I know this blog post is a little different than my other posts, but heading into the new year I have been thinking about all the things I have learned over the years that I want to truly implement in my life this year! You know how sometimes you can know something in your head, but your heart hasn’t caught up? With several of these things, that is the case for me! I know they are true, but it’s hard in the day to day to carry them out. So, this blog post is just as much for me as it is for you. To write things down and see them in black and white makes a bigger impact than we know!

1 Love is always the answer. This sounds cheesy, but it’s true. If we love others we can’t go wrong.

2 Vulnerability is not a weakness. Usually vulnerability allows others to feel comfortable sharing their own struggles. It is a beautiful thing to have people in your life who know you intimately and can encourage and challenge you to grow and be better!

3 Your body is amazing (everything it has done). Oftentimes, especially as a woman, we can dislike our bodies – shape and size. Instead let’s focus on what our bodies have done and what they can do!

4 Gratitude changes your perspective, be thankful. It can be so easy, especially in this time period with social media so prevalent, to become discontent with what we have, what we can do, with who we are. Instead we should focus on all the positives in our lives!

5 Forgiveness frees you, holding onto resentment doesn’t hurt your offender only you. It’s not easy to forgive. It is certainly a process. But you will find deep peace in forgiving and letting go!

6 You cannot change or control others. You can only control yourself. You are not responsible for others’ behavior, feelings, or reactions. Only focus on yourself and what you can do to change a situation or relationship.

7 Little acts of kindness go farther than you can imagine. You never know what someone is going through. Buying a cup of coffee for the person behind you in the Starbucks line or even just holding the door for someone could really make their day. Or just a smile may change someone’s entire day. I think smiles are underestimated. Even now with wearing masks everywhere, people can see the smile in your eyes.

8 Everyone has their opinions. You do you! Oftentimes people have conflicting opinions, so there is really no way to please everyone! Follow your heart and your gut, and don’t worry about the critics!

9 Fun is underrated, do crazy fun things!

10 Age is just a number, it’s never too late to start something. I used to feel this for sure! There are many examples of people who became successful later in life – Samuel Jackson and Julia Childes just to name a couple. George Eliot says, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

11 We aren’t promised tomorrow, so live today to the fullest!

12 Purchasing that “next thing” will not make you more happy.

13 Don’t sweat the small stuff. For real though… I spent way too much of my life being anxious about things that in the long run really didn’t matter. I could have been putting my energy into other things.

14 You will almost always benefit from putting others first. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but trust me on this one!

15 It’s okay if everyone doesn’t like you. You’re not for everyone, so just be yourself!

16 When someone is rude to you or says something rude it usually has nothing to do with you. They are hurting and have not processed the pain.

17 Exercise! Even if it’s just walking. Exercise releases endorphins which is the happy hormone!

18 Never underestimate the power of drinking lots of water! It gives you energy, makes your skin look young, and more!

19 It’s okay to have needs! Everyone has needs. We are human. We can’t do everything ourselves.

20 Communicate your needs. People can’t read your mind. If you need help, ask.

21 Set boundaries. It’s okay to say no. You only have so much time in a day and only so much bandwidth. Say yes to the things you enjoy and will bring you fulfillment.

22 Find something you love and are passionate about and do that! Being able to do something you are passionate about brings energy and life!

23 Don’t be afraid to take risks. It can be scary to step outside of your comfort zone, but oftentimes we are glad we did it, and if we fail…

24 Failure is not a bad thing. It’s a teacher. We can learn and grow from our failures.

25 Being positive is a choice. Choose positivity. We can choose to focus on all the negative things in life, or the positive. Focus on the positive and give more attention to the positive!

26 Adversity is not bad. It helps you grow and to become a better person.

27 Give financially to a cause that’s important to you. Being generous brings fulfillment to life!

28 Volunteer your time to a cause that’s important to you. Being generous with your time also brings fulfillment to life!

29 It is what it is. Sometimes things out of our control happen, so roll with the punches.

30 Rest. Prioritize rest in your life so you don’t get burnt out. Schedule it in if you have to!

31 Don’t go to bed angry. Communicate your hurt. Reconcile. Forgive.

32 Learn new things. Read. Take a class. Watch a YouTube video to learn something new. It is good to stretch and exercise your brain to keep it in shape!

33 Prioritize people over to do lists. I still struggle with this as someone who really likes to get everything checked off my list! But I’m getting better at not looking at the clock when I spend time with people, but instead to just enjoy their company. Along with this, I stopped worrying about if my house was clean or everything was perfect before having people over!

34 Spend money on experiences over things. I believe this with all of my heart! My grandparents were big travelers, so they were an example to us of this principle. Memories are so much more valuable than things!

35 Notice small miracles. I think people can overlook small miracles. Recognizing them builds your faith.

36 Compliment people when you notice something you like about them. I know this can be hard for some people who are shy, but people really appreciate being noticed. Especially in this time when so many people are focused on themselves.

37 Thank people when they help you or do a job well. This is more appreciated than we know. People like to feel valued, like their time and effort was noticed.

38 Listen more than you talk.

39 Give up your place in line. For a mama with a young kiddo, for an older couple, for someone with less items than you.

40 Make the time to cultivate good friendships! It can be easy to get busy in your everyday routines and not prioritize friends, but my friends are truly a Godsend. I don’t think I would make it through this life without them!

41 Don’t worry about perfection, good enough is usually good enough!

42 Burn the nice candles. This one is silly, but I spent many years “saving” my nice candles for a nice occasion, but that occasion usually never came!

43 Your actions will have a bigger influence on your kids (or those you have influence over) than your words. You can teach your kids (or people you influence) all you want how you think they should live, but they notice what you do and will usually replicate that.

44 Pain is not a bad thing. It tells us something is wrong.

45 Pray. This is the only way I am able to get through life!

Well, I hope this was inspiring or encouraging to you today! Also, hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my photo memory lane!