The Important Life Lessons 2017 Has Taught Me

It feels like 2017 went by in a flash, but it wasn’t without its ups and downs. In reflecting back on this past year, I’ve realized I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons. I’ve shared most of them with you in separate blog posts, but here’s a year in review of what 2017 has taught me:

Take risks—it’s worth it 

Life is about taking chances. Playing it safe won’t get me anywhere. It just leaves me stuck inside my comfort zone, but real growth happens outside of that comfort zone. Even if things don’t go as planned, at least I know I tried. I’d rather know the outcome for sure than always wonder what if. 

[ctt template=”4″ link=”dqSbB” via=”no” ]”In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” ~Lewis Carroll [/ctt]

Trust your intuition

I’ve ignored the little voice in my head far too many times that tried to tell me when things weren’t as they seemed or something just wasn’t right. Now I know first-hand if it seems too good to be true, it usually is. And if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t (no matter how bad I want it to be). I’ll never ignore my gut instinct again because it doesn’t lie.

[ctt template=”4″ link=”3w69k” via=”no” ]”Intuition is the whisper of the soul.”~Jiddu Krishnamurti[/ctt]

Don’t settle 

I’ve learned that if I need to question something, that’s my answer. If a relationship is meant to be, I wouldn’t continue to have doubts about it or make excuses for it, I’d just know (like they always say). I should never sacrifice what my heart truly wants just to try to make a relationship work that clearly isn’t working. When it comes to love, I’m not looking for ordinary. I will fight for extraordinary because that’s what I deserve.

[ctt template=”4″ link=”Lew9O” via=”no” ]”If the love doesn’t feel like 90s R&B, I don’t want it.”  [/ctt]

Maintain a healthy balance  

Due to the deadline-driven nature of my job in advertising, I’ve struggled to maintain a healthy work-life balance for quite some time. I’ve worked to overcome stress and anxiety through meditation, exercise, reading, and simply taking time for myself. I will try my hardest not to let work consume my life anymore. 

[ctt template=”4″ link=”4b3dA” via=”no” ]”Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” ~Dolly Parton [/ctt]

Quit worrying 

I realized I worry too damn much about things I can’t control. I just need to let go and trust in God’s plan. Everything will fall into place when the time is right and not a moment sooner. No amount of worrying will change that.   

[ctt template=”4″ link=”NH7I4″ via=”no” ]”Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but doesn’t get you anywhere.” ~Erma Bombeck[/ctt]

Always be thankful 

My best friend’s untimely death really put things into perspective for me. It made me realize that life is so precious and can change in an instant. I know I need to stop sweating the small stuff and be thankful for every breath I take because someone somewhere is fighting for this blessing we take for granted. 

[ctt template=”4″ link=”2lddk” via=”no” ]”When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive, to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” ~Marcus Aurelius [/ctt]

Do more of what makes you happy  

Writing is my life-long passion, so starting this blog has allowed me to do more of what I love. It brings me so much joy to know my writing has had a positive impact on my readers. In 2018 and beyond, I want to keep doing more things that feed my soul!  

[ctt template=”4″ link=”chS0L” via=”no” ]”Today, figure out what makes you happy and do more of it. Figure out what doesn’t and do less of it.”~Mandy Hale[/ctt]

This year has been filled with growth, reflection, and finally clarity for me. I’m always learning and evolving because that’s what life is all about. If we aren’t learning, we aren’t really living.

I look forward to a fresh start in 2018 and will continue to apply what I’ve learned. I hope I’ve inspired you to do the same. Wishing you all the best in 2018!