6 Things A Bad Year Will Teach You

I realize it's been months since I have posted anything significant.  I'm really sorry for that besties.

Those of you who  know me well, know I have have a difficult year to say the least.  I would rather not get into specific events (for privacy reasons) but I would like to talk about what these difficult times have taught me.  Since I love to make lists (haha-if you guys have noticed) here's a short list of things that I have learned this past year.

1.  When things seem the hardest, is when you have to keep smiling.  I don't care if it's a fake smile, if it's totally forced and if you would rather give up. Put a smile on, show up and be the best you can be, because you never know what will happen.  Life is fluid, and things are always changing.  Chances are your life is going to be in a totally different place in 6 months.


2.  GO FOR IT.  Whatever that dream is that you have put in the back of your mind for years, whether it's big or small.  Go for it, the time is now.  Live the life you always wanted and don't make excuses for not going after your dreams.  I have always wanted to be a licensed make up artist, and I'm happy and proud to say that in less than a week I will graduate from beauty school with my diploma and get my license shortly after.  It's never, ever too late.

3.  Hug, love and accept people.  When things are hard or you're going through something difficult, it's easy to get wrapped up in your own issues and forget those closest to you are going through their very own battles.  I have felt guilty for not always being as good of a friend/daughter as I could have been this past year.  Again, it's not too late.  The people that love you will always welcome you back and I have been extremely fortunate to have such wonderful people in my life.

4.  Let it go.  Whatever bad stuff happens or will happen...learn to let things go.  I know, I know.  This one is extremely difficult for me.  Let go of resentment, anger and hurt.  Once you learn to let these things go you will be a lot happier.

5. Forgive yourself.  Another thing that's hard for me.  I have a slight "perfectionist" mind set.  Therefore, if things don't go the way that I have them in my head, I automatically blame myself.  I think maybe if I did this different or didn't do this, that I would have whatever I want.  The fact is things work out the way they are supposed to in the end.

6.  Faith.  Have faith, believe in yourself and believe in the experiences in your life.  Accept the not so great times because they make the great times that much greater.  Maybe things didn't work out for a reason, and maybe that reason won't be revealed for a while...but have faith that the reason will become clearer with time.

Favorite quote ever. MLK Jr.

On a personal note I would like to personally thank my "stars".  I couldn't have done any of the things that I did this year without the unconditional love and support I received from all of you.  I love you all so much and I'm so incredibly grateful that I have you all.