Wow.
What a year #amiright.
I have learned a lot this year. I have been through some internal struggles. I have met some serious goals. I have failed more.
Was it the best year of my life? I wouldn’t say so. Was it probably the most pivotal? I dare to say yes.
In 2016, I have been promoted, moved apartments, completed a fitness regimen, cut all my hair off, went on some amazing trips, made friends, maintained friends, become closer with my younger sister (stoked on that), gotten back to my roots, and bought a car.
Those would be the major good things I can think of.
What else have I done?
I’ve been “down in the dumps.” I’ve had rough days. I’ve forgotten gratitude more than once. I’ve gotten my hopes up, only to be let down. I’ve proclaimed “what I want to do with my life” thirty times, only to realize it’s not what I want at all. I’ve had my lonely days.
So, it’s been a lot of ups and downs. It’s been a lot of good, and some, well, not so good.
But here’s the thing.
I’ve learned. I’ve grown. I’m alive to tell the tale.
I’m pretty fucking lucky, actually.
A lot luckier than most.
It’s hard to remember that every single day. It’s hard to remember that even if you messed up a goal or you don’t know where to turn, you are LUCKY to even have the chance to start over. To have the chance to ponder your goals and dreams, even if you don’t know what the hell they are.
Here is what I learned from this year, and it honestly took me the ENTIRE year up until about a week ago to come out with these lessons.
I hope to never forget them again (though I know I will, which is why I love this archived blog).
You don’t have to be perfect.
Oh, you don’t? God, no. I spent so much of this year planning. How do be the perfect version of myself, the best. How to live perfect days and be a perfect way. Seriously, so unattainable, so boring. I’d rather have my days where I eat a slice of pizza, drink a beer, and watch bad TV then ONLY focus on meditating and reading prolific books. Which leads me to my next point.
Balance is actually the key.
I suck at this. Like literally suck. I’m an all or nothing person. And guess where this usually leaves me? NOT attaining my goals. Or at least abandoning them shortly after attaining them. It’s all about balance. Goals are great, living your life and remembering what matters is also great. Learn that, learn how to live.
Not everything belongs in your schedule.
Yeah, so… additionally suck at this. Not everything needs to be penciled in. Sometimes it’s about drinking 9 glasses of wine and hating your life the next day – all unscheduled.
Learn what makes you happy, and follow that. You are the only thing standing in your way.
I was feeling down for about a week. I was pointing to everything under the sun for why I might be feeling that way. I went to the gym (for the first time that week) – and bam, I felt mostly better. I KNOW that going to the gym and eating healthy helps me to feel better about life in general. So why wouldn’t I do it? Your only enemies in life, are your own excuses.
Loneliness is an option. Let others in and have faith that they will understand.
I often spend time alone. Which is okay. However, being alone and being lonely are two different things. While wrapped up inside my own head, I often think no one will understand what I’m going through, no one will be able to help. Wrong. Give your loved ones the benefit of the doubt and let them try to understand. More often than not, they’ll give you some wisdom.
People are all that matter.
Refer to above. The people you love both old and new – that’s all life is about. I promise.
Learning to love where you are, right now, today, is the only way your goals will come to fruition and you won’t be miserable along the way.
If you want to lose weight because you hate yourself today, you aren’t going to. If you want to lose weight because you care about how you feel and honoring the already awesome person you are – and understand that every single day you take a step forward you are one step closer and one step better – then you will reach your goals.
Dreams change, and that’s perfectly okay.
I thought I wanted something my whole life. Turns out, I’m not so sure anymore. Dreams changing IS NOT THE SAME THING as giving up on dreams. That is important to remember.
It’s about the cup of crappy coffee, not the venti frap.
It’s about the experience, not the extravagance. That’s all.
Overthinking kills. Life is actually pretty simple.
Want something? Work toward it. Unhappy with something? Change it. Regret something? Move forward. Think people are judging you? Stop caring.
Do your best and do what makes you happy. Way more simple than I tend to make it.
Focus on how you feel.
Consider measuring your success on your eagerness to jump out of bed every morning, your willingness to continue to work after a long day, your overall feeling of wellness rather than by crossing things off of a list. Life is about feeling great. It’s not about looking great, having a great house, having a great title. Focus on how you feel, and I guarantee those things will come, though.
Learn your whys.
Goals don’t matter unless you know why you want them. I have a few goals I’m working toward right now. My reasoning? 1. To live my why (to inspire others to their maximum potential and best lives). 2. To be happy. 3. To live my life in my own way. 4. To become at peace with myself.
These “whys” are huge. DUH I want to work toward mini-goals that contribute to those overall.
Who wouldn’t?
Alright folks that’s all I have for 2016. Good luck in the new year!
Wait, plot twist: here’s a 13th:
STOP CARING WHAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE TO DO.
Do you know how many people make fun of me for writing this blog? For doing pretty much everything I do? Many. I stopped caring, and they stopped bothering me. Literally just do your thing! (Highly recommend Do My Thang by Miley if you need a pump up jam in the morning).
COFFEE AND A KEYBOARD 