20 Lessons I Learned In 2017
Man, 2017 really tried to test me. Am I alone with that?! I've had a few conversations with friends of mine, and it seems like 2017 was a serious character builder.
Jacket:
| Jeans:
I've never been one to put so much emphasis on a new year -- At the end of the day, it's really just another sunset/sunrise happening, a new day, and the Earth simply continuing its regular orbit. But it is an opportunity to see a fresh start, close one chapter, and start a new one.
For me, 2017 was jam-packed with a ton of pivotal highs and lows. Like, all at once. I learned so much about myself this year because of every single experience that I went through. The highs felt HIGH, and the lows felt well....low. It felt like I was being tested every step of the way to ride the wave and just handle everything thrown my way.
But, I'd be lying if I said what I dealt with was out of the norm. It wasn't. It was just a lot of turning moments happening simultaneously.
I went on the most amazing trip I've been on in my life (you can read more about my trips to
and
), was going through a breakup only weeks prior to that trip, juggling the financial and emotional struggle of losing my job, while being pretty f*cked over in that job, made a choice to leave the corporate world to quickly get screwed, and then lost a job that I thoroughly enjoyed (while in line for security at the airport to come home for a big day at that job). WHEW. Sob story, nah. We all go through similar situations at one point or another.
But they all happened within a 4 week period. I was like DAAAAMN, slow down. Some things we can control, and other times all we can control is our reaction and response.
So, here are the 20 (+ one bonus) lessons that I learned in 2017.
Be your own best friend.
If you can't be your own support system in tough times, you got nothing.
Your happiness does not depend on someone else.
STOP relying on others for your happiness, assurance, or needing to ask someone before you make any decision. Find happiness in yourself, hobbies, and spread it out.
Integrity and loyalty will take you farther than you know.
Don't sell out, even though it may seem like the easy way out sometimes. Stay true to yourself. Be loyal to your friends, your friends' businesses, and your family. They need it.
People will f*ck you over. Don't be surprised when they do.
Stop expecting everyone and everything to go according to plan. It rarely will. Someone will screw you, and don't be shocked when it happens.
Give others the benefit of the doubt, but protect yourself.
Don't have a cynical outlook, but protect your reputation, sanity, and mental health above all.
It's perfectly ok to say "no" to any lunch, social situation, or encounter that you feel iffy about.
Don't just pack your calendar for the sake of staying busy. It's OK to say no to any meeting or outing that you really just don't want to go to. Evaluate why you don't want to go -- maybe it's not the right circle.
Eating sugar and crap all day will only make you feel sick.
I mean...duh. But I ate way too many desserts expecting zero consequences.
Time is money.
...point blank. Quit working for free unless it's leading you to an opportunity. Your time and knowledge is $ honey.
Never be afraid to ask. The worst that can happen is someone says "no".
Ask for what you need, aim higher, and see what happens.
A good support system will make any hardship bearable.
You don't need a huge support system. Have a handful of amazing people in your life and be grateful for them. They'll help you more than you know.
Remember that everyone is going through something. Be kind, empathetic, and offer an ear to talk if someone is struggling.
You're no different from the woman behind you at a coffee shop. She has something on her mind too that might be driving her nuts, or she might just be having a bad day. It NEVER hurts to smile, hold the door, and be kind to others.
You will lose friends. It's part of life. Move on.
And this will happen for different reasons. You might outgrow a friendship, or it might just be a sign that the friendship isn't as strong or real as you once thought.
Just because you lost friends doesn't mean that either of you are bad people.
Sometimes you just don't mesh well together. Same goes for relationships. Don't always label the other party as a "bad person".
Listen to the signs of the universe when people, opportunities, or things are removed from your life.
When it's time to let go, LET IT GO. When something or someone comes your way, open the door and see what happens.
Never beg for someone else's attention.
You'll only exhaust your own energy and feel depleted. It's an odd feeling when this starts to happen and you feel your pride start to kick in -- Don't beg for attention, affection, time, or love. If it's not working for your needs, it's probably not a good fit.
If someone doesn't see your worth, it's not your job to convince them of it.
For whatever reason, they just don't. It doesn't make you any less worthy -- It just means you're not right for them.
Hard work and ambition are noticed.
If you're passionate, ambitions, and dedicated, keep putting that into whatever you're doing. It'll take you far.
Your intuition is right 99.9% of the time.
Ahem, especially to all the women out there. We just have a sense for "no BS", so listen to it.
Plan ahead with work, or prepare to be behind AF.
You have to stay organized, write things down, calendar pending opportunities, or you'll just be all over the place.
It's OK to not have it all figured out.
Nobody does. Believe in yourself and have confidence in what you're doing. Figure it out along the way and one step at a time.
And the bonus...
Don't stop hustling.
Even on the bad days, keep on keepin' on.
xx