Here we are at the end of another year. How is it possible? I often see myself in the mirror or catch myself singing to a song and realize how fast time has gone by. I am sometimes taken off guard when I realize that I am no longer that risk taking teen with my whole life a blank page ahead of me. I am now a mother to two "big kids" and have been a wife for nearly 12 years. I have a career, a successful business, and a fully formed life. Not that I don’t have plenty to look forward to. I do believe that life is full of lessons if you are open to them. Here are some of the things I have learned in 2007:
1. My family comes first. On this I was really put to the test and, thankfully, I came out with clarity on this one. Nothing is worth sacrificing the happiness of my family.
2. I will not fulfill all of my dreams…and that’s OK. Panic set it when I realized I may never see Everest, run a marathon, or write a book. Then I felt a sense of calm and a shift. I have seen, accomplished, and completed so many other things that were beyond my dreams and not even on my "list". There are still so many unknowns out there.
3. Motherhood is subjective. I’m a good mom. Perfect? No way, but good. Am I the same as you? Probably not but I’m OK with that and you should be too.
4. Life’s too short. This has been on my life lesson list every year and will probably stay there forever.
5. It’s all about expectations. People will dissapoint you. But only if you let them. Understand, appreciate, and embrace our differences and you won’t be let down. Have expectations of people they can’t meet and you’ll be dissapointed every time.
6. Find the good in it. Whether it be another person, your job, or your in-laws life is so much better if you can focus on the positive.
7. Stand up for yourself. If you feel strongly about something make your voice heard. Be respectful but don’t be afraid to take a stand.
8. Make new friends. This year has opened up so many wonderful new friendships for me and each and every person I meet offers me a new perspective and an opportunity to learn.
9. Take it on the chin (definition: to be brave and not to complain when bad things happen to you or people criticize you.) Be open to hear what others have to say and you’ll be amazed at how constructive and helpful it often is. And if it’s not, refer to numbers 4-8 above.
10. Be grateful. This is another work in progress but when I make the effort to think about it I truly am.
Please share your reflections in the comments below. Have a Happy New Year and see you in 2008!
Thank you for sharing all of those. They are wonderful to remember and try to live every day. They all blend together so well and when you are happy with yourself it is amazing how easily they can come together. Happy New Year.
those are great goals, jen, and very inspiring! one thing i decided while on holiday is that I want to run again. i want that feeling of lightness, freedom and euphoria that i used to get from running 10 years ago. so i’ve decided that after this baby is born, i’m going to train for a 10k. just thinking about that goal makes me feel excited and already more fit.