1) Be present and be engaged. This seems to be a challenge society faces today with social media always being there. It can be an absolutely fantastic thing when used correctly. This year I have learned that although social media will always be there, precious moments with friends and family won't. It is so important to be all there in these moments, because the memories will be far greater than seeing the latest post, which will be there when you're done, too. I promise.
2) God will send angels to assist us. Although some are unseen, and are literal guardian angels sent to protect us, and help us, and carry us, some are most definitely seen every day. I have been blessed this year to come in contact with some of these angels. Each of them have been an answer to my prayers time and time again, and I am so very thankful for them. They are fantastic humans, and they make life so much better.
3) Never underestimate yourself. You can do hard things - really hard things. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. You are powerful, and capable.
4) Always look for the good. Look for the good in others, and look for the good in every situation. It's there, even if it is just a small silver lining. Life will change as one sees the good.
5) Trust God. Everything happens for a reason, and it's so essential to let go of what needs to go, and embrace the next opportunities in life. They will come.
6) Say yes to new adventures. Whether that means you pack up and leave, or if you try a new kind of ice cream, say yes to new adventures. There is probably something wonderful that you will love, and it's so important to go find it, whatever it may be. Step outside your comfort zone, climb a different mountain, and never turn down the chance to live through another adventure.
7) You are loved. Even when it seems the world is against you, there is someone out there more than you could possibly imagine. There is someone out there who has your back, and who would do anything to help you out in a bind. These people are fantastic, and I am so grateful for them.
8) Tell people how you feel. If you are grateful for someone, tell them. If you appreciate what they do for you, tell them. If you admire a quality they have, tell them. If you love them, tell them. It could change their whole day, they might need to hear it more than you know. Even if they don't, it's always nice to know, you know?
9) Balance. Although maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, ice cream is fantastic as well. Although I absolutely love rodeo, and basketball, sometimes a break is necessary. Balance in all things can be, well, a balancing act, but it needs to happen for physical and mental health to prevail.
10) Find joy. Joy is to be found in the day to day details, and not just in the "events" or "episodes" of our lives. Never give up. Keep going forward. Go forward with hope and an attitude of faith. Find the grit you need, and keep grinding. Life is fantastic, and there is so much happiness to be had.
11) You are worth it. You are beautiful, even on the days you don't feel like it. You are worth it, today, tomorrow, and always, and don't let anyone treat you like you aren't.
12) Everything will work out. If you don't know what to do with your life, or where to start, or what to do, know that as you move forward with goals and dreams, pieces to the puzzle will start to fit. You will see why nothing fit before, and everything will work out in the end. If it isn't working out yet, it's not the end!
13) If you like the picture, post it. Post it even if you already posted that day, or the day before, or if your friend posted a similar one. If you like the picture, post it. The "rules" about social media are overrated. Don't become obsessed with likes or comments or retweets or collection updates. My social media accounts are mine, and if you don't appreciate my rules (which are nonexistant) I'm fine with that. I post what I like when I like because it means something to me!
14) Failure is not fatal. Mistakes, to some extent, are inevitable. Failing does not make you a bad person, or a failure, it means you took a risk and it didn't work out. Dare to stand up, dust off, and try again, this time with the new knowledge you acquired because of your fall. Failing is not going to kill you, so dare to fail on a large scale. Set yourself up for success, but if you fail, it's totally okay!
15) Unlikely friends can be the best kind. I have a few new amazing friends from the last year who could definitely qualify as unlikely friends. Don't let that stop you from finding fantastic people.
16) Pursue excellence. Whatever you set your mind to, do it fantastically. Don't allow mediocrity to become a regular occurrence in your life. Do things on a grand scale, and allow yourself to dream on that same scale. Life is a wonderful thing that needs to be lived, not just survived. Excellence is around every corner, so don't settle for less. Don't finish books that aren't worth it, don't do things that aren't worth it. Live fabulously, and pursue excellence.
I hope you enjoyed these, or learned something from them. Here's to an amazing 2017!
