1. Don't be afraid to try
I know it's scary because it involves rejection or people making fun of you for trying or giving you the ultimate pessimistic view of what you're trying to do, but some people will love you for it. Have the courage to create. Have the courage to say what you want to say.
2. Reach out to other people
I love you. So many people love you (whoever you are) Maybe not all of them will end up being safe for you, but some of them will. There is so much love in the universe, including inside yourself. Keep reaching out. Even if it's a dumb text message or facebook status update actually saying just "HI." You never know what you'll get back. Some people will reject you. Some people will be unkind or shaming. But there will be sheep amidst the wolves, I promise you.
3. Love your family
In ALL their shortcomings. Just love them. It's your only job. Not to change them. You may have a relationship with someone else in your family which is closer, but still LOVE THEM ALL. "Detachment with love" I live by that.
4. Help others
I think this may be the number one thing that you can do to get yourself out of a funk, and to help you feel like you are living your highest self. You might help someone just by complimenting a stranger who looks a little blue. It might be giving a hug (I believe in the power of them). Nourish someone else's soul and see how amazing it is when you notice your own soul brightening with light.
5. Stop looking outward.
Someone once said to me as I was running to them in tears because of pain "you've looked everywhere--BUT inside yourself" I've never forgotten that. Our bodies contain so much innate healing power if you just start to listen to it, love it, honor it more.
6. Dress to impress
Or do the best you can anyway. Honor yourself. You're fucking amazing. Sure not many will notice unless it's something outrageous, but damn it you'll FEEL great anyway.
7. Be grateful.
There is so much wonder in the world. Don't lose that sense. Wonder. Be AMAZED.
8. Dance, Sing and ROCK your ass off!
Music saves my life daily again and again. It's always there for you. Try typing in "best song ever" on YouTube and anything could happen.
9. Get real not-just-transactional friends.
I have a few real friends now. Know how I know they're real? Actions. Not just words. And I love them for it.
10. Laugh your ass off.
I don't care how you do it, what level of sick or deranged humor you have, where you get your giggles, but damn it try to find those giggles often. People who make you laugh are important to keep around too.
11. Campaign for what you believe in.
ALL across the board.
12. Don't be so hard on yourself.
A therapist once told me to stop being so hard on myself and speak to myself the way I would speak to my friends. I would never say some of the things to my friends that I say to myself in my own head. I now have a sign written on my wall "Hey that's my friend you're talking about"
13. Remember to drink more water
Water is as important as oxygen. As much as I love all the different flavored liquids in life, water is what sustains your body- water is what sustains LIFE.
14. Pick your battles
When you really look at what's getting you angry, you'll realize that there's usually no need for anger. Anger is a powerful force. Transform it into positive energy to fuel your work for change. Letting yourself stay angry will wear you down. It can age you faster than if you forget to wear sunscreen.
15. Wear sunscreen
16. Own your shit
Ain't always easy. But there's freedom in it. I promise that.
17. Don't be afraid to offend
Strong points of view often do. Anyone worth your time will relish your strong perspective, and not be a precious shrinking daisy walking around life looking for the next thing to be victimized and offended and outraged by. Own your voice.
18. Some of the best moments of life, can be the moments when you're all by yourself.
Your relationship with your self is the most important relationship you’ll ever have. It forms the basis for every other relationship in your life, making you the mother/father, sister/bro, partner and friend that you are.
Really~ Being "alone" and being REALLY alone are two different things. But here and there, choose those moments willingly, I promise you won't regret some of them.
19. Take photos EVERY day
Snap the things that catch your eye, the faces you love and the moments you want to remember. Records the bits of your day that you might forget — in years to come you’ll love this glimpse into your routine.
20. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt
Try to remember that everybody is doing their best with the tools they have and life experiences they’ve had. You never know what happened that morning, that day, that month or that year. You never know when somebody is putting a brave face on something that’s making them crumble inside.
21. Celebrate your sensuality
Take hot scented baths and sunbathe nude in your garden. Buy lingerie or some clothing that delights you and wear more silk. Take pleasure in your body.
22. It's OK to protect yourself from those who trigger you.
Unsubscribe. Unfollow. Unfriend. Avoid. Make your excuses. Sometimes we just need to protect our hearts, and if there is someone who makes you feel like crap, you don't have to let them in your world.
23. Keep a journal.
Write down your thoughts. Make lists. Draw mind maps. Stick in pictures that make you dream. Write when you feel inspired. Write when you feel sad. Write when you want to remember. Write when you just don't know how. Just write (or type) it out.
24. Sharing your heart with people will make you feel vulnerable, but do it.
In fact it will make you feel vulnerable most times, but it will help you feel less alone when you see that others feel the same. By hiding the truth about who we are and how we feel, we isolate ourselves.
25. Enjoy your kids
The more that time goes by, the more I realize how self-sufficient my eldest is becoming. While he is my lil guy, he's growing into a young man and it scares the bejesus out of me. As any parent would, I worry that I haven't done enough. Haven't been there enough. BUT, I always remind myself, even when I am overwhelmed with whatever to just STOP. PAUSE and take time to enjoy my children. Time is fleeting, it doesn't wait.
26. Give wholeheartedly
Give without expecting anything in return. I have learned this with years and with age and my Grandmother is the one who taught me this. When you give something to anyone, it being your time or something materialistic, give it with goodness of your heart and expect NOTHING in return. This is beyond rewarding and good karma. I have to remind myself, but it's always there in my mind.
27. Don't judge a book by it's cover
This is of the oldest lessons that we all have heard about and one we should learn at a young age. It's also one that even us "big people" forget sometimes and we are too quick to judge. Take your time in forming an opinion, trust your gut and then make a decision about someone. You'd be surprised at what lies inside a person, you just have to give them a chance.
28. Take care of the planet
This world is changing everyday and one thing that I have learned is that it's up to US to take care of it. I know we all can't be completely "green" per say and completely waste free, but, I do know that you can make small changes to see a huge difference. I reuse, reduce and recycle. I don't litter. I buy local whenever I can...see small things add up.
29. Believe in something
Whether it's science, nature, god, spirit, kindness, gratitude, politics, the universe, atoms or love, believe in something.
30. BELIEVE in YOURSELF.
There's nobody else in the entire universe like you.
31. If Morgan Freeman narrates it, it's usually worth watching.
Seriously
32. Getting older is something to celebrate.
Not everyone gets to—life is a gift. Embrace your age.
33. Go Gently~~
