is fragile, and we never know when someone will be taken from us. Whether through words, actions or both, make sure those around you feel your love. It makes a difference in their health and happiness, as well as your own. 

9. Be mindful – Awareness of what’s going on in the world and a deeper connection to it can make a huge difference in how you move through life. Even if you are not religious or spiritual, it is helpful to believe in something bigger than yourself and to know that we are all connected. If you are feeling disconnected and adrift, mindfulness may help you gain focus and clarity, and feel the positive energy you need to succeed. 

10. Be hopeful – You know those days when nothing is going right and you just don’t feel like you’ll make it through? You will, and the sun will rise again. Every day brings a fresh start, a chance to move forward more positively than the previous day. Don’t ever give up hope. It is always there. 

Thank you for being part of my birthday by reading this. I appreciate you!

Photo: Feeling joy while doing yoga on a beach swing at sunset in Phuket, Thailand, on my birthday last year.

Photo: Feeling joy while savoring the fall foliage in my backyard on my birthday this year.

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Donna John
Happy birthday, Elisa! You hold a special place in my heart, and I hope you have an amazing 50th birthday today! Love you! Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you so much, Donna John ! One of the best memories of this birthday is sharing it with YOU last month. Thank you for all you do and all you share. You are such an amazing person and I love you! xoxo
Christie Gosch
Welcome to the 50-year-old club! I love this tip and your reflection on life, so spot on. Much love to you my beautiful friend!
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you so much, Christie Gosch ! Love you, my sweet friend!!! xoxo
Heather Holter
Wait what?! I thought you were about my age (42)! You look great!
Elisa Schmitz
You are so sweet to say that, Heather Holter , thank you!
Dieter Schmitz
You set the bar ... not just for birthdays, but for life! Happy Birthday, my Darling Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds ❣️❣️
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you for making all of my days special, Dieter Schmitz , and especially my birthdays. I am grateful for the gift of YOU. xoxo
Margaret Steck
Happy Birthday, my friend! Welcome to 50! It looks positively radiant on you! xoxo
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you so much, Margaret Steck ! You set the bar pretty high, my beautiful friend! xoxo
Meredith Schneider
LOVE this! So beautiful! Happy Happy Birthday! Love you xoxoxox
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you so much, my sweet friend, Meredith Schneider ! Love you tons! xoxo
Terri Kendrick
Although I haven't met you, I can tell that you embody every single one of these traits! That photo on the swing says it all! Happy 50th!
Elisa Schmitz
So kind of you to say, Terri Jones ! I truly appreciate your lovely wishes. You helped mark this milestone with a smile (no more tears), thank you! :-)
Kathy Ast
Wonderful post! Happy birthday to you!! You’re just getting started!!❤️
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you so much, Kathy Ast-Kutzbach ! It really does feel that way, which is why I'm confounded as to how I got to this age so quickly, yikes! ;-) Appreciate your support, and sending big love to you and Stacie Ast-Kutzbach ! xoxo
Dieter Schmitz
Happy Day-after-Birthday, my dearest Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds !! Every day with you is a blessing!! 🎃❣️
Mei Marcie
Happy Birthday Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds and so glad that things are looking so good for you in recent years!
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you so much for your kind wishes and feedback, Dieter Schmitz , Mei Marcie and Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead ! Appreciate you so very much! xoxo

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