2016 was a good year for my family, as far as our country goes well that’s a different story. I feel as if this year ended with a multitude of self-discovery. This month started off rocky, but I fought hard to change things. That is going to be my theme for the year: fight hard for change. I’ve already fallen and gotten back up. I predict that as long as I push the boundaries that will continue to happen and I’m okay with it. Let’s make it happen people! Let’s take a look at what’s working in our lives and what’s not and make something happen. You can do it! Here we go….
2016 taught me that:
10. I’m not a fan of small talk. ( Please don’t ask me how I’m feeling if you don’t want the truth. I think I blew a few people away when I answered honestly and they just didn’t know what to say. Then I secretly laughed to myself, maybe I should just stick with saying, “Fine.” LOL!)
9. sometimes you have to let your kids fail so that they can fly on their own. ( In respecting my kids privacy I won’t go into details, but they made some tough choices. I’m so proud at how they handled difficult situations on their own.)
8. you should never burn your bridges and teach your children that too! ( You never know when that one person will creep back into your life. Take your stand, remain respectful, and do the right thing even when walking away.)
7. even though my boys are 10 and 13 we always tend to be seated next to tables filled with infants and toddlers at restaurants. ( I swear they do this on purpose so the kids don’t bother other folks, but seriously 10 and 13? My kids behave better than some adults. Just sayin’)
6. I can be spontaneous! ( I admit I love my routine, but 2016 taught me to seize the day! The dishes can wait! It doesn’t have to be a huge moment either. A last-minute lunch date, a run, or a walk in the woods. Just do it! Tomorrow is not promised.)
5. with all the filters, gadgets etc, people still take and post bad photos. ( It drives me crazy! It’s happened to me to though- I need new glasses! LOL!)
4. there is a reason certain people don’t talk to me. ( They just aren’t my people. I realized this through t some of the nastiness that came about during this election. I thought it was me, but it’s not. Some people are just not meant to be your friends, your buds, they aren’t your people. It had nothing to do with you and that’s okay.)
3. I love my friends. ( I have come to more than appreciate the beautiful, smart, funny, and amazing people in my life. I might not get to see everyone as often as I would like, but I do know who my people are now more than ever. Just know if you are in my life I appreciate you.)
2. if people are more interested in what you own, what you do, or what you can do for them, they have no room in your life. ( I talk to everyone the same way regardless of what they do or what they own. I expect the same in return. )
1. making it a goal to learn at least one new thing a day can enrich your life. ( My friend had mentioned this awhile ago and I love it! I loved it even more when a dad came to pick up his son from a playdate here and asked my husband about a tool he had set out. When my husband finished his demonstration the dad said, “That’s great. I just learned something new today.” Ah, my people!)
Shirley Wood says
The Girl Scouts have a song that say’s “make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.” I like that. Happy New Year and I hope 2017 is even greater!
Kristin says
Burning bridges is definitely an exercise in futility! It solves nothing and only ends up hurting you!
1stopmom says
I am not a fan of small talk. It makes my anxiety go into overdrive. I definitely agree with #9. I have two adult daughters and sometimes it is hard but I let them make their own mistakes. I love learning new things so I try to learn something new every day too!
Mandy says
I am also not a fan of small talk. If there is no point to the conversation it seems like wasted time to me and time is too precious to waste! This year I have a goal to double my traveling.
Uncle Wally says
You’re so right on small talk!
Re the bad photos people publish (#5): I never understood this. I have some friends who post every single photo they’ve taken on Facebook or 3 almost identical versions of the same thing? What is the point except to bore your friends? Your page looks horrible! Just pick out your best photos and don’t put several different versions of the same photo no matter how good they are! If your point is to capture an audience you’re already failing! I stopped looking at photos from certain of my friends because of this tie-consuming nonsense. It shouldn’t be my job to sort through your photos for one with meaning. You’re only defeating yourself.
Rebecca Bryant says
I am not big on small talk either. I tend to be to honest for some so it’s saver not asking me things.
Stephanie Jeannot says
What a great thing to learn something new everyday. Spontaneity is great because life becomes mundane if it is day in and day out in the same fashion with no change.
Laura Funk says
I totally still take some bad photos. I hate filters and almost never use them. This is a great list and I too am not a fan of small talk!
Tina says
I love to learn something new every day. I make a point to try something new each day, some days I learn too much and find myself on overload. lol
Andrea says
Good goals for the year!
Never burn bridges, so right on especially in small towns.
Be spontaneous, I’m horrible at this but wish it was more my personality.
Let your kids fall. True yet sad and hard to do.
Keep pushing forward.
Emily says
These are all amazing realizations and lessons learned! I am all for improving our lives and cutting out any unnecessary “stuff”. This is a New Year and a fresh start!
Claudia Krusch says
2016 was a great year for me and I am determined to make 2017 even better! Loved reading your list of the things you learned in 2016.