Sage Words of Wisdom to Myself...la deuxième partie

Last year on October 1, 2012 I wrote a blog with Sage Words of Wisdom to Myself. Today, a little over 13 months later, I went back and re-read what I wrote. Some of the things made me laugh (I really do write like I talk/think) and some made me stop and think. I'm so glad I did this a little over a year ago, I decided that I would make it an annual post. Enjoy!

Dear 30 year old Andrea,

You've made it through almost an entire year of being 30. It wasn't that scary, was it? And I bet some pretty amazing things have happened over the course of the last year. So in honor of turning 31, here are some reminders for you.

1- Be patient with the freshman, even when you haven't had your coffee. Growing up into an adult isn't easy, usually takes a long time, and includes some bumps along the way. Give them patience, but also help them as they grow and show them the way.

2- You need to make exercise a priority. I know it's hard when the school year starts up. But it will make you a better person for the rest of the world. Remember how amazing you feel after a really hard work out? Yeah, it's totally worth it.

3- Failures are successes in learning what not to do. Don't let a failure discourage you...use it as energy to encourage you.

4- Love. This is one from your letter to your 29 year old self. Turns out at 28 you were kinda smart when it comes to this kind of thing. Don't ever be regretful for loving someone. Even when those feelings aren't returned romantically. People are what really matter in this life, and everyone needs to have love in it.

5- Be flexible. People appreciate this more than you know. You'll know this because so many people aren't, and they'll be really thankful that you are. Go with the flow.

6- Along with #5, stand your ground when necessary, but be thoughtful and gentle when doing so. It's not your way or the highway. We're all on the road together. The things you do should be an encouragement to others along the way.

7- Detox from coffee every once and awhile. Don't make your life dependant on it. Realize, though, it's much better with it!

8- Electronic detox. You didn't do very well at this in 2013. Keep trying. Start small...one hour a week. work up to turning off your phone for an entire vacation.

9- TAKE A VACATION. Seriously. One that includes the beach and sun and not much more. It's called mental health...and you NEED that. You'll thank me later.

10- If you haven't, finish your masters degree already.

11- New York is a place where you feel alive. Go visit Hannah already. Lovebuckets have to stick together.

12- Naan and humus make a super tasty dinner. Enjoy it.

13- Stay close with Chrysta. She keeps your head on straight, holds you accountable for your actions, but knows how to have fun too. She's a rare breed.

14- Don't ever forget about your girlfriends. They're there through it all. They constantly help you back up when you fall and skin your knees.

15- Practice simple acts of random kindness. One person can make a difference and change the world.

16- Wash your car regularly and vacuum it out. Grandma car needs a good cleaning every now and then. Plus it will make you feel like you have your life more together than you actually do.

17- When it comes to the men in your life, always keep them well fed. They are much more functionable when they have happy tummies.

18- Keep writing one of these every year that you're alive. Share it with the world.

19- You still need to take that trip to Paris. Get a jar. Start saving. Don't let anything make you dip into the jar.

20- Get your Target card paid off. Once your balance is gone, you are only allowed to spend what you can pay off each month. The interest rate is ridiculously high. Don't let them take your hard-earned money like that.

21- Take five minutes of every day for yourself. It's not that much time, and if you can't find five minutes to do something you love, your life needs some re-adjusting.

22- There's always tomorrow. Work hard today, but tomorrow is a fresh start every day.

23- Try. You know what I'm talking about. It's gonna be hard. But you need to try to try. Even when you don't want to. Just keep trying. Someone much higher up never gives up on you. So TRY.

24- Blog more often. You enjoy writing. Don't be afraid to share it with the world.

25- Do the best you can. Be gentle on yourself and others.

26- Read. This is another thing that you love to do. You should do it more often. Try to.

27- Don't bottle up relationship frustrations. Learn to let go and let God. He's got it in control. That doesn't mean stop using your brain. It just means stop trying to control what you can't control. Use all the opportunities that you have right now in their fullest capacities.

28- Defy expectations. Show love to someone when they don't deserve it. Show patience when you've just about run out. Show compassion when the frustrations are seeping out your temples. Defy the expectations.

29- Allow yourself Magnum bars only during The Bachelor/Bachelorette. These are sacred treats. Remember to treat them as such.

30- You age is a number. Just like your shoe size. Or your weight. Or your height. Don't let it (or anything else) define how you feel about yourself. If you feel good about yourself, feel that. And be strong in it.

31- Learn from the past, live in the present, and work for the future.

Live. Laugh. Love.