Advice I’ve Learnt From My Older Sisters
Growing up with older sisters means having a built-in team of mentors, friends, and sometimes, strict life coaches. Over the years, my sisters have offered plenty of wisdom—some from their own experiences and others from what they've learned along the way. Here are the top pieces of advice they've given me that have shaped how I approach life:
1) Keep Good Family Relationships
“Family is everything.” This is something my sisters remind me of constantly. No matter what happens in life, good family relationships are vital. Whether it’s calling parents just to check in, organizing family dinners, or making time for siblings, they’ve always stressed that keeping close bonds with family members gives you strength. It’s about nurturing relationships that are supportive and full of love. Family, after all, is will always be there for you, so why not be there for them 😊.
2) Stay Educated
“Never stop learning.” My sisters always encourage me to stay curious and keep growing intellectually. Whether it's reading extra books, making flashcards on quizlet, or even revising a month before everyone else, staying educated keeps you relevant and sharp. They’ve shown me that education isn’t just about degrees or school—it’s about cultivating a mindset that seeks knowledge. It’s this continuous pursuit of learning that empowers you to navigate life with confidence.
3) Forgive and Forget
“Life’s too short to hold grudges.” Believe me when I say this, forgiveness is one of the hardest things to practice, but my sisters have always emphasized the freedom that comes with it. By forgiving and letting go of past hurts, you free yourself from emotional baggage that only weighs you down. It’s about protecting your peace and allowing room for new, positive experiences. This advice has helped me maintain healthier relationships, both with my friends, my family and even myself.
4) Eat Well + Play Hard
“Balance is key!” My sister's always told me to live a healthy life, but that doesn't mean strict diets or working out endlessly - it's about balance. They believe in eating nutritious meals but also enjoying what you love in moderation. Along with that, they encourage staying active through sports or fitness routines. From running together on the treadmill to playing tennis in the summer, we’ve always bonded through physical activities. Eating well fuels your body, and playing hard keeps it in shape—both are crucial for feeling good inside and out.
5) Cleanse and Moisturise Your Face (Every Day)
“Take care of your skin, and it’ll take care of you.” My sisters introduced me to the world of skincare early on (when I was about 10/11), and if there’s one thing they’ve drilled into me, it’s to cleanse and moisturise my face every day—no excuses! At first, I used to laugh at them and tell them it's a waste of time but I realise now that I was wrong. Cleansing removes the grime of the day, while moisturizing keeps your skin hydrated and protected. This simple routine has been my secret weapon for achieving a healthy looking skin, and it’s something I can’t imagine skipping anymore.
6) Learn How to Cook a Few Staple Meals
“Cooking is a life skill.” You don’t need to be a gourmet chef, but one of my older sisters believes that knowing how to cook a few staple meals is essential. Not only does it save money, but it also ensures that you can feed yourself healthy, home-cooked meals. My sister is teaching me how to make a delicious pasta recipe, a simple garlic chicken recipe and the bestest chocolate chip cookies. Knowing my way around the kitchen has made me feel more self capable, and it’s honestly quite fun once you get the hang of it.
7) Plan in Advance
“Good planning sets you up for success.” My sisters are big planners. They are one of my biggest inspirations when my twin sister and I made the brand 'Styled By Sakuranbo' (they were in fact the people that introduced me to notion, and I thank them so much 🫶). I try to plan everyday with notion because it has really helped me stay on top of my tasks, goals, and appointments in a way that feels organized but also fun. It’s all about setting intentions and creating a roadmap to reach your dreams 💫.
8) Be True to Yourself
“One of the most important relationships you have is with yourself.” My sisters always remind me to stay authentic. In a world where it’s easy to get caught up in what others expect, being true to yourself ensures that you’re living a life that aligns with your values. Whether it’s making career choices, forming friendships, or simply navigating day-to-day decisions, staying true to who I am has kept me grounded in the place I want to be.
These eight little nuggets of advice from my sisters have helped shape my mindset, my habits, and my current life in so many ways. Whether it's in maintaining healthy family relationships, staying active, or just taking care of myself, I’m so lucky to have had their guidance. Hopefully, these lessons can offer a little wisdom for anyone else out there trying to navigate life.
I hope you enjoyed these tips,
Co-founder of Styled By Sakuranbo 🌸