Today, I am 40 years old.
Some people hate growing old but I enjoy the privilege of aging and all the knowledge that comes along with it.
The last 12 months have taught me so many things and I wanted to take a moment to share some of those things with you on my birthday:
1. There are no bad days or bad moments. There are only lessons in areas where we need to heal. Our perception of and reaction to what happens in the world is a reflection of what is going on inside. Our mind creates our reality so if we want a more preferable reality, we first need to adjust our inner selves.
2. You can’t pour from an empty cup. In order to love another, you must first love yourself. You have to live with yourself every day and so you are the person you should make sure is taken care of and loved every moment or every day. How can you look in a mirror with disgust and say you love another? You can’t. Love begins inside you. When you love yourself, the love you have pours out to others.
3. The only person you are obligated to have a relationship with is yourself. Only the people who shows you love through their actions deserve your energy. This is your life so it is your right to choose who has access to you. But first and foremost, before seeking outside companionship, be good with being alone with your own company, thoughts and feelings.
4. “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” ~ Maya Angelou. Trust your intuition and use discernment when interacting with others. You usually feel the answer before it reveals itself. Listen to all sensations in your body.
5. Having butterflies when you first meet someone is not love; it is your trauma recognizing their trauma. Run in the opposite direction.
6. Allow people to do what they’re going to do and they’ll show you what they want to do. This is a great way to avoid confusion about the intentions and emotions of others.
7. When you know what you want, no one can convince you to do anything outside of your goals. Period.
8. Don’t change who you are based on the actions of others. There are people who just want to see you lower yourself to their level. Don’t. Maintain your character. There are people who want to destroy the beauty in your life. They may come close but don’t put up walls so high that you miss out on the great and beautiful things that are meant for you. One bad apple shouldn’t ruin the bunch. Always remember how someone treats you is more about how they feel about themselves.
9. If they have a problem with your boundaries, they don’t and won’t respect you. Walk away.
10. Silence is more powerful than proving a point. Never stay where you are not wanted and never argue with ignorant people. Silence really is golden and proving points is just the ego talking. Silence speaks with wisdom.
There were so many things I picked up in the last 12 months. I’ve done trauma therapy, divorce support group therapy and regular talk therapy and I can say with confidence that I have grown so much and gained so much knowledge that will only propel me forward.
Today may not be your birthday but what have you learned in the past 12 months that you’d share with others?
Look Within 