I was cleaning out my basement last night when I happened upon an old notebook, I reread this entry that was written on 12/2/16 and I was blown away from the wisdom of my past self. I hope you can find some value in what I’ve written.
- Persistence pays, small daily actions add up over time
- Show up, consistent action over time is what works in the long run
- Commit
- Relationships & Connections are key, without them, life loses meaning
- Keep my eyes on the big picture, don’t forget what I really want
- Kindness matters
- Hope is a hard-won freedom
- I have more and less time than I think
- The labels I apply to myself and others are sticky, watch out for them
- The long game is the only game that matters
- Define my values or they will be chosen for me
- The default action is always easier, but not necessarily right
- Make choices
- Be true to
myself - Letting my light shine inspires others to do the same
- When I’m feeling afraid, that’s when I am making progress
- Nothing good comes from my comfort zone
- Worrying is wasted energy, invest in creation instead
- I get to tell my story
- Stopping being a victim is a choice I can make
- “Why” is the most important factor
- Lean into uncertainty, that’s where the good shit happens
- Create value for others
- While I am the hero of my own story, don’t forget that everyone else is as well
- The things I judge others for are what I am afraid of in myself
- Belief and mindset are important
- Don’t drink the cool-aide find out what is real for
myself - Real change is scary and hard and worth it
- Don’t quit, keep moving forward
- Don’t take things personally, other people don’t think about me as often as I do
- Smile
- Face my emotions, don’t stuff them down or run away
- Doing the work feels good
- Responsibility and work aren’t dirty words
- I can grow up and still be authentic
- Fun and play doesn’t have to end with childhood
- Relationships take time and attention
- My limitations are mostly self-imposed
- Doing the tempting thing
in the moment will feel good then, but it won’t in the long run - Money isn’t everything, but it is an important factor, so don’t ignore it, it won’t go away
- Live in the paradox
- I’m not alone
- Keep learning and growing
- Be grateful
- I am stronger than I know
- Either/or is usually a false choice
- Be careful of what information I let in, I am more influenced by outside stimuli than I think I am
- The world is interdependent, I can’t survive alone
- Pick my companions carefully
- Do what I enjoy doing
- Open my heart to the right people
- Never stop exploring
- Life is an adventure if I decide it is
- Less is more
- Anxiety is an
overstuffed bag
I don’t remember exactly what prompted me to write these words, but I’m glad I did. I hope you can find some use out of the lessons I’ve learned over the years. Please let me know in the comments section which one resonated the most with you.
If you like this piece, you might also enjoy reading my post about Art & Fear or Why You Should Never Give up on Yourself. If you want to support me, please check out my Fine Art America account or the jewelry in my shop. Once again, thanks for reading!