2011 was another tough year. I’m not being overly dramatic or negative. It’s the truth, and I can’t sugarcoat that. Adulthood doesn’t come with instructions. Sometimes you are thrown into less than stellar situations, and it is up to you to figure out how to survive. L and I are still waiting to catch our break. It seems to have happened sooner in life for a lot of our friends (not just talking about a baby, by the way). But, we know there are good things to come, so we will keep looking ahead. 

Through the combination of a positive attitude and a grateful heart, I have been able to move mountains (or, at least, it feels that way). I am trying my best to be grateful for every moment, and the opportunities I have been afforded thus far in my life. I used to be spoiled. I used to be selfish. I used to take my good fortune for granted. Wow, I was a real gem. The things I considered “problems” seem rather silly now. 2011 was a year for me to continue to visualize and embrace what is important in life. 

I’m beginning to love and accept myself more than ever before. A big part of this is due to the realization that you can’t control what others think of you. I am learning to let go of the worry, the doubt, and the people pleasing. It’s all just crap. What we think of ourselves is what matters. At the end of the day, we have to live with ourselves, and the choices we make.

And now that I’m beginning to sound like a bad motivational speaker…I’ll end this post.

What are some life lessons you learned this year?