Alexandra Konstanti

The number 35 doesn’t feel like such a significant amount when thinking about years lived on Earth. Consider this: the first 20 years are spent struggling to finish school, trying to understand what’s going on around you, figuring out what others expect from you, and starting to grasp what you like—or at least a bit of it. That leaves just 15 years to navigate your own life and begin creating something that truly represents your needs and desires. It’s not much time.

During those years, you face the daunting world of work, the frustrations of fruitless communication with family, friends, and colleagues, and the romantic odyssey that can feel like a never-ending saga. And there you are, in the middle of it all, trying to catch your breath, take a break, and remain true to yourself.

I feel that even if there were a manual for life, it wouldn’t be enough. It’s not just about reading the instructions; it’s about putting them into practice. That’s where the real learning happens. Through failures and repeated patterns, you begin to realize and internalize some kind of wisdom—a wisdom that becomes second nature, arising naturally from within.

These are my lessons so far:

1. My body and stamina will change.
Before 35, my body seemed to operate on autopilot. Whatever I asked of it, it delivered without complaint or pain. I never questioned if I could do something; I simply did it. My stamina was a given, and sleepless nights, endless partying, and overindulgence in alcohol appeared to have little impact on my daily life. When you’re young, you feel invincible, like a god. Nobody can prepare you for the changes. It is like a second puberty. The body is detail by detail transforming, the curves change a little bit, you are becoming more and more adult.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have a strong, healthy body after 35. On the contrary, many people improve their fitness and wellness as they age. But there’s a shift—a moment when your body begins to demand more care. It cries out for exercise, better nutrition, and mindful attention. This change isn’t necessarily negative. It’s a call to brush up, to nurture yourself, and to build a relationship with your body that ensures its strength and vitality for the years to come.

2. Parents grow as well.

As I grow, my parents grow older too. I was so used to seeing them young, vibrant, and strong, but this image gradually changes with the passage of time. One day, I return home and notice that they no longer do things with the same ease as before—their movements slower, their memories a bit hazy. It becomes clear that they now need care, just as they once cared for me as their child.

Coming to terms with the fact that the strong, dependable figures in your life are becoming more fragile is a profound shock. The dynamics of your relationship shift, and you find yourself stepping into a new role, learning to be the caregiver, the guide—not only for them but for yourself as well.

3. Accepting emotions and letting go.

I confess, I didn’t know how to accept other people’s emotions. When they expressed their feelings, I would react with anger, frustration, sadness, or guilt. I wasn’t in a state to truly listen or understand them. The truth is, I treated my own emotions the same way—feeling ashamed of them, trying to hide or avoid them entirely.

In the end, this avoidance only created distance—both from others and from myself. It took time, but I learned that embracing emotions, rather than fearing them, is the key to connection, healing, and growth.

4. Time- the most valuable good.

Time is an asset I cannot buy, and how I choose to distribute it each day profoundly affects my quality of life and my physical and emotional well-being. Spending time on things or people I don’t truly value, losing precious moments to activities that drain my energy, or lingering too long on negative thoughts and worst-case scenarios inevitably leaves its mark on my future. While I may not always succeed in managing my time wisely, I’ve learned to choose my battles carefully and to reflect on where I invest my time. I’ve come to understand when it’s important to “gift” time—setting aside selfish impulses to prioritize connection, compassion, or purpose.

Every choice creates a ripple effect, shaping not only my days but also the weeks and years to come. Spending time intentionally—on what fosters joy, growth, and peace—isn’t just a goal; it’s essential to living a truly meaningful life.

Some more of them in a nutshell:

5. Nature is super nourishing for body, mind and soul.

6. Work- Life balance is very important. My identity or value is not my job.

7. Not taking other’s statements personally is truly a gift.

8. Managing to have savings and think wisely about money is an act of self care.

9. Comparison with others can lead to a super miserable life.

10. When you know where to shut up, you are happier.

11. I need to listen to my instincts, not my impulses.

Bonus: When I remember to floss my teeth, I feel their gratitude!

What is your most recent life lesson?