As this year comes to a close I thought it appropriate to look back and recall all the things that I’ve learned in 2010. Reading over the list now, I find it funny how much of it I was told by my mother over the years and yet somehow I still managed to have to learn these facts of life the hard way.
Much of what I have to say in this post is inspired by the wise advice of many of my loved ones. If I directly quote or paraphrase anyone, their initials will be noted.
These are not in order of importance. They are all equally important.
1. You are only as strong as your principles.
2. Stop waiting for your life to “start.” News flash: it started a long time ago.
3. Even if you’re never alone, it does not mean you’re not lonely.
4. What you want and what you need are very rarely in alignment.
5. Sometimes, a new handbag IS what you need to feel better. It’s not a crime to indulge in moderation .(ZH)
6. When making decisions about love, make sure your heart and your mind agree. They’re both crucial to making love work. If you only decide with your heart, love may fade as life and responsibility get in the way. If you only decide with your mind, love is not necessarily guaranteed to grow. (LB)
7. Do not give everyone your time. Not everyone is worth it.
8. Kneel. It’s the closest way to reaching the stars. (OI)
9. Your job will never love you back.
10. Be flexible. Plans you set 5 years ago may not necessarily fall into place. That’s ok, life goes on and it may take you to even better places than you originally planned.
11. There will always be someone worse off than you, so be grateful. There will also always be someone better off than you, so be humble.
12. Kindness is not difficult.
13. Your life is a train. Passenger capacity is not unlimited, so you need to be ok with letting some people get off to let others get on. Of course, some will stay with you for the whole ride. Cherish them. (LB)
14. On the days when it’s hard to get out of bed, just think of the people who don’t even own a bed. Your problems will seem much smaller then.
15. Money may not be everything, but it is important. Be smart with your finances.
16. Some mistakes are irreversible. Be careful what you say, what you do, and who you hurt.
17. Let go. Grudges only absorb your positive energy and there is not enough of that in the world to waste on issues of the past.
18. Some people in your life are like gravity, they will only keep you down. You need to let go of them too.
19. The best of friends are the ones who know when not to give advice.
20. Sometimes it’s ok to take the easy way out. Not everything has to be a crusade or a struggle.
21. Do not judge others' decisions. What is right for you is not right for everyone.
22. And finally: Don’t sweat the small things, but do enjoy the little things.
So here's to a 2011 full of new experiences and fresh mistakes. I cannot wait to make this list again next year and see what else my mother was right about.
