With a brand new decade coming very shortly, I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been feeling extra reflective lately. A lot has happened over the past ten years, as they should. Life moves along regardless of whether or not we realize that another decade has come and gone. It’s our duty to live in it, learn from it and be grateful it happened.
Distilling all of the lessons I learned over the past decade was easier than I initially anticipated. Frankly, because most of these lessons I haven’t fully understood. So here they are:
- Grief changes you. It changes you in a way that you never thought sadness could. After enough time passes by, grief also propels you to move on to the next chapter because your life persists.
- Sometimes conflict is necessary for progress, but it is not an excuse to regurgitate accumulated anger. Address conflict with the goal to forgive.
- Your definition of success changes. And it will continue to change as life changes you.
- Understand your core values and stick by them. They will help guide your decisions and who you want to invite in your life.
- Stand up for what you believe in. Even if the circumstances may seem daunting. Though this may not sound revolutionary, there’s a reason why it’s a popular expression.
- Always keep a grateful heart.
- Assume that everyone is just trying their best.
- Let yourself accept and claim love. God’s everlasting, pure love is not something you need to earn neither is it conditional.
- Trust in God’s plan, and trust that He will be by your side every step of the way. You are on His time.
- Love deeply and courageously. Beyond the gooey warm feelings. Beyond the arguments and disappointments. Beyond the fears and anxieties. Because loving someone is a commitment you make with yourself and the other person. A choice you make everyday.
Always,
K
Always, Kaye 