- Pay attention to the "nudges" from the universe. Because when you ignore the nudges, then the universe, fate, God tends to start shoving you in the right direction. I learned this a couple of summers ago. I was meant to move back home from the big city, but I was stubborn and fought it. The school I worked at ended up closing (poof! no more job!) and then I couldn't afford my duplex. I was forced back home, but now I know it was because I had a whole new life, the life I was meant to live here. <3
- If a relationship is making you miserable more than 50% of the time, then it is time to walk away. I didn't practice this one very well myself. I always ended up staying with someone for the sake of not being alone. Often it is better to be alone and happy, then with someone and completely unhappy.
- Love yourself. Treat yourself with the same respect and compassion you afford to those you love and care about. You have to or you can never truly love anyone else with your entire heart and soul.
- Be mindful of how you are spending your day. Make sure it is worth one day of your life.
- Don't ignore those little excited twinges you feel when you come up with an idea or a project that resonates with you. Those twinges mean you are onto something! We spend entirely too much time trying to talk ourselves out of pursuing our creative impulses.
- If you are on the fence about a purchase (a new dress, that pair of shoes, or that bake ware set), wait one day. If you wake up the next day and still want it, go buy it. If it is still there, then you were ultimately meant to have it.
- Never stop reading. Ever.
- Try to practice random acts of kindness whenever you can. It doesn't have to be a huge thing- put coins in that meter that is about to expire, stick a post-it note with an uplifting message on a bathroom mirror in a public place, pay for the coffee of the person in the drive-thru behind you. Just remember, karma doesn't always have to a bitch. ;)
- Always remember there is someone else out there who is fighting a harder fight than you are today. And yes, that person may be the person who cut you off on your way to work this morning. Or the co-worker who snapped at you. Take a deep breath and smile. (<< P.S. This one is hard for me too! I hate rudeness.)
- Let your kids help in the kitchen. It may not turn out exactly how you want it, but your children will never forget those times with you. Let go of the Type A, folks and have fun with your babies.
- Always externally back up your photos and files on your computer or laptop. Trust me on this. It sucks to lose everything.
- Plant something, anything every summer. Even if it is just a basil plant or some sunflowers. There is a certain satisfaction in watching something you have planted grow and thrive. Bonus if you plant something edible because you can look at that tomato or pepper and say, "I did that. That was all me." :)
- Cherish your babies while they are still little. Before you know it, they will be too big to cuddle with or lay on your chest anymore. I know people say this to you all the time, but take it from the mama of a 13 year old and a 4 month old- they grow up way too fast.
- When traveling to a different city, state, country, always eat at places you cannot eat at back home. Find out where the locals like to go- just ask! You can always eat at that fast food chain any time you want back home. I firmly believe that you can never really experience a new place until you eat how the locals eat. ;)
- I say if you are going to indulge every once in a while, then do it well. Have a good dark chocolate. Have a nice bottle of craft beer. Have the good ice-cream (you know, the ones in the pints. ;) ). It is all about moderation, folks.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Summer Blog Challenge, Day 14- 15 Tips to Get Through Life
This one was truly a challenge. I started on my list well over a week ago. I am not sure in my 34 years that I am quite qualified to give life tips, but I have lived and learned a little along the way, and this is what I know...
