I Wish I Knew Sooner Before 35

Turning 35 felt like hitting a milestone — a moment where life’s lessons start to click into place, and things that once seemed confusing suddenly make sense. Whether it’s about people, mindset, or simply learning to enjoy the little things, these reflections have helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.

1. People come into our lives for different reasons.

Some stay to teach us, others leave once their lesson is done — and that’s okay.

2. Things happen for a reason, even if it’s unclear at first.

With time, you’ll see how those moments quietly prepared you for what’s next.

3. Life tests us like a game with levels.

If you can’t pass a stage, it keeps coming back until you do. When the same problem shows up again and again, it’s worth asking: Am I trying to solve this the right way?

4. Your attitude shapes your life.

It’s not always easy, but being open, curious, and willing to learn — whether through conversations, books, or reflection — is how we grow.

5. Give yourself an hour a day for personal growth.

Reading, journaling, or even watching an inspiring movie counts. It’s that consistent habit that makes a difference.

6. Small daily improvements add up.

Just 1% better each day builds momentum. Before you know it, the next 365 days will be leaps ahead of the last.

7. Me time is essential.

Take 2–3 hours at least once a week to do something you truly enjoy — no guilt, just you.

8. Know yourself to understand others.

Tools like MBTI or Enneagram can help highlight your strengths and blind spots, making empathy easier.

9. Find a mentor or coach who tells it like it is.

When you find someone honest and trustworthy, hold on tight. Those people are rare.

10. Logic is powerful, but intuition is wisdom.

Your gut is the sum of all your experiences talking at once. Trust it — sometimes it sees what reason can’t.

11. Get comfortable being alone.

It can feel strange at first, but you might find your own company is more enjoyable than you expected.

12. Say no more often.

Your time is precious. Choose carefully what you commit to.

13. Trust the process.

Keep making positive choices, and your goals will catch up with you.

14. Build genuine connections.

Show real interest, reach out regularly, listen deeply, and make conversations meaningful.

15. When you’re tired, pause.

Mental health comes first — everything else can wait.

16. Some people are just jerks.

Don’t waste your time. Run fast.

17. Don’t compare yourself to others — except to see your own growth.

Celebrate how far you’ve come.

18. Everyone carries an untold story.

Be kind. Always.

19. Trust that everything is working out, even when it doesn’t feel like it.

Lastly, my simple wish for happiness is pretty straightforward: savoring delicious food, exploring places I dream about, connecting with wonderful people, and staying healthy.

Ideally, these moments would brighten every day — but even once a week feels like a win.

This year, I finally treated myself to a long-awaited delight — a strawberry cream donut from Mello in Chinatown, paired with a latte. I took it to David Lam Park to soak in the cherry blossoms. In that peaceful moment, pure joy and contentment washed over me, reminding me how beautiful simple happiness can be.

If you want to see more of life here in Vancouver, come say hi on Instagram: @Puiionsunnyside. I’m a Thai marketer and photographer sharing stories from my corner of Canada.