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| The one with the red spots on the back is me. |
2.No Fear
Don’t let fear stop you from doing something you love, or make you do something you don’t want to, or keep you from trying something new that might just be amazing. And not just fear… loneliness, jealousy, what others think. Whatever your roadblock. Make your choices in life for yourself and then own those choices.
3.Family Comes First
This will mean different things to different people. But decide who is closest to you and put them first in your life. Make sure you spend quality time with them as much as possible. They’re not guaranteed to be there forever. Tell them you love them every day. Look out for them. But especially, find time for them.
4.Perfection Isn’t Worth The Stress
I’m not saying don’t try to do your best. But don’t let trying to be perfect make you so stressed that you don’t enjoy life anymore. And don’t let other’s idea of perfection push you into being someone you’re not or doing something you hate. Because that will change you into someone you don’t like.
5.You Won’t Even Remember Their Names
That clique you so want to be a part of. Those kids who don’t quite like you or put you down. Forget them. You won’t even remember their names ten years from now. They’re not worth the effort or worry. But the people who like you for you… those often become lifelong friends.
6.Smile and Enjoy
I find that my mood follows my facial expression. If I’m serious or frowning I don’t have a good time. If I smile, I start to enjoy myself. I also feel more beautiful when I smile – maybe it’s the happiness coming through. People also respond better to a smile and a kind word.
7.Internet Is Forever
I wouldn’t tell my younger self this (since internet wasn’t a thing back then), but I definitely tell my kids. You can do some permanent damage with the internet by posting stupid things that you shouldn’t have been doing in the first place, or even just being goofy. Future employers, boyfriends, friends might see something you’d wish they hadn’t, and there goes that opportunity.
8.Love Who You Are Now
Know who you are, what you believe, and the kind of person you want to be – and be confident in that. And I’m not saying be perfect in that – just be confident. Don’t let others tell you who you are or should be. And don’t constantly be worried about who you could be – thinner, smarter, older, younger, nicer, stronger, whatever. Love who you are right now. And I don’t mean not to try to better yourself. But just to love yourself.
9.Give Yourself Something to Chase
I loved Matthew McConaughey’s Oscar speech. Give yourself a goal – an impossible goal – that you keep your eyes on. Don’t let yourself just go “well – this is who I’ll be forever – I guess that’s it.” Give yourself something to be chasing.
10.Don’t Depend On Others To Make You Happy
That perfect man. Your parents. Your children. Colleagues. Friends. Do not expect them to be responsible for your happiness in any way, shape, or form. Can they add to your happiness? Be a source of happiness? Absolutely. But you, and you alone, are responsible for being a happy person.
I realize that I got on a bit of a preachy pedestal there, but I wish younger me could have realized some of those things a lot sooner. I've actually enjoyed every phase of life I’ve been through so far, but I wouldn’t go back unless I took some of this knowledge with me. I’d love to hear what big life lesson you’ve had that you’d add to this list.
4 comments:
What a fabulous, inspiring list! You've covered most of the things I might've said to myself...hmm... maybe have more confidence in yourself or don't live the life you think everyone else expects, live the life you want.
Terrific post, Abigail. Inspiring. You hit so many good points. The 1st one is my top choice. Live in the now. I remember thinking when my kids were babies, when will they get big enough to talk, to play by themselves, to drive...instead of enjoying each stage they were in. I try to do it now with the grandkids. Enjoy them as they are, enjoy my life as it is. Sure I have high goals, but I try to enjoy where I am on that journey. I also try to think if not now, when? If I don't do something now, when am I ever going to do it? We don't know how many days we have left so enjoy each one. (I hope that didn't sound too maudlin.)
LOVE this! Awesome life advice, Abigail. Printing this one and hanging in my office.
Such great advice! An author friend died this week--more of an acquaintance but still someone I have talked to and kept track of on FB. I'm certain when he stepped out the door on the day of the traffic accident that ultimately killed him he had papers on his desk and ideas for new stories that he didn't get a chance to finish. Your post makes me think of all that could happen and of all the real priorities that i forget to take care of every day! Thanks and have a glorious, safe, and productive 2018 and beyond.
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