My reflections on 2019...

Oh 2019......a year of realizations, truths, transition, growth and getting friggin' real. As time passes and I get older, I think that I have become more accepting of people and who they are....for better and for worse. That's not to say that I approve of some of the decisions that others make or the behaviour that they exhibit...acceptance doesn't mean that all is ok. I think that I just don't care so much anymore. People will be who they are. I've really learned to put my focus and energy only into what I can change, which is me and my life!

Here are some things that I have learned in 2019 and will continue to work on throughout 2020:

1) Accepting and letting go of situations that I can't change, no matter how badly I want them to.

2) Knowing that while I can't change a situation, it doesn't mean that I don't have the right to distance myself from it...no matter who or what it involves. Family and loved ones are not exempt from this. Cold. Hard. Truth.

3) Boundaries are 100% acceptable, saying no is more than ok and taking a time out to work on your self-care is crucial....especially if it means protecting your heart, sanity and soul.

4) You create your own destiny and if you want change in your life...you need to make it happen all on your own. Nobody is going to save you. If they somehow come along and do....you seriously need to count your blessings and take it as a sign from the universe that you've been given another chance.

5) You are NEVER stuck. You always have choices. If you believe you're can't do anything about your situation...your victim mentality will always bring you to a place of unhappiness. I personally cannot stand people who play the roll of the victim...the only thing they're a victim of is their unhealthy mindset.

6) Accepting that there will be times when the ones who are closest to you will disappoint you and let you down the most, and people whom you barely know will come out of the woodwork with their wonderful kindness and light up your life. Be grateful for those people; they've come into your life for a reason.

The MOST important thing that I've learned this past year is this.......

7) It is ok to be happy, even when others are not. It is ok to better yourself and live your best life possible, even when others are not. It is ok to take care of yourself, even when others choose not to. It is ok to post about achievements, happy events or when you feel like you're winning in life. Feeling cute?? Post a selfie!! Taking a trip?? Post the most amazing pictures!! Pushing yourself to workout each day? That shit is hard, go ahead and brag that you're sweating it out. This world can be so negative and full or pressure, stress and judgement...whatever you do in your life that makes you happy, feel lighthearted and grateful to be alive....you keep doing that! No matter what others think or say. If others can't be happy for you, its due to their own misery and jealousy. For many years and even still to this day, I have had people in my life who have made comments to me for trying my hardest to live a good life. For having good friends in my corner, being in a happy relationship, for having my own home, money to buy what I need, etc. Comments like "Must be nice...." I'm not talking about acquaintances....but family and people whom I've considered at one point, friends. There are people in my life whom I know are not in my corner clapping. I know who they are and I have made the conscious choice to distance myself from them. When you take a step back from toxic, negative people...life becomes so much more enjoyable. Listen and believe what I say when I tell you that you have no obligation to anyone but yourself!

'You can find a million reasons to hate life and be angry at the world. Or, if you want to, you could find a million reasons to love life and be happy.' ~ Cari Welsh

xo