of failure and the filth of selfish choices.
-Craig D. Lounsbrough
My past year was fantastic. Epic. Historical. It could have been better, but I LOVE it. And I learned a lot from it. Here are 3 major lessons I will bring with me in the new year:
Lesson #1 - Stop waiting for other people
Don’t wait for others to apologize before you decide to move on. Some people are too proud to admit they have wronged you. If you wait for them to ask for forgiveness, you might spend your whole life remaining and holding on to a grudge. Don’t wait for other people to right the wrongs in your life."Life is easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got."
In the same way, don’t wait for other people to accept your apology before you move on.
If you have asked for forgiveness and they still won’t accept it, make peace with yourself and get on with life.
The important thing is knowing that you did your part.
Don’t wait for other people to be available to accompany you. If you want to visit museums, see local places, visit cities or try something new and nobody’s free to come with you, do it yourself. It’s not their bucket list you’re ticking. It’s yours.
Lesson #2 - Allow yourself to be really, REALLY happy.
I did that this year. I allowed myself to enjoy life more. I let myself learn new things. I met with and listened to people who are more experienced than I am.I made peace with my past. I forgave the people who hurt me, and most of all, I excused myself for selling myself short. I chose to ignore, to let go of the could-have-been, and released the negative emotions and toxic thoughts I held on to for so long.
I accepted the things I could not change and prayed to God for those we could not control. Though I worry sometimes, I have learned to let things be.
I did more of what made me happy and gave up those that did not. I wrote more regularly. I read more books. Unlike before, I stopped reading books that bore me instead of painfully trying to finish the story. I go out more often to meet friends and nourish my relationships.
I have learned to stop chasing people who do not try to meet me halfway. I shower my love and time instead to those who value me. Life is too short to spend with people who don’t appreciate you.
I surround myself with encouragers, believers, and dreamers who act on their dreams and avoid those who drain me.
It is not easy, primarily when you work where you meet all kinds of people. Still, if you are determined to protect your happiness and nourish your well-being, you learn the art of shaking off negativity fast.
Allow yourself to be really, really happy. For all that you went through and all the hard work you put into what you do, that’s the least you deserve.
Lesson #3 - Everything is a decision.
Your life today is the result of the decisions you have made in the past.The life you dream of will come true if you decide to make it happen. I have made decisions in the past that I am glad I did. I also have made bad decisions that I sometimes regret.
My only consolation now is that I have learned from them, and the consequences made me better. I would not have become the person I am without them, and I could not imagine myself otherwise.
Everything in your life happens and results from your decisions every single time.
Great relationships don’t just happen. You decide to make it happen. You choose to love even when you wake up and the people you love are not their usual lovable selves. You decide to forgive and compromise to save the relationship.
You do not become an overnight success. You decide to study and master your craft. You choose to learn more about your field. You pick yourself up after you fail, even if you fall multiple times.
Your addiction will not stop ruining your life unless you decide to put an end to it.
You decide to be financially free. Your debts will not just go away. Your future will not secure itself.
You decide today how your tomorrow will become.
There may be goals you wish you had accomplished in the past year. It is never too late to pursue them again. Trials are inevitable, but you can avoid falling into the same mistakes and failures if you bring the lessons you have learned from the past.
You can make this year better. I know I can. These 3 major lessons will help me make that happen.
32 comments
Three good rules to ensure another epic year.
ReplyDeleteEvery passing year teaches us new lessons :-) Happy New Year. Have a great 2015 :-)
ReplyDeletewow,super cool :)
ReplyDeleteHappy new year :)
Great points about taking charge of your life, and forgiveness! The worst feeling is when you offer a sincere apology, and receive a blank stare in return. Sometimes you just have to forgive yourself, and move on. Have a very happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteJulie
I am grateful that I found your blog... I agree with everything you say here... I do wish it was easier though.....
ReplyDeleteI wish you much joy and peace in 2015,,, I look forward to getting to know you even better next year... have a lovely and fun day xox
Happiness and being happy can achieve many obstacles and yes, we have to work on relationships for sure.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Lessons learned and discovered~ Happy new Year
ReplyDelete#2 - Happiness means alot to me!!...I wish you an amazing 2015 mami!!
ReplyDeleteGlorious photo, words packed with truth! I'm so grateful our paths have crossed this year, friend! Can't wait to see what God has for us in the months ahead ...
ReplyDeleteHugs. And happy new year!
Exact three things life taught me this year :-O
ReplyDelete*spooky* :-P
HAPPY NEW YEAR :)
These tenets will serve you well in 2015 and beyond, dear Superlux. One of my dearest friends is a woman by the name of Margaret Elizabeth Brown Schneider. Now approaching her 103rd birthday, Margaret is affectionately nicknamed "The Oldest Living Dell Rat" because she and her family were the first people to live at the Shady Dell, the estate that became a hangout for teenagers (including me) from the 1940s through the 80s. Margaret explains her longevity using the same principles you outlined in this post. Throughout her life her philosophy has been "Don't dwell on it." Let go of negative feelings. Take life's hardships, crises, tragedies and betrayals in stride. Get through them as best you can and move on.
ReplyDeleteI am very excited to have you as a new friend, SuperLux. I invite you to stick with me in the coming year. There is much we can learn from each other. Happy new year to you and your family, dear friend!
Beautiful post Lux. It sounds like you've lived a year of evolution. I'm so happy for you. I remember my own year of new beginnings. Life will never be the same. It only gets better from here.
ReplyDeleteI missed reading your posts. Another beautifully written post from you.
ReplyDelete*sends best wishes to you for the new year* :)
It is all about taking control of your life and managing your journey in the direction of what really makes you happy. It was nice meeting you online. Who could have think that exchanging ideas online could be as insightful as the real-world interaction. I'm so thankful! Now, I have 364 more people to meet. Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Jayson. Glad to have come across your blog as well. Here's hoping to a much better year for you and your family! :)
DeleteHappy new year ! Healthy and sparkling!
DeleteThanks for the kind visit!
Olympia
Thank you! And a Happy New Year for you!
ReplyDeleteThree good lessons to live by. Happy new year and all the very best for 2015.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a post loaded with such wisdom.
ReplyDeleteGreat points to bear in mind and to tick off every day throughout the coming year and beyond. Positivity is a powerful weapon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog, Lux. I hope 2015 fulfills your every dream and more. Aspiration is inspiration. :)
Thank you Very much for this post, for all your posts that made me dreaming. You are an angel! Happy New Year darling, Liuba x
ReplyDeleteAll boils down to "choices"; "choices" "choices"
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year ☆´,•*´¨★ Ձ๏15
much love...
Simply love this post!! Love your beautiful blog. All The Very Best. Thank you for your lovely wishes and visiting my blog. Stay connected.
ReplyDeleteLove
Epsita
epsita.blogsot.com
Thank you, dear. All the best! :)
DeleteSimply Love this post!! Nice Blog. Love it! Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving me lovely wishes. Stay connected.
ReplyDeleteLove
Epsita
epsita.blogspot.com
wonderful post - words i definitely needed to hear as I enter the new year :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christina. Glad to have helped you. :)
DeleteThank you for sharing in How To Get Organized At Home, this is an awesome post and it made me stop and think so thank you again:)
ReplyDeleteThank you for leaving a comment on my blog :) Had fun reading your entries too! May you have an amazing 2015!
ReplyDeletewww.jacquelineuy.blogspot.com
I love that photo of you with the books - so beautiful! :) So glad that you signed up for the swap and I can't wait to cheer you on for 2015 and beyond! Hope you are having a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteI will pray that your 2015 is successful. These are great lesson's learned and I found a lot of inspiration. Thanks for sharing on My Next Spiritual Journey Linkup.
ReplyDeleteI love this!! This is something i need to implement this year! I let way too many things get me down last year! I need to rejuvenate and get back to really being happy!!!
ReplyDeleteJasmine :)
colorubold.com