I started writing this list at the end of December and instead of writing about all the bad things I could think of that took place in 2016, I wanted to write all the things I learned that helped me to have a great year no matter what came my way. I’ve been really bad at blogging BUT just got a laptop last week so I will be posting more. YAY!!

Here are some things I  learned or was reminded of:

•  Tomorrow isn’t promised, people you know and care about can be gone in a second; it’s heartbreaking. LOVE the people in your life with every ounce of your being, because you might wake up one day and find out their time on this earth has ended.

•  Convince yourself that you’re capable of achieving your dreams and begin to knock things out little by little. You’ll look back and be amazed at the progress.

•  Believe in yourself, no really… believe in yourself!

•  Smile at strangers, they’ll smile back. Say hello and good morning to people you see out on the street. These are little things that make a difference in someone’s day.

•  If you see someone who is obviously struggling to get food, help! It’s not ok to see someone eating out of a trash can and do nothing to help them.

•  Prayer changes things, some times it isn’t instant or overnight [though I know that happens] but trust me when I say… prayer is powerful and God is working.

•  Get to know people you never thought about spending time with, you’ll be happy you made time for them.

•  Sitting down and getting to know someone’s story will have an impact on you, and you can’t help but love that person even greater.

•  You can’t be there for everyone, so don’t beat yourself up or get overwhelmed when they’re upset with you. Pray for them, pray for them, pray for them.

•  Not everyone will like you, it’s ok.

•  Some people will distance themselves from you, let them.

•  It’s ok to cry when situations arise that you cannot handle or control, but don’t hangout in your head too long… you’ll think yourself to confusion and frustration and want to give up. Don’t give up.

•  Take a deep breath and clear your head when you feel like a million thoughts are coming in at one time.

•  God is with you, you’re not alone.

•  You are in charge of your time with others, not the other way around.

•  Don’t take the carpool lane even though you have never been caught. At some point, you will get caught and pay $490.

•  If your nieces want to play  hide and seek, play hide and seek and hide real good! Record it if you can, because where they hide and what they say is priceless!

•  Make time for your family.

•  Make time for your best friends.

•  Make time for YOU.

•  You can be the kindest, most loving person on the planet but someone who doesn’t see an issue with how badly they treat you, won’t change if they are not aware that they have some adjustments to make.

•  Some friendships won’t last forever and that’s ok.

•  Toxic people in your life will cost you your peace.

•  Some people will always assume the worst of you, but a real friend knows your heart.

• Happiness is an inside job.

•  Don’t be easily offended, your friends would never intentionally hurt your feelings… so if they say or do something that hurts you… they probably didn’t mean it the way it was received. Always go back to, “Would this person intentionally hurt me?” if they answer is no, then let it go.

•  Don’t let fear and doubt hold you back from doing what you love and what makes your heart come alive.

•  Step out in faith, take a risk, watch God move.

•  Say yes to new experiences and opportunities.

•  Don’t freak out, cross certain bridges when and if you get to them… no need to stress over situations that have only taken place in your imagination.

•  It’s never too late…Go for it!!