Thursday, September 16, 2010

THINGS I'VE LEARNED (so far) THIS YEAR...

The kitchen is my favorite room in the house.




I really love it in there. And I'm pretty spoiled considering the fact that the size of the kitchen is totally disproportionate to the size of my cozy bungalow. I ain't complaining.

Quitting smoking (REALLY quitting) is REALLY hard to do. Those of you who have never smoked, try to imagine kicking your caffiene or sugar habit. My advice to kids (and adults who may be looking to up the "cool" factor) is to not start in the first place. Ever.

Don't assume anything. Just ask. This makes things way more simple. Seriously. Try it.

Balancing a budget with very little money can be hard. After my Executive Assistant job of 3 years ended, I struggled (and am consequently still struggling) to make the shift to the "no extra cash to spare" frame of mind. It's been a long and sometimes stressful road but I must say that I am much happier and at peace with where my life is heading currently. Money isn't everything. I'm learning that a wealth of friends, love and knowledge is crucial to leading a happy and fulfilling life.

Fear is all in your head. Stop being afraid. Now.

Walking around with a smile on your face will make you and the people around you feel better. They'll probably even smile back at you. For all you 'fraidy cats, please refer to the previous statement.

Being positive can be contagious. I didn't realize just how important it is to surround yourself with positive thinking (and forward moving) people. It takes a creative thinker to turn a seemingly undesirable situation into a better one, but with practice it's so very doable and after a while it becomes second nature.

I'm still learning to take time for myself and to not immediately feel lonely once I have it. It's a work in progress but I now know it's okay to step away from everyone to sort out my thoughts. In fact, I think it's absolutely essential.

Confidence.

Which brings me to "Remembering not take everything personally". It can be hard, but once you take the personal factor out of most conflicts you remove the sting. Once the sting is gone, the hurt isn't there to remind you of what a douche so and so is. And then you're able to it let go.
Easy, right?

As long as your intentions and motivations are driven by love, I say don't bother putting too much stock into what other people may think about you.

Having a journal is invaluable. Get one. Use it daily. I also think actually writing as opposed to typing is theraputic too because you're less likely to focus on mistakes and your subconscious may flow more freely (but that's my preference). Journaling helps me to check in with myself. Sometimes things that I don't even realize I've been holding on to get released onto the page, thereby freeing up valuable real estate in my head. For instance, I had a realization while journaling that I had built up walls to protect myself from various things. Which is clearly something I need to deal with.

Say yes to things. Being adventurous can be inspiring and elightening. Plus you learn a lot about yourself when you're out of your comfort zone.

Love must flow without expectations or conditions. I'm working on it.

Of course there's more but that's what's in my heart at the moment. I've learned a lot this year, and I'm looking forward to the lessons to come. I hope to continue to be open to learning until my very last breath.

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