48 things

I didn’t dream up all of these but they are words that made me think or gave me the gift of a moment of reflection. In honor of my birthday, I am gifting them to you, too.

1. (When giving advice) What helped the last time you felt like this?

2. (When introducing someone) Please meet (name), my neighbor’s dog’s best friend’s owner. (name first, description second)

3. Yet. I don’t know how to do that yet.

4. Savor something today, be it food, time, or an experience.

5. A hard day can be a great teacher.

6. Sometimes all that is needed is a good night’s sleep.

7. There is a special place in hell reserved for the individual who invented removable modesty pads for sports bras and tops.

8. When we say “That’s not fair.” I think, more often than not, we mean: “That’s not what I was hoping for.”

9. Letting people talk, showing what they have to say- more powerful than pointing out what they mean.

10. Sometimes it isn’t so much that someone is lying, but rather they have a different relationship with the truth than you might.

11. Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.

12. “Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”

13. Why” and “But” are generally not helpful words when you’re talking to yourself. The only thing these words are good for is sending you into an anxiety spiral. Instead, work on incorporating “How” and “What” questions and see if that shifts your experience.

14. Realize that “I see you.” Is a very important way to understand another person. Not just thier face, of course, but their hopes, dreams, where they came from and where they are going.

15. There are no bad foods; there are just inappropriate amounts.

16. Honestly and regularly, as yourself, “How am I?” and honestly and patiently, assess the answer.

17. If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” ~ Dalai Lama

18. This is my life and my lane. Your life and lane my run parallel to mine and may even intersect, but what is going on in your life and lane is not always relevant to mine.

19. I think, more than anything else, I realize the importance of living a life that I can be proud of. Because there is simply no escaping it. You will always be you. You can travel to the ends of earth, but you always take yourself with you.

20. Make sure you know what makes you happy, and don’t forget it.” ~ Derek Sivers

21. Life is about experiences. And people. Make sure you make them both count.

22. Don’t be afraid to say no; there is literally not enough time to say yes to everything. Save the yeses for the things you really really want to be a part of.

23. Don’t apologize for saying no.

24. Accept people for who they are. It is not your role in life to change anybody but yourself.

25. Most of us spend too much time on what is urgent and not enough time on what is important.

26. Healthy fat is good for you. Man-made fats are bad for you. Try to maximize the first while minimizing the second.

27. Cook foods for and with your family. It will improve your health, your relationships, and reduce your food costs and wastes.

28. Be a part of someone’s village. Because, as you know, it takes a village.

29. There can and will be down days and hard days. On those days especially, know that you are worth so much more than that.

30. Having a to-do list can help you get things accomplished. I believe having a NOT do list is also just as important.

31. Most things don't require or deserve your time, attention and energy. Save your precious resources for something precious.

32. Letting go isn’t about having the ability and courage to release the past; it’s about having the wisdom and strength to embrace the present. It’s not about forgetting; it’s about remembering without resistance. It’s stepping forward, untethered, with a present mind and a lesson learned. ~ Marcandangel

33. Life is fragile and short. Bring all the kindness and loving presences you can into it.

34. If you want to lose weight, eat less. But don’t eat too much less or your body will not allow the weight to be lost. Exercise will change the equation in your favor, but, again, too much will work against you. It’s as simple and complicated as that.

35. Too much of just about anything is possible. All things in moderation. That includes foods, treats, alcohol and exercise.

36. Stop talking and listen more. Your friends and family will appreciate it. And sometimes, silence is a good thing.

37. One can never have too many friends. Keep those you cherish close.

38. Having a large number of social media ‘friends’ or ‘followers’ is NOT the same thing as have actual friends. Nor is getting a lot of likes or views.

39. “Twinkle lights are the perfect metaphor for joy; joy is not a constant.” ~ Brene Bronte

40. True self care is not a long bath a slice of chocolate cake. True self care is making the choice to build a life you don’t need to regularly escape from.

41. Try self compassion. It is one of our hardest tasks, to give our own self a break. "Every day offers another reminder that the things I have been so cruel to myself about are the very things I deserve to give myself grace and compassion for." ~ Bianca Mujica

42. Smiling faces are judged to be more attractive, more likable and less dominant. The mere act of smiling will put people in a better, more receptive mood.

43. Peace is not just an absence of violence and war, but also people and groups getting along pro-socially with each other: the cooperation, sharing, and kindness that we see in everyday society. Sustaining peace happens through positive reciprocity: I show you a kindness and you do me a favor in return, multiplied throughout the social world a million times over.

44. Forgiveness isn't a gift you to give others, to those who have wronged you. Instead, forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself, to unburden yourself from the weight of holding on to a grudge or an anger.

45. When you are at your most grumpy, when you are feeling most stressed, go laugh with a child. Even if that child is not your own. You will undoubtedly feel better.

46. Pay attention to what is happening in your own lane. Just like when swimming laps, what happens in the rest of the pool does not concern you; pay attention to your own lane.

47. It is important to capture each moment, yes, but sometimes the best way to do that is to put down the camera and capture it with your heart.

48. "Leave the road; take the trails." ~ Pythagoras