Dear Art Lover,

43 times around the sun equals approximately 40 billion kilometers! 😲 If you weren't learning something during that sort of circumnavigation, you're missing out!

For my inaugural blog post, a list of life lessons seemed a good place to start. On the surface, there might not be much 'art' in this list, but almost all of it has to come before the art.

So in no particular order here's my list:

43 things life has taught me

1. Getting to have the birthday is the gift
2. Be grateful
3. The little things are the big things
4. Good food is good fuel
5. Exercise gives not takes
6. Why not you?
7. Yes, you can
8. Sleep is golden
9. Meditation is revelation
10. A paintbrush can’t change the world
11. But the person holding it can
12. Life is easier without alcohol
13. It’s not too late
14. You can teach an old dog new tricks
15. Dream - bigger
16. Stop trying to fit in
17. Know for yourself before you judge
18. Judge less
19. Quirky > conformation
20. Giving is receiving
21. People are too busy worrying about their own flaws to worry about yours
22. Change is good
23. Be confident enough to fail
24. Unplug
25. It will pass
26. You can’t always see the struggle
27. Vulnerability > perfection
28. Go to bed earlier
29. If you have to force it, it’s not ready
30. Put your hand up
31. Walking is the best therapy
32. Sun tan lotion
33. You’re not for everyone - and that's good
34. There’s no place like home
35. Someone already has
36. You don’t have to go to the party
37. There’s beauty everywhere
38. Compromise more
39. Back yourself
40. Feel
41. Anticipation can be sweeter than the having
42. Live in the now
43. But what if it does work out?

If you were writing a letter to your 20-year-old self, what would you add?

x Mel