As this year comes to a close, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the people and the lessons that were shared this year. I want to take the time to be thankful for the people that I gained on my journey and cheers to the ones left behind. 2018 saw me grab the reigns on my mental health and peace of mind.
I was put to the test this year more than I had been in the past, but 2018 let me know that I can withstand all trials and tribulations thrown at me and then some. Even though my spirit and mental health took a hit, I still was able to take that and build it into some life lessons that I want to share.
- Selfishness does not always have a negative connotation.
I spent a lot of time in 2018 not working on myself and leaving myself behind when things were getting overwhelming. We have to realize that being selfish and worrying over yourself is beneficial. Take the time to be selfish and be honest when you are in over your head. It will help you more in the long run…and to be honest your mind, body and soul will thank you immensely.
- The only constant is change.
Nothing is permanent. You must learn to adapt and not get upset when things ultimately change. Learn how to take circumstances and apply them in a way that does not stray from your personal missions and values.
- TREAT PEOPLE WITH KINDNESS.
It really goes a long way. Notice the little things and acknowledge them. Those random acts of kindness and love? It’s a small pebble that makes a chain reaction. “Be a lover. Give love, choose love. Love everyone. Always.”-Harry Styles
- Rejection doesn’t mean failure.
Too often we are met with denial in the quest to better ourselves and accomplish our goals. Even if you have been told “no” time and time again, it’s important to keep going until someone tells you yes. And even if it doesn’t come or your path changes, don’t be so hard on yourself. It doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. Your self-worth is not measured by your successes.
- FOCUS on the positive!
Like the saying, “you are what you eat,” I think what you focus on is what you receive! If you focus on complaining and everything wrong in your life, you’re constantly going to be finding more and more ways to complain about how unhappy you are. You want to lose that weight? Focus on being healthier, and getting out and exercising. You want a better job? Research and look for opportunities available and go after them. As someone who has trouble focusing, I know we are only human and can’t focus on everything but going through life focus on nothing will get you nothing.
- Stop trying to please everyone.
This one was the most difficult to learn, and we all could use reminding. It’s not worth it, and you will never be living your life for yourself. You will be navigating your life through someone else’s standards, which will ultimately deplete your feelings of happiness. DO YOU.
- Your surroundings matter.
Surround yourself with encouraging surroundings and you’re more likely to be affected by it. Surrounding yourself with greater people, more diversity, better ideals, and better food will impact your lifestyle more positively. You can be a healthier, happier person when you are surrounded with the tools to be one.
Every year when we get a chance to reflect and remember, we should also be rearranging to apply those lessons for the new year.
What are some lessons you learned and hope to see improvement on in 2019?
Author: Tea Campbell
Email: [email protected]
Author Bio: Tea Campbell is an aspiring writer from Columbus, Ohio. She bides her time as a corporate representative on weekdays. She is driven by her love of words and the sharing of her favorites with like-minded women. She’s inspired by love, spiritual connections and the journey to a better well-being. While she’s still figuring out how she fits in the cogs of the social media machine, you can catch her reading, writing on pieces of paper found in her purse, or proclaiming her shameless love for all things ’70s, specifically Stevie Nicks.
Link to social media or website: Instagram @tea_campbell
