Life Lessons: Chapter 32

It's time for the annual life lessons blog post! That's right, this past year has flown by, and ya girl is 32 years old! I am so thankful for the blessings God has given me and for the amazing people he has connected me to over this past year. 

1. It's okay to take a break, whether in your social life, career goals, or personal goals. Taking a step back to recalibrate has been very beneficial for me.
2. Always remain focused on the end goal; things will come to distract you. People will speak negative words to deter you but just remain focused! 
3. Continue to set the standard in your friendships; it's time out for always giving 24/7 and never receiving anything back.  Set a standard and make it very clear.
4. There is no need to apologize for putting yourself, your marriage, or your family first. If people can't understand that, they do not deserve to be a part of your life. 
5. God has some amazing friends lined up for you. Just keep being genuine, kind, and open! He will send them! (I only roll with a few people, so the word friend is used very carefully in my book)
6. Not everyone deserves access, whether to your ideas, work-life, goals, or family. BOUNDARIES are so important 
7. Balance is something you can control if you are mindful of what and who you are giving your attention to!
8. If you aren't fulfilling your dream or destiny, figure out what does and go after it! 
9. Plans change, and so do people. Sometimes it's best to just go with the flow.
10. Move quietly. 
11. Invest in your marriage.
12. Find reasons to laugh, whether going to a comedy show, picking a funny movie, or just reminiscing with your partner. Find a reason to laugh. The world is so dark and ugly. You have to lift yourself up.
13. Your home should always be a place of peace and refuge anything that threatens your peace must leave immediately.
14. It doesn't matter if it takes 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Keep fighting for your dream. 
15. When life gets a bit too overwhelming, and there are more things on your to-do list rather than your completed list, it's okay to start over the next day. 
16. Do not wait for an apology (I am still learning this). Oftentimes others don't remember what they did or said to hurt you, and if they do remember then, that's a clear sign that you can move on.
17. Fight for what you deserve! 
18. Demand respect, especially if respect is being given! 
19. Spend more time reading God's word (I have been seeing so much growth!)
20. Continue to celebrate others.
21. Be honest with the ones you trust and love 
22. Heartache lasts for a moment, the memory may linger, but hope will always be around the corner.
23. Even when it hurts, keep trusting that God has a reason for everything. 
24. Your ideas are valuable. 
25. No one in this world thinks like you do. What you bring to the table is amazing! (Sometimes you even bring the table with you!!! haha)
26. God designed you and tailored made everything about you, working hard to change the unique things he put inside of you can be detrimental.
27. Somebody somewhere is waiting for you to follow through with your vision or dream! 
28. You have people waiting on your dream to take flight.
29. Whatever is meant to be will be! You will not have to force anything.
30. Forgiveness is powerful.
31. Therapy will stretch you! Be prepared.
32. God sees and hears all. He will handle it!