I like to take some time around my birthday to reflect on the previous year. Sharing my journey, how much I have grown, the ups and downs… helps reset the clock for the next year. It also gives me great perspective looking back to where I have been and how far I have come. So today, on my 32nd birthday, I would like to share a few more life lessons I have learned this year. (See last year’s post here>>>31 and NOT counting.)
- Eat the damn cake. This one has been hard for me over the years. The world we live in, unfortunately puts way to much pressure on appearance. I have been aware of this fact from a far too young age. It has been a practice of mine for many years, to pass on the cake. The ice cream, glazed doughnuts, holiday pie, pretty much anything that represents ‘celebration’. And while I never really thought I was missing out on much, I ALWAYS had a strong sense of self. That I had to be different than everyone else. That I HAD to say no, to stay happy. How crazy is that?? Moderation really IS key. And after 32 years of saying NO, I’m now saying YES! and that my friends, is one heck of a breakthrough!
- Say YES, more. Have you ever had a day, when every answer from your mouth was YES? Yea, me neither. I would imagine it would be just like Jim Carey’s famous comedy, The Yes Man. And while running around saying yes to every question that you are ever asked isn’t reality, I think there is a profound lesson to be learned from the concept. Turning down invitations, generosities, or even something as simple as a play request from your toddler.. can suck the life right out of you. We all have things we NEED to do, but what about what we WANT to do? The bills will always be there, the house will always need to be cleaned. But those moments spent with loved ones, whether simple or big, only last for just that… a MOMENT.
- Show you care. My whole life I have always done little things for those I love, to show them how much I care. From a card, to a phone call, or picking up a small gift that reminds them of a funny time we shared.. I LIVE for this. I love putting a smile on someone else’s face, but most of all, I love how it makes ME feel!
- Help somebody if you can. My 31st year of life was a true testament to my wiliness to help others. I was forced to make some pretty hard decisions, but am so grateful that I chose to follow my heart instead of my head.
And my number one lesson I have learned this year, hangs as a reminder on a sign in my hallway;
“Always pray to have eyes that see the best in people, A heart that forgives the worst, A mind that forgets the bad, and a soul that never loses faith in God.”
Xoxo,
Mel.
