Friday, December 31, 2010

Lessons


2010 has been a big year for me. I moved probably 5 or 6 times in 2010. I opened up 2 new shops on Etsy. I learned how to do many new things. But I think the biggest things I learned were about myself. I learned who I am. How to be independent, and what I really want in life. 2010 was full of ups and downs. Let me tell you, some of those downs were truly downs. Some days were full of tears and being lonely. Some were full of happiness and being alone. Life is all about progress and lessons. Trials make a person stronger and I am truly thankful for the trials from 2010, because they will equal the blessings in 2011.

I have learned some wonderful lessons, since it is almost the new year I would love to share them with you. I hope more than anything to help people who are also struggling with getting out of a relationship, or dealing with depression, or loneliness.

Lessons Learned:

Love is not a bank statement.
Money is not success.
Leave the ones who don't treat you right.
Love the ones who do.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
Make peace with your past so it won't mess up the future.
Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
Don't get attached to too many material processions. They truly don't matter.
Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
There is no such thing as the perfect timing.
If you wait for the perfect moment, you will miss many small moments.
Forgive everyone every time, but remember, forgiveness and trust are two different things.
Believe in miracles.
Go outside every day. 
Look at the tree.
No matter how you feel, get up, get dressed and do something.
Pebbles and acorns make beautiful gifts.
Don't be afraid to love again and again.
Happiness really is a choice. Choose it.
Take deep breaths.
Laugh often, even if you have to laugh at yourself.
The heart is a muscle, when a muscle is torn it grows back stronger.
Create daily, even if it's just cooking a meal.
If you love someone, tell them often. You can never say you love someone too much.
If you don't love someone, don't say it. There is nothing worse than false hope.
Drive slowly, take the back roads. Stop and take pictures.
Go on adventures.
Take silly pictures of yourself.
Don't take yourself too seriously.
Alone doesn't mean lonely.
You don't have to be alone to be lonely.
Forgive the way a dog does. Grudges are bad for your heart.
Believe in magic.
Take risks, be brave.
If you ever have to question if you love someone still... you already have your answer.
Don't live with regrets.
Guilt and fear will only hold you back.
Be yourself, there is no one like you.
Being nice is not a weakness. Nice people are the bravest strongest people there are.
Life isn't wrapped in a pretty bow, but it is still a gift.

My heart is filled with joy as I reflect on this past year. I am sitting in the living room at my parents house, texting new years plans with a friend and sipping tea. Mowgli is snuggling with me on one side, Fungus on the other. The world is a beautiful place if you just open your eyes wide enough.

22 comments:

  1. Sounds like you've got a head start on 2011!
    Happy New Year!

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  2. Loved this post. It's so amazing what you can learn in a year.

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  3. I agree with all of the above, and I love those pictures. Will you be selling prints of them?

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  4. this was perfect.
    it's good to remember the important things. this was a hard year for me as well, but i'm excited about the future. thanks for sharing, really. great photos too :)

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  5. choked up on this one.
    you're a warrior, little sprite.

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  6. Looks like your on the right track to a new year :D
    many good lessons learned...hope many learned the same this year

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  7. I know I'm a random stranger who doesn't know you, but those life lessons really struck a note with me. Glad to know someone else is thinking about all the happy, tough, and down right difficult lessons they've learned this year as well. Thanks

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  8. Perfect. Thank you for sharing that. It really struck home. Happy New Year lovely.

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  9. you are lovely. you always know exactly how to say the right things :)

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  10. Great post, Rach. The way you see things is very perceptive and intelligent, with just enough idealism.

    I did a very similar post on my blog just this morning. Sometimes it's a breath of fresh air to just take a step back and reflect, noting how one has evolved and learned from their past experiences.

    Have a happy new year! Maybe we can catch up soon?

    Jen

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  11. loving every word... your truth... it's rich with emotion and heart... and strength... wise start to your year friend... xo and thanks for sharing...

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  12. bless your pretty little heart!
    hope 2011 is wonderful!!

    my favorite one was life isn't fair but it is still good. that is so, so true.

    ~Michele
    www.etsy.com/shop/chelebert12

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  13. I love your blog. Like, seriously. It's gorgeous. I'm so glad I stumbled upon it with the help of a friend in Utah :) Happy New Year!

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  14. beautiful post, you have learned alot this year, i hope everything gets better. You are never alone

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  15. "When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

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  16. girl, you are so beautiful and strong - I'm so proud of you. Sometimes it's hard to step back and evaluate your own situations but it sounds like you sure did learn a lot. xoxo

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  17. you know, I had pleanty of ups and downs this year too. It's kind of nice to know I was not alone on the down part, on a lighter note, it's safe to say. WE SURVIVED 2010! 2011 is going to be amazing for us, for sure!

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  18. This is lovely! I've actually copy and pasted this to save and read again at later dates (when I need to). Also that is a beautiful photograph of you! :)
    I truelly wish you a beatiful 2011.
    xBeth

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  19. Sorry, that was meant to say beautiful, oops on the spelling ;)

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  20. I love this post so much! =D
    Good luck and all the best to you!

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