Celebrate The Lessons

Last night I was talking to a friend regarding my upcoming, officially an "adult" birthday. While I was bumming about it, she was celebrating it. And that got me thinking, instead of being sad about my new age and list of accomplishments left to be crossed off, how about I celebrate and make a list of all things i've learned through my life's accomplishments. Some may sound familiar, but that is only because I've finally lived them, instead of just read them.



If you love someone, tell them, even if they don't love you back, love is a great thing to share.


If you hate someone, deal with it. Sharing hate never did any good.



Money does matter, but not as much as you think it does.



Spend some money.


Save some money.



Balance. Its much easier said that done but worth the effort.



Take risk, no matter how advised against it you are, the lesson learned is
always worth it.



Have confidence in yourself. Not an ego, confidence.


Try new things, sometimes they will become new favorites and sometimes they will send you running back to your favorites.



Make time for friends and family.


Make time for yourself.



Its okay to cry. Alone. With friends. In Public. It's okay to cry.



Being strong doesn't always mean doing things on your own. Sometimes it means asking for help.


Know your weaknesses.

Everyone has issues, everyone. It's just a matter of who is acknowledges them or not.


Sing karaoke, at least once.


When you're mind is telling you no and your body is telling you yes, its okay to listen to your body *sometimes.


When you're body is telling you no and your mind is telling you yes, listen to your body.


At the end of the day, you're parents are just people, just like you, just like me they live and learn.


Hurting someone you love hurts more than being hurt.



Forgiveness is much easier said than done, but when fully achieved, freeing.


Don't look back, unless it's to learn, laugh or reminisce.



You're life may not turned out as planned, but maybe that is the plan.



Be you. Not what people want you to be, or you think you should be. Just be you.


Let your wall down. It's the only way to really experience life.


You don't have to like everyone. Not everyone has to like you. And that's ok.



Stress takes a toll on your mind, body and soul, therefore stress less.



If you fall down, its okay to take a few minutes to stay down, before you get back up and brush yourself off.


Family is family. You can't choose them. However, you can make some additions.


Don't judge others. Really. Don't judge them.


Everyone looks better after a few cocktails.


I may not be smarter than a 5th grader, but I'm more experienced.



If it can go wrong, it will. Deal with it and move on.


Your body changes, whether you like it or not.


People don't care what kind of car you drive, if they do, screw em.


Take the hit and tell the truth the first time.


Keep praying. Someone is listening.


Don't just travel, explore. Doesn't matter how near or far, there is always something waiting to be found.


Life can be challenging, but it doesn't need to be challenge.


Celebrate every success, big or small, its still a success.



Stop thinking so much. Start listening more.



When you have a problem, take a step back, not only does it make your problem appear smaller, it also allows you to see new ways to fix it.


Be grateful for what you have, a lot or a little.


Release expectations you have for friends and love ones and you won't be let down.



Venting is good, in moderation.


A quiet drink with an old friend can be better.


Sometimes the best things said are those that are left unsaid.


Nothing will ever replace the feeling of picking up where you left off with an old friend.


You don't always have to understand what a loved one is going thru, but you should at least try.



As much as you want to 'fix' a loved one, sometimes you have to allow them to 'fix' themselves.

Call someone. You'll be glad you did.



Take your phone off the dinner table. You'll be glad you did.



Never forget where you came from.



Stop hiding, it will only be that much harder to face the reveal.


Stop, breathe in and take a look around...and be thankful you can do all three.


Admire children for their innocence, admire the elderly for their experience.


Let go of the 'One that Got Away.'


Next time you go for a walk and pass a flower, stop and smell that flower, literally. Do it.



Workout because it makes you feel good inside and its good for your health, not because it can make you 'skinny.'


Eat ice cream when you want ice cream without counting the calories or thinking you've 'cheated.'



It's ok to say no to that cocktail. It's ok to say yes to one more cocktail.


Friends and family will grow into their own, but nothing will ever replace the connection you've built with them.



You don't have to 'Do' the impossible, but 'Try.' Who knows, you might surprise yourself.


You'll know when its time to give up, not anyone else, just you.



Help the friend that has never helped you. Acknowledge and appreciate the friend that always does.



Pain is good. Suffering is not.



Sometimes, all you want is your mom. That's ok.



The easy choice isn't always the right choice. The right choice isn't always easy.



It's amazing how different family can be, its even more amazing how much they still love you.


People may not support you the way you want them to, but they support you the only way they know how, and that's more than enough support.



It's okay to say "That's all I have to give right now." People will respect you, even more.


Don't let yourself get pulled in so many directions that you forget which was is up.


Smile at a stranger.


Share.

Laugh.

Sometimes you have to just put yourself out there.