8 Life Lessons From A 28-Year-Old Mermaid

In the life of a Mermaid everyday is one big celebration, but today is extra special. Partially because a good deal of the world is in constant chill mode, but mainly because today marks another fabulous year in the life of Gennah Rodriguez.

Call me crazy, but I enjoy growing another year older.

Why you ask? Because with age comes wisdom— duh.

You live and you learn. It’s that simple.

Now I’m not implying I’m a life guru or anything (but…) I think it’s safe to say, I’ve done some major living in my time. So as I open my heart to the knowledge this year of 28 will bring, I want to share a couple of life lessons I’ve learned along the way.

1. Make Healthy A Habit

As you get older, it gets harder to cultivate new habits and let go of the old. The sooner you begin to live a healthy lifestyle, the sooner your body will begin to thank you.

I mean, Taco Bell is cute at 22. But trust me, that shit will catch up to you one day.

Could be your arteries, could be your ass. Either way, genetics will decide.

2. Stay True To You

I’m not going to lie, in our social media #GennahRation it’s hard not to compare your hustle to another’s highlight reel. But no matter how deep you scroll into a strangers Instagram, always remember— everyone’s journey is different, and that is what makes us special in our own ways.

Get clear on what is important to you, and focus on living life by staying true to the values of your own heart.

3. Keep A Journal

Challenging myself to write in a journal everyday challenges me to live a life worth writing about. There’s a therapeutic feeling that comes from allowing your mind to flow freely. Journaling helps clear your thoughts and open your mind to your deepest desires.

The last five years of life are scribbled inside the pages of my journals, and it’s so fucking cool to go back and see how much I’ve grown on this wild ass journey.

4. Never Underestimate A Morning Dance Party

Before I begin another fabulous day in the life of me, I celebrate it all with a morning dance party. No joke, it’s my favorite way to get those good vibes flowing for the day ahead.

Don’t knock it till you try it. Put on your favorite jam and let it all go, clothing is optional (however, I don’t recommend it).

5. Strangers Have The Best Stories

As a little girl I used to watch my dad make friends with the strangers everywhere we went— on airplanes, at bar tops and even in Boston. It wasn’t until I became older I realized, I picked up that quality from him and I couldn't be more thankful to be my father's daughter.

There is so much to learn about life by engaging in a little conversation with a total stranger. The secret is to ask questions, listen with intention and share your wildest dreams.

I mean, you never have to see them again. Plus you never know who you will meet, so really you have nothing to lose! Opening up to complete strangers only helps you see a spark in yourself you may have never noticed before.

6. Time Is Money

Think about it, we get paid an hourly rate, or yearly salary. Obviously, time is our most valuable entity in life. As you begin to search for career path that’s best for you, don’t focus on the money you want to earn, focus on how you want to spend your time.

7. You Are A Product Of Your Environment

Take a look at the world around you, is your job fueling your fire or burning you out? Are the people you surround yourself with helping you toward success, or holding you back? I’m pretty sure we learned about Darwin’s Theory of evolution in like 5th grade.

In order to grow in a way that’s best for you, it’s important to create an environment that will allow your unique talents to shine.

8. Never Grow Up, Never Give Up

Somewhere between childhood and adulthood we are taught to sacrifice precious hours of playtime for the daily grind. We lose touch with our inner child because we think we are too old to try something new, we stop learning because we hesitate to ask questions, and we let fear fill our minds because the future is some scary shit.

There comes a point where we begin to feel the suffocation of others expectations, eventually giving up our true desires, in order to grow up and experience a lukewarm warm life. The key to remaining forever young is to never lose your sense of childlike wonder and never give up on becoming your best self.

I may be pushing 30, but I'm the biggest kid you'll ever meet. Life is short so don't let the burdens of adulting keep you from enjoying it.

The last 28 years have been quite the ride and I like to think I'm just getting started. It's incredible looking back and realizing I’ve become everything my mini mermaid self has dreamed of.

I couldn't be more proud of the wise woman I am today, and I'm not sure what the next handful of years will bring, but I know there is a lot more to discover along the way.

Here's to more living and more learning.

Now in the words of my spirit animal Rihanna “It’s my birthday I’ll get high if I want to.”

Happy 4/20 Mermaids.

xx Fins & Kisses,

The Mermaid.