As I laid in bed this morning, thinking about all the things that have happened in the past ten years, I realized that I had grown, that I had learned some of life's hardest lessons, and that this next decade HAS to be better than the last (please tell me it will be better...).
Here are some things that I have learned over the past ten years.
1. The really enjoyable things in life are small. They're not parties, they're not big occasions. They're sitting in a coffee shop enjoying deep conversation with friends and strangers alike. They're helping others have a better day, whether it be a smile, a kind word, etc.
2. You never know when your actions will make a difference in someone's life, good or bad. Always be on your best behavior.
3. Never second guess decisions that your heart led you to make.
4. Always look your best when you go out in public. I can't tell you how many times I've gone out in sweats and run into an amazingly hot guy, or that incredibly bitchy girl from high school who would just never leave me alone. It's true what they say - looking good only takes an extra 5 minutes of your time. Use it.
5. Never make friends your business partners. If you lend money out to friends, consider it a gift and don't expect it back. Otherwise, 99% of the time, you will lose a friend. If you can't commit to this plan, don't lend out the money.
6. Men will always be teenagers. They're stuck in that mind frame and the sooner women realize it, the happier we'll be.
7. Dogs make life so much more enjoyable. Everyone should adopt one. Care for it like a child, and you will find so much happiness as a result.
8. Make new friends. Don't stay in your same circle forever, otherwise, you will lose a lot of culture and amazing experiences you could have had.
9. Always be kind. Always be honest.
10. Give work 100%, even if you're working for the man. If you don't like working for the man, start up your own business and become the man. Half-assing anything never feels good.
11. Keep up with hobbies and talents you've had since childhood, but also don't be afraid to branch out into areas that you never thought you would try or had talent to do. You will shock yourself, find fulfillment, and who knows? Perhaps you'll even find a new career path.
12. Don't be afraid to take risks. Never live with regrets.
13. Don't be afraid to fall in love. After the bastard breaks your heart, don't be afraid to fall in love again. Heartbreak almost always leads to something better in the long-run.
14. Some superstitions are funny. Others are dumb. Pick and choose wisely.
15. Constantly work on yourself. Don't live for another person.
16. Help others. What is life, after all, if we strive for what we want most without looking out for the underdog?
17. Forgive others easily and without restriction. Forgive yourself easily and without restriction. Resolve to not make the same mistakes twice - especially if they hurt someone else.
18. Don't be afraid to have dinner with or go to a movie by yourself. There is something therapeutic about breaking social norms.
19. Have a big heart. Donate too much of your time and money. Don't be a scrooge.
20. Don't stress. Just live and be happy. Live only in the present, and be the best self that you can be. If things are bad, they will get better. In the end, almost everything fixes itself.
21. Always strive to be true to yourself. Nothing else will reward you greater.
With that, let's say goodbye to the 2000s! Here's to the 2010s and all they have to offer.
Happy New Year!
