I celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago in a simple kind of way (those who know me well find this shocking). I spent the day with my daughter and a couple of relatives. I was happy and content to be with people who I know loved and cared about me. I wanted this year to be about finding my center and self-improvement. Lately, I’ve been wearing so many hats until I just needed to be still, quiet and to listen to my inner voice. This past weekend I took a much needed weekend getaway with some friends and new acquaintances to the mountains of Tennessee. I needed it more now than ever because I am at a point in life where change is inevitable. For the past few months, I’ve been worrying too much about situations that are beyond my realm of control. Being in the mountains gave me such an overwhelming sense of peace and an opportunity to really self-reflect-to think about my life, who’s in it and where I am headed on this journey. Sometimes the growing pains of life can be quite challenging.
10 THINGS I KNOW FOR SURE:
1. Keep God first! It’s about a relationship with him. He deserves our attention.
2. It is very important to have people in your life who celebrate you, not just tolerate you.
3. Nothing matters more than having a peace of mind. This can only be achieved when you are at peace with yourself. No matter what anybody says, what matters MOST is what you think of yourself. No one is perfect. Remember, peace and perfection are not the same.
4. It's important to recognize when you’re worried, wounded and worn out. Take a mental health day when you need it or you’ll end up allowing people to treat you like a doormat or you will end up treating others like crap. Remember, you are valuable and worthy of being treated as such and you should treat others as you want to be treated.
5. When someone shows you who they are the first time, believe them. There is no room on the front pew of your life for people who don’t want to be there. Stop being emotionally dependent on people whose part in the story is over. Let them go.
6. Life is worth living and you are responsible for your own happiness. We often go on a diet or detox but we seldom detox our hearts and minds. Get rid of negative thoughts and replace them with positive thinking and affirmations. After all, you more than anyone else deserves to be loved and happy.
7. Stop making excuses for everything. You were BORN for GREATNESS! Don’t settle for mediocrity! You can’t be afraid to succeed and fail. When you’re scared of Failure and scared of Success, just stand still. God will guide you to the right path.
8. Find a mentor. It’s important to have people in your circle who can teach you things and who are willing to be open, honest and loving. Remember, not everyone is on the sidelines cheering for you.
9. A career is great but you have to stop to smell the roses and nurture your family, friends, relationships and health. India.Arie states it best in her blog when she writes, “Thank you God for granting me the clarity to Honor the relationships that I cannot change, the Courage to Heal the relationships that I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.
10. Last, you are beyond Blessed. You are beautiful, lovable and destined for greatness. Don’t give your power away or allow someone to shrink you. Rise!
I am so ready for this next phase of my life. Every time I feel stressed or I’m dealing with the growing pains of life, my plan is to mentally go to my happy place in the beautiful Tennessee mountains. Ready, Set Go!
Robin
