Life Lessons from My 29th Birthday: Reflections on Growth, Giving Back, and Being Human

Turning 29 brought a series of powerful lessons, milestones, and honest introspection on what it means to truly live life—beyond just chasing perfection or relentlessly chasing the next goal. Here are the life lessons I learned this year, woven through personal experiences, setbacks, and full-circle moments:

1. Giving Back to Your Roots

Returning to my alma mater and addressing 3,000+ students, faculty and parents was deeply humbling. Years ago, I was just another dream-filled student in the seats, and speaking there as an alumnus felt like the universe had come full circle. I learned that giving back is as essential as moving forward. The dreams you once held can come true, sometimes in ways even bigger than you imagined.

2. Progress Beats Perfection

This year reinforced for me that consistency in health, love, and life matters more than achieving perfection. It's about showing up, again and again—even on days when you’re not at your best.

3. Don’t Chase Too Hard

Whether in relationships or life goals, desperation rarely helps. The harder I tried to force some things, the more they slipped away. Relationships, especially, require sacrifice and letting things flow naturally.

4. Sort Out Your Basics

Handling your hygiene factors—health, finances, insurance—gives you the safety to chase bigger dreams without fear. This year, I bought my first insurance policy and finally realized the importance of being financially responsible.

5. Listen to Your Body

A sports injury kept me away from racket sports for six months and taught me not to overpush myself. Skimping on strength training led to that injury; now I know foundational routines matter.

6. Rechannel Energy after Setbacks

Every rejection or failure is an opportunity. I took up swimming after my racket sports injury and found new joy. It’s never the end of the world; every disappointment can be a redirection to something better.

7. Boundaries, Balance & Fun

Learning to set healthy boundaries is crucial with people, work, and time. Sometimes, breaking routines is what makes life memorable. I watched a film till 3AM with friends—and it was worth it (once in a while ;p).

8. Stop Over-Optimizing

Life, health, finances and time—sometimes keeping things simple is best. Obsessing over productivity or constantly “maximizing” becomes exhausting. It’s perfectly okay to take a day or an hour off.

9. Growth is Always Possible—Even at Rock Bottom

I hit some of my lowest points in career and health this year. But I realized: when you feel you can’t sink lower, all that’s left is to grow. Small steps set you on the upward path.

10. Don’t Drain Yourself Serving Others

If you empty your tank for everyone else, you can’t show up for those who matter most that is your family. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

11. Most Fears Are Only In Your Mind

We build mountains in our minds; most fears never materialize. Train your mind to focus on what’s real, not on imagined disasters.

12. Life Begins at the Edge of Your Comfort Zone

Growth, new perspectives, and peace come when you push yourself. Even something as small as talking to a stranger stretches you.

13. Friendships Change—That’s Okay

As I moved into my late twenties, friendships evolved or faded. Some friends are for a season, others a reason, and a few for a lifetime. Embrace the ebb and flow.

14. Rest is Productive Too

I’ve started taking complete days off—with zero guilt. Rest renews us, making the next effort stronger.

15. Practical Life Skills Are Underrated

Learning to cook or manage simple household stuff is more important than self-help gurus admit. This year, I took my first real steps in the kitchen (very small steps)—and it was empowering.

16. Giving and Generosity Matter

The best use of money isn’t just saving—it’s giving. The joy in buying a meal for a child outshined many of my other spending “wins.”

17. Acceptance Beats Self-Pressure

You might not always grow year to year—and that’s human. The self-help industry sells endless improvement, but self-compassion matters more.

18. Love is Complicated (and That’s Okay)

Love mixes sacrifice, acceptance, selflessness, and selfishness. I don’t have it all figured out yet, but I’m learning to embrace its complexity.

19. Fill Your Own Cup First

If you can’t enjoy your own company, you can’t be fully present for others. Peace of mind comes before you can give peace to the world.

20. You Are Not Responsible for Everyone’s Feelings

Caring is important, but remembering you can’t steer someone else’s emotional journey is freeing.

21. Don’t Forget to Have Fun

Joy, laughter, fun—they’re not distractions; they’re essential to a meaningful life.

22. Death Puts Life in Perspective

Experiencing the loss of loved ones reminded me to live so that, at the end, I’ll be remembered for kindness, light, impact and love.

Turning 29 has been about understanding life’s messiness, embracing imperfection, honoring small wins, setting boundaries, and finding joy in the ordinary. The biggest lesson: life isn’t about doing it all, but living it fully and kindly—one day at a time.