25 years I am extremely proud of.
I was chatting on the phone with my deployed husband about this idea I had for 25 lessons I've learned in my 25 years. I asked him, 'what would you say is something I've learned?' He replied: resiliency.
He uses this word a lot when he speaks to me and about me to others. It's a word he has written to me in countless letters during his seven years of service. It still gives me chills every time because it's so true, yet it's not something I'd ever say about myself. When I hear it, it's a testament that he sees and recognizes the struggle and pain I have personally been through and we have been through together and I love that about him.
Sometimes the biggest lessons we learn are those others see in us when we don't.
1. Don't be afraid to be yourself.
2. Walk away from people that make you doubt your worth.
3. Quality over quantity - Friendships, workouts, goals, and food.
4. Keep faith no matter how hard life gets.
5. Never stop fighting. Those inner demons are convincing sometimes, but you're stronger.
6. You are in control of your reactions, choose wisely.
7. Tell them you love them every chance you get.
8. Take the pictures and videos. One day it'll be all you have left.
9. Don't feel guilty for doing what's best for you.
10. Always be willing to listen and learn.
11. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to be better than you were yesterday.
12. If you're unhappy with your life, change it.
13. Don't be afraid to say 'no'.
14. Stop comparing your life to everyone else's, you're missing out on your own.
15. Get the dog. And another one. And one more just to be safe!
16. Coffee is acceptable at any time of day.
17. Life is a lot more fun when you spend less time working and more time with those you love.
18. A hurdle is simply a test, not an excuse to give up.
19. You never know what's going on behind someone's smile, be kind.
20. Dance in the kitchen for no reason at all.
21. Don't be afraid to do things alone.
22. Be willing to admit you were wrong.
23. It's okay to ask for help.
24. Never give up on things that set your heart on fire.
25. Maybe the biggest lesson of all: you deserve to be loved and treated with respect. Don't settle until you find it.
What has been the hardest life lesson for you to accept?
For me, it was #6 and by far the easiest was #15 😉
