What I Learned: December - February
I’m a big fan of Emily P. Freeman’s blog. It is filled with insightful words, inspiration and much reflection. She has a post that she does quarterly called “What I Learned,” where she includes photos from those particular months and of course, the lessons she learned during that time. I decided to start keeping track along the way, too. Why wait until the end of the year to capture everything you’ve experienced?
Lessons Learned
God’s timing is never late or early. He’s always right on time.
Sometimes what you think is the next right thing turns out to be just another detour, or sets you on a clearer path for what you DO want.
Self-care should be high on your priority list, if not number one. Because you need to take care of you in order to take care of others and carry out what you need to do.
Sometimes you just have to jump into something and say yes before you have all of the details. Don’t let perfectionism rob you of opportunity. You can sit and wait on an idea forever, but where does that get you? Done is better than nothing.
Feel what you feel. Stop apologizing for that. #sorrynotsorry
“Stop waiting for someone else to fix your life.” -Rachel Hollis. You have to be the one to make that change.
It’s important to take time to process, reflect and documenting you life. Remember the details.
“This is Us” is exactly the show to remind us of our childhood, families and who we are. It’s the show the world needs right now.
Women should not feel afraid to speak up and ask for what they want. In love. In life. In friendships. In careers.
When you’re overwhelmed, take a walk, get a Starbucks and talk it out with a friend, or in my case, my work mom. Sometimes you just need perspective and a little break from analyzing the situation on your own.
Stop putting your life on hold for others and work. Do what you can, but do what’s right for you, too.
Take the time to see the beauty in the sunsets. Enjoy what’s around you, not just what’s on your mobile device.
When people take advantage of you, make a mental note of the situation, smile and move on. But, don’t let it happen again.
Celebrate YOU, always. Your quirks. Bad habits. Your mistakes. Your accomplishments. Even just the fact that you’re here is enough.
Accomplishments
Deciding not to do my Leadership program with Vanguard University. I was really excited about it and my future with the program, but after doing much consideration, realized it was probably not the thing for me. I had to turn it down and pull out, ultimately. But, it was okay. It helped me decide what I do want.
Joined the Mary Kay team, had my launch party and received my first award and pinning ceremony.
Joined a book club.
Said yes to more invites and ‘fun.’
Joined the mentor program at my old high school.
Joined the gym and started working out with a trainer. I can run without dying and keep up pretty well, along with other fancy exercises that I didn’t think I could.
Read a lot more
Made progress with a personal project and finally sent to friends for feedback.
I was vulnerable with the ladies in my small group about what was going on in my life. I cried. And I don’t do that.
Went to UCLA for a basketball game, which is something we’ve always talked about doing.
Things I'm Loving
VSCO app // It’s one of my favorite apps to edit in. It just gives everything this really cool edge.
Bark Box // I felt like I never bought my dog many toys, so I decided to order a subscription to Bark Box, so my dog would get treats and toys. She LOVES them, which makes me happy. When she sees the box now, she goes crazy.
Making playlists // I started writing out more playlists for whatever mood I was in or what I thought would make a cool soundtrack for a TV show or movie.
Making Lists // I started writing out lists for just about everything – reflections, things I’m grateful for, things I need to do (which I’ve always done) and it just helps me organize everything so neatly from my brain. Which is hard to do.
Mickey Beignets // If you’re celebrating a birthday at Disneyland, you have to visit New Orleans Square for a Mickey beignet. Because they are the BEST! It’s a dough ball with custard/pudding in the center, covered in powdered sugar. What’s better than that?
Christmas Decorations // “’tis the season to be jolly…fa la la la la la la la.” I love lights and things that sparkle and trees and presents and santas and elves. It’s my favorite holiday and one of my favorite times of year. So I love walking around shopping centers and looking at houses and being filled with yuletide cheer.
Waves // There’s nothing more freeing than walking the beach and watching the waves crash against the shore. I love watching them do their thing – in, out, in, out. Waves are a lot like life.
Working out & workout attire // I started working out in January, so I found that it made me feel so much stronger and have more energy. With working out, I also starting paying more attention to workout gear and how I need to invest in more Calia by Carrie Underwood.
Mary Kay products // I ended up signing up as a representative to get the bag of goodies, and I found that I really love the company. Mary Kay was a dreamer and inspired so many women to live lives to their fullest potential. I especially love charcoal mask.
What are some things you accomplished or learned during the winter months? Do you have any favorite things or new discoveries? I’d love to hear about them.
That’s all for now,
Shelby