I don’t remember when it started but every time someone celebrates a birthday my husband wants to hear “X” number of lessons learned, gratitudes, etc. based on the number of years you’ve lived.
So, in honor of that, because my birthday was Friday, here’s my list. These are things I’ve learned but am mostly still learning.
There are no Joneses. Comparison culture is deadly to originality, authenticity, and uniqueness
Perfection does not exist. It is a false construct designed to keep you from reaching your full potential, which rests in you being you. Also, it annoys other people.
You cannot have it all. You can choose values that matter to you and work like hell to design a life in alignment with those values. It is hard. And it will require sacrifice.
People are good. Their life circumstances may affect their choices and situations. Forgive the people. Fight the system.
Humans are flawed. Love them anyway.
Women are powerful.
Community is essential.
Listen.
Rest. You’re allowed to pause. The world will go on without you but it also doesn’t need a burnt-out you. It needs you at your best. And you can’t be at your best when you are tired and depleted.
We are always growing. Be patient. There is no end. Just new possibilities to grow into.
Everyone does things their own way. That’s okay. There is no one right way.
Show up. Especially when you’re scared. Even when you don’t want to.
Life is a paradox. It’s not meant to be solved. It’s meant to be lived.
Nature heals.
Seasons and cycles are the true timekeepers.
Work hard to get better, not to get done.
You do not need to scrub your floorboards with a toothbrush. Unless you want to, then have at it.
In war, everyone loses.
Family above all else, by blood or by choice.
People are people no matter who or how they love, who or how they worship.
There are no wrong turns, just detours, scenic routes, and lessons to be learned.
Breath is our body’s most powerful tool.
Balance does exist, it’s just never static.
Movement clears energy from the body and mind. It is how we clean out the invisible toxins of daily life.
Writing is therapy.
Therapy is not shameful. (See #2 and #5)
Not everyone will like you. That’s fine.
Trust your intuition.
Forgive and move on.
You never know what’s going on with someone else so always give them the benefit of the doubt.
There is always nuance. Try to understand the nuance.
Be kind. Even if you have every reason to highly dislike someone, be kind.
Gratitude leads to happiness.
The things in life that matter the most also take the most work.
We can do hard things.
The only constant is change.
Never say never.
I’ve had a good life so far. I am lucky and blessed. The more I think about it, the more I realize well-being isn’t something to be chased. It’s not something you can take a pill to create. It’s an intentional mind-state you choose to cultivate every day.
What have you learned/are still learning? I’d love to hear. Reply to this email or comment below, if only to wish me a happy belated birthday 😁. I’m a Taurus. I love the love.
Sunday, April 26
National Pretzel Day
Remember Your First Kiss Day
National No Makeup Day
Get Organized Day
Alien Day
Monday, April 27
Autism Super Mom Day
National Tell A Story Day
World Design Day
Tuesday, April 28
Global Pay It Forward Day
Great Poetry Reading Day
National Blueberry Pie Day
Wednesday, April 29
Day of Trees
Denim Day
International Dance Day
Poem In Your Pocket Day
World Stationery Day
Thursday, April 30
Hairstyle Appreciation Day
Healthy Kids Day
Honesty Day
National Bubble Tea Day
National Mahjong Day
National Tie Dye Day
Friday, May 1
Beltane
Global Love Day
Learn to Ride a Bike Day
May Day
National Mantra Day
National Space Day
Saturday, May 2
Baby Day
Brothers and Sisters Day
Harry Potter Day
Herb Day
International Pilates Day
Naked Gardening Day
National Scrapbooking Day
Take a Baby to Lunch Day
May is the month to celebrate:
Cheese
Wetlands
Anxiety Awareness
Better Sleep
Celiac Awareness
Clean Air
Community Action
Correct Posture
Family Wellness
Gifts From The Garden
Respect For Chickens
Jewish American Heritage
Latino Books
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Lettuce
Local and Community History
Maternal Mental Health
Meditation
Mental Health Awareness
Military Appreciation
Asparagus
Barbecue
Bicycle Safety
Comfort
Eggs
Hamburgers
Inventors
Pets
Photography
Salads
Salsa
Strawberries
Tennis
Vinegar
Walking
Women’s Health
With gratitude,
Ashley
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