Lessons Learned in 2018

Very quickly, another year has passed.

Did you blink?

Because I did, and it was fast!

However, upon reflection, I have come to recognize a few lessons learned, a few rules broken, and excitement for what 2019 will be.

Lesson 1

IT'S ALL ABOUT CHOICES!

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” 

― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

No matter what has happened to me personally, I MAKE MY OWN CHOICES about how I deal with it, learn from it, and move forward with it.

Sure, I have a back story, LIKE EVERYONE ELSE...

But it's going to "refine" me, NOT define me.

It's not an excuse for poor choices.

Lesson 2

COURAGE IS KEY!

“Don't be afraid of your fears. They're not there to scare you. They're there to let you know that something is worth it.” 
― C. JoyBell C.

Starting my blog was something that I had been thinking about for a long time, but it intimidated me.

What if no one read it, or liked it, or even was inspired by it?

In addition, I made the decision to retire after 29 years in education.  That was truly scary.  

Would I be okay both financially and collectively?

Both of these took some serious introspection on what I really wanted and was capable of doing.

Now it's time to start my YouTube channel...

(insert loud gulp here)

Lesson 3

LIVE YOUR LIFE FULLY!

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” 

― Oscar Wilde

Get focused and pursue that which really makes you happy.   It doesn't have to be big and bold, it just has to make YOU happy.

As I get older, I see how short life is for some and longer than expected for others.  Which really means we don't know how long we're here, so make the best of it.

Lesson 4

BE TRUTHFUL 

“Tell the truth, or someone will tell it for you.” 

― Stephanie Klein, Straight Up and Dirty

Telling a lie is easier than telling the truth, but it ALWAYS bites you back.  This is one rule that is never broken.

Sure, some truths are hard to deliver ("No, that is NOT a good color on you") but, when asked, always go for the truth.  You can be tactful, but also be truthful.

Helpful Tip:  When asked "Is this a good color for me?" you can easily respond "It doesn't do as much as this color does for your complexion and eyes."

OR...

"Was I wrong to behave that way?  Response: "If you feel wrong, you should apologize.  I would choose to apologize if I behaved in a way that was hurtful and disrespectful, especially in hindsight."

See, the truth is in the response without hurting feelings.

Lesson 5

HAVE HOPE

“Hold fast to dreams,

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird,

That cannot fly.” 

― Langston Hughes

In the end, you must always have hope for something better, something greater, something more worthwhile than what you have now.

Hope is mentioned 129 times in the bible.  It's an unseen "force" if you will that gives us encouragement in the face of adversity or when all seems lost.

I believe our souls would perish without the concept and longing that hope brings to us.

In conclusion, 2018 was a great year and 2019 will be what it will be...

But I will make my own choices.

Have courage.

Live my life fully.

Be truthful (and tactful)

Reside in hope.

BECAUSE THESE THINGS MAKE ME HAPPY!

Audrey Hepburn said it best:

“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters.” 

WATCH OUT 2019, WE'RE COMING IN BREAKING RULES!

Happy New Year Everyone!!!