Things I Learned This Winter
Last year, thanks to one of my favorite authors (Emily P. Freeman), I started reflecting after each season ended - winter, spring, summer, fall (though, I'm sure you're aware of the seasons). I would then post my favorite moments and lessons learned.
I've decided to keep it going now that we're in 2019 - already in the third month of the year, if you can believe that.
Looking back, 2019 has been full of some magical moments already:
I turned 27 and visited the Chateau Marmont for brunch with my parents (where the "Ally" billboard scene from "A Star is Born" was filmed).
I went to Palm Springs and almost met Bradley Cooper (ALL the heart eye emojis). I did meet Rami Malek, Viggo Mortensen and Timothee Chalamet, so that was exciting. I also spent time with my mom on our long car drive and excursions in town.
I got published on one of my favorite sites/social media platforms, Thought Catalog.
I've been more dedicated to my goals and dreams again. Maybe more than ever before.
I've taken many trips to LA and it has reignited a fuel and energy. I also visited a few places I've never been to before.
I've spent more time with friends over coffee and dinner, especially during the week. DO MORE OF THAT. It also keeps you more sane.
I've appreciated the laughter and Starbucks runs with my coworkers when the days are long and you start to feel like you're going a little crazy. They are my family and some of my best friends, and just knowing they're there is everything.
There were also many things that I observed and learned just in these past few months...and am continuing to grasp the lesson in them.
Lessons Learned/Observations:
You can't have what you don't ask for.
We often get so angry or annoyed that someone else is getting what we've desired or have been wanting. But, sometimes, we have to take a step back and ask ourselves if we've been so bold to ask for that thing or have taken the initiative to go after that thing that the other person received. We usually only see the shining glorious moment, but we don't see what it takes to get there.
Social media is a timesucker. Manage your time wisely.
Instagram and other social platforms can be used for such inspiration - people, stories, photos, travel and so much more. But, I've found myself spending far too much time on social media, spending more time thinking about other peoples' lives, instead of focusing on my own goals. I'm working on cutting it out or limiting my time, instead of mindlessly scrolling when I should be writing or doing something productive.
Bradley Cooper really deserved better than what The Academy/Hollywood Higher Ups gave him.
I think this speaks for itself. But, C'MON...He wrote, directed, acted (?), learned to play guitar and piano and basically BECAME a musician for the sake of Jackson Maine and "A Star is Born." There were so many layers to this film, aside from the story. Everything about this movie is brilliant and I will advocate for it the rest of my life.
Invest in yourself.
This can come in many forms. For me, it was signing up for Rachel Hollis' life coaching session on her website. It was everything I hoped for and more. It was all about perspective and gave me that boost I needed to keep setting goals and realistically figuring out what I need to do to make those happen.
Take the road trip. Always.
Being an adult can be a real snooze sometimes with responsibilities and such. But, if your schedule allows and you aren't letting too many people down, do yourself a favor and take the road trip, whether it's for a day or two, by yourself or with loved ones. Those are memories you just can't buy. And you get to sing along to 80's playlists or "Shallow" for the 80th time. Where's bad?
Coffee dates always bring perspective.
Coffee dates are some of my favorite things in the world. Whether it's a Starbucks or your favorite local spot, there's something so personal about having a one-on-one with a friend. Sometimes it's for serious advice and others just for chatter and laughing at the dumbest things. Those are the things I cherish the most.
Find time to laugh more.
Plain and simple, life shouldn't be taken so seriously ALL THE TIME. I get so caught up in to do lists and projects, but laughter is so good for the soul, especially when you're ready to pull your hair out during the day. It's good to surround yourself with people who will help you find the funny in some of the craziest scenarios.
Life is a process. THINGS TAKE TIME.
Don't beat yourself up when success doesn't happen overnight. The people you admire and are at the top right now, did not magically just turn out that way. It's a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Take things one day at a time. Put one foot in front of the other. Don't think about next week or next month, just focus on right now.
The pain you experience isn't for nothing. Use it as a time to lean into it.
We don't always understand the reason we're going through something, but if we lean into it, there can be a lesson learned from it all. You keep going and it's only once you've walked through it, that you are able to get your second wind.
It sounds silly, but time to remember yourself as a child and the dreams he/she had.
Maybe it's something about turning 27 - really being in the later half of your 20's that just makes you more nostalgic and reflective - at least it has for me. I've reminisced on days at my grandparents' house, singing to LeAnn Rimes, reading, playing with barbies or arranging furniture in my dollhouse to the days of high school when I was a serious dreamer and believed that anything is possible. It reminds me of the girl I used to be and all that she did to get me here. It reminds me that I have to keep going for HER, if no one else.
Love can be celebrated in all of its forms, not just a romantic relationship and NOT just on Valentine's Day.
There's so much of an emphasis on relationships and dating, but there's so much love to be found all around us through our closest friends, our families, our coworkers or even the kind strangers we meet when we least expect it. Valentine's Day is a cutesy holiday and great for decoration, but don't wait for a certain day to let people in your life know you care.
You deserve more than the person who likes having you there as an option.
You deserve more than the guy or girl who likes having you around as an option. Yes, I stated it again. You can't make someone love you and you shouldn't have to wait around for them to see what a catch you are. I've done that. and it's not worth it. I'd like to believe that when you meet the person you're supposed to be with, there's no confusion, no beating around the bush...You just dive in and see what happens.
That's all for now,
Shelby