Lessons from the first half of my life...

As I prepare to celebrate my birthday tomorrow, I started thinking of some of the life lessons I've learned thus far.  Many have only become clear to me over the past year and have been a lifetime in the making.  So, here are the lessons I've learned in the first half of my life!  (fingers crossed...)

• Never apologize for your beliefs.  If you truly believe in your position, you should not be threatened by opposition.  Not everyone is going to agree with you, but it’s nobody else’s business what you believe in your heart.

• Be direct.  If you are upset, let it be known now…not later.  If you wait and bring something up later, the statute of limitations is in effect!

• Say no and mean it!  Don’t get pressured to do something out of guilt. 

• Don’t just forgive….forget!

• You aren’t supposed to connect with everyone.  You meet some people who you have a connection with, but others you won’t no matter how hard you try.  That’s okay!  We have different tastes in food, clothing, movies, and a thousand other things.  It’s okay to be selective with people, too. 

• We outgrow some relationships.  I don’t mean marriage, because if you outgrow that, you aren’t trying.  But with friendships, some are there for life.  Those are the friends who can finish your sentences, who know your secrets, and who love you anyway.  Some, however, are in our lives for a time, we learn from that relationship, and we move on.  No guilt necessary. 

• There is little you can learn from doing nothing. 

• Fear is lethal and self-destructive!  Conquer it and never let it win. 

• Treat yourself like you do those you cherish most.  Love yourself, nurture yourself, and give yourself a break.  Compassion, rather that disdain for your own shortcomings is very freeing! 

• Stay away from toxic people.  They are the ones who leave you feeling worse after you have spent time with them.

• You can’t “fix” people.  They are responsible for their own actions and it isn’t your responsibility.

• If you’re worrying about other people’s business, you’ll never be happy. 

• Life isn’t as serious as your mind makes it out to be.  Don’t waste your time over-analyzing things, because there’s about a 99% chance that you are completely off base!

• Don’t waste your time and your life worrying about what other people think of you.  They are too busy worrying about what everyone thinks of THEM to focus that much attention and thought on you. 

• LOVE truly is all that matters.