10 Things January Taught Me #LifeLessons

I still haven’t caught my groove yet in 2019, but I’m working on it daily. While 2018 wasn’t a huge hit, it wasn’t bad either. I can do better. So, I thought I would start off the year fresh and not filtered. The ten year challenge had been buzzing around Facebook when the month started (also the 1st profile pic comparison to today’s pic) and friends and I joked about how it should have been called the “before filters” challenge. While I love a good filter to correct lighting, improve color, or hide a blemish I’m against ones that completely distort your face so you don’t even look like yourself. There is too much comparison in this world of social media. We carefully curate the image that we want people to see. So, I snapped a few pics of myself on the couch and this is what I got and I thought to myself, “Hey, not too bad for a 47 year-old mom of two with no make-up on just about ready for bed.” This picture sparked an entire inner dialogue with myself and the end result is that I like myself. I also love fashion, make-up, and getting all dolled up, but this is me too. Unfiltered and fine with it. So, here is what I have for you….

Things January Taught Me:

10. I’m adult enough NOT to comment and move on. (Oh, I’m sure you all know what I mean. Sometimes it just isn’t worth it.)

9. I love the moments when I get a glimpse of my children doing something special for someone.      (When I see my son holding the door for someone, or opening the door for someone older or even their peers it brings a smile to my face.)

8. Setting off the Roomba from a remote location to get my husbands attention at home doesn’t work. ( I admit, I’m a bit of a psycho.)

7. I’m feeling confident about my parenting at this time. Although it’s in no way perfect it has been working for us. I love how we work together as a family to solve our problems and talk about things openly. ( For the record, I was NOT confident when my kids were little. Parenting has ups and downs and I’m on an up right now.)

6. You can always find an article to defend your side of the story. ( This is why I hesitate to comment at times. Remember to check your sources!)

5. I’m tired of explaining that I don’t “get freebies”. When I have a product sent to me or attend an event there is an expectation that I will promote that event or item. ( It is work. It takes my time.)

4. My husband has a thing for Marie Kondo. ( I wanted to check out her show on Netflix and now he wants to watch it all the time. I love her methods and thoughts, but I find the show a bit of a snorefest. I swear he has the hots for her because I don’t see him tidying anything! )

3. I made a list of things I want to improve on for the new year. I have to say it is helping that I clearly listed my goals and I’m keeping track of my progress. ( It’s not perfect, but life is messy. I feel good about myself and what I’m working towards.)

2. Information is available more so now than ever before, if you want to know how to do something look it up. I have learned how to do so many things from watching YouTube videos! ( Don’t ever stop learning! You have the tools available in the palm of your hand! Isn’t that awesome?)

1.It’s not about the bucket list, but about how you have made other people feel and changed the world. ( The miracle of life is in the every day living. You are making an impact on someone right now. Live with passion, with integrity, create what you want to see more of in this world. That is what will be remembered.)