My favorite artist's 28th birthday is this week. In lieu of Rihanna’s birthday I have complied a list of lessons I have learned from her.
1. “They can say whatever, I’ma do whatever. No pain is forever.”
It’s time to stop caring about what other people think about you or the things that you do. Only you can live your life, therefore, you should live it how you want to live it.
2. “Tomorrow's way too far away and we can't get back yesterday but we young right now we got right now so get up right now 'cause all we got is right now.”
Live in the now. Enjoy your life for as long as you can. Yes, you have to go to work or go to school to prepare or advance your future, but do not forget about enjoying your life. Today only happens once. Live it up!
3. Changing your hair is making a statement.
I know Rihanna isn’t the first person to embrace this, but she’s someone in my generation that has changed her hair time after time. Her hair is sometimes a reflection of the mood of her albums. Her hair is sometimes a reflection of what’s going on with her life. She proves that hair isn’t just hair; hair is part of our personal expression and you should make a statement with it.
4. Be the boss that you are.
Rihanna has actually said those word; she lives those words. She created her own record label, Westbury Road Entertainment, and is in a lane of her own. She doesn’t answer to anyone but herself. You should strive to be a boss. Work hard so that you can call the shots.
5. People don’t change; they grow.
Some people say they miss the old Rihanna that sang songs like “Pon De Replay” or “Umbrella.” They say that she changed. No one stays 17 forever. We all grow up. If you are the same person you were two years ago, you are making no progress to being a better person in all aspects of your life.
6. It’s okay to be a little petty.
Rihanna has had her fair share of Twitter beefs. Some of those beefs are because of her being petty. Being petty is alright because it forces you to say what you really feel. Yes, it can be hurtful, but it’s not healthy to pretend to be kind. Being petty is something you should do amongst friends for laughs, not for tears.
7. “Pay me what you owe me.”
Don’t expect anything less from people. Some people will try to get over on you; don’t let them. Get what you deserve.
8. “It’s best if you just wait your turn.”
Patience is a virtue. Everything will not always happen when you want it to and that is fine. Just wait and work for your time. Don’t give up.
9. Embrace your sexy.
Rihanna does not mind embracing her sexy. We live in rape culture which basically means that if you are “too sexy” you’re asking to be raped. No one asks to be raped. It is okay to love your body and tastefully show it off. Emphasis on tastefully.
10. “Work, work, work.”
Rihanna’s new song with Drake asks her lover to work hard to be with her. You need to work hard for everything in your life.
I know Rihanna isn’t perfect, but who is? Everyone has life lessons to teach others. Happy birthday Rihanna! I hope you have many more years to teach us interesting life lessons.
