Growing Through Something

“When you are experiencing uncomfortable circumstances you can choose your disposition about your position.  You can either say you are ‘going’ through something or  you can say you are ‘GROWING’ through something.”

The first of so many great lessons, to say I am “growing through something” EVERY DAY is a grand understatement. My eyes are wide open to the lessons in front of me. These are the BEST 25 lessons I’ve collected in the past nine months, and it’s only the beginning!   

1. Some days just really SUCK! But bad days don’t last forever. They make the good ones seem GREAT.
2. Let go of expectations. The result will ALWAYS be BETTER.
3. Stop trying to be ok all of the time. If I feel angry, be angry. If I feel sad, cry. If I feel happy, laugh. But don’t repress emotions just to be ok.
4. It’s okay to show a sign of weakness. I can’t always be the STRONG one. I can try, but I might not always succeed.
5. Be honest with myself. Be honest with others. Holding back will only end up hurting one of us.
6. Surround myself with positive people. Let go of those who do not support, share, or listen. Negativity weighs me down.
7. Hold on tight to the BEST people in my life. Recognize the blessings and be grateful for those friends and family for they are the greatest gift.
8. Take care of me. I’m the only one I have. (I have never been good at this. It is a real learning process.)
9. Forgive. Let go. Forgive myself. Freedom.
10. Follow my dreams whatever they may be. (Again, a really hard one.)
11. Starting a new chapter doesn’t mean I am closing the last one. The words, pictures, and memories will always be there so I can turn back the page.
12. Accept that plans change. Big life plans, small plans, any plans. It sucks, but it’s real. Acceptance and flexibility are the only roads to take.
13. There are no mistakes if I learn and grow. (Tough, tough, tough for a perfectionist!!)
14. There’s no such thing as “woulda, shoulda, coulda,” or the big “WHAT IF.”
15. Don’t waste my time being upset about something I cannot change. Sometimes it just is what it is. Accept it. Or if there is room for change, start over and do it better the next time.
16. Live so that if people were to talk about me, they couldn’t find “bad” words to say.
17. Cherish the moments. Life is just WAY too short.
18. Step out of my box in order to make changes. Otherwise, I just stay stuck.
19. Communication, trust, and respect are key. Don’t shut down now.
20. One step at a time is the only way to move forward. Not stepping at all is going nowhere.
21. There is no timeline or deadline for healing.
22. Smile – it feels good even when I don’t.   
23. Trust my gut. I get it right every time!
24. Follow my heart. I am the only one who has to live with my decisions.
25. Sit back, enjoy the ride. See what life brings. It’s not what it used to be. It’s not what I planned. It’s not what I wanted. But it’s the only life I’ve got. Why not make the most of it? It’s the BEST choice I’ve got!