As I celebrate my 40th Birthday, I can’t help
thinking that I am sooooo not the same girl I was at 20, 25, and in some ways even 30, but in many ways I am!
Below I’ve compiled a list of the things that I know to be truth. It took me 40 years to get here – don’t judge
me!
1.
Trust
your instincts. – That’s why you have them.
I can attribute the many missteps in my life to ignoring that inner
voice that told me better!
2.
No one
is all one thing (Thanks K.Ford). – It’s the truth. Even someone who is rotten as hell has some
redeeming qualities . . . somewhere. Likewise, that sweet grandma on your block
has a skeleton or two in her closet. People are dynamic and complex . . . a mixed bag of crazy! Word!
3.
Don’t
feel sorry for yourself. No one will join you in that. – That
pity party you’re planning will only have a guest list of one. Ain’t nobody got
time for that!!!
4.
Behavior
Breeds Behavior. – If you come at a person with attitude, you stand a 95.9%
chance of getting that attitude right back. On the flip side though, if someone
is giving it to you and you react with calm, it confuses them and they calm the
hell down too! It’s amazing to watch.
5.
If you
don’t like it, fix it! – This year my brother-in-law will celebrate his 50th
. . . but
6.
Don’t
compare your life to others – This is just one of the reasons that Facebook is the devil.
People will post their best, smiliest, thinnest, most fabulous pics on purpose
and have you thinking that something is wrong with your life. Just remember,
that they probably won’t post pics of their bad hair days, stacked up laundry, credit
card statements, past due bills, etc. You’re all right!
7.
“Praise
even the leaves” – I heard this years ago and it just means that before the
flowers bloom, before the fruit ripens, praise even the leaves on the tree. It
may not be your time yet. Be grateful for the season you are in, it might just
be a time of divine preparation!
8.
Say
what you mean and mean what you say – People can be slow. So, don’t leave your words and your
meaning up to interpretation. Because, um, well . . . good luck with that.
9.
Real
parenting makes you neurotic – Did I put too many clothes on her? Is she wearing her
sweater? Did she eat all of her lunch? Is this the right school for her?
Sheesh!
10.
You
can’t hide from yourself. Everywhere
you go, there you are! – The guru, Teddy Pendergrass, told us this. If a person is
shady in their business, they are probably shady in relationships, at home,
etc, etc. Pay attention, people are telling you who they are all the time. You
just have to listen.
11.
Shine
and Let Shine – I love being around fabulous people. But if you are truly
fabulous then you love to see others shine too! Never be too full of yourself
to give a compliment or to help someone shine. You’ll shine brighter too.
12. Haters
gon’ hate! That’s what they do!!! – You
will waste valuable time and energy worrying about what people think of you, or trying to get people to like you . . .
especially if it ain’t in them do so. I’m a people pleaser so it took me a
minute to get here. Who knows why they hate you --- you think it’s your
fabulousness but truthfully, deep down, it ain’t really even about you. It’s kinda like being ugly! It’s
really not gonna change unless something drastic happens (matter of fact, it’s
exactly like being Ugly)!!!
13.
In love, it’s okay to be different – He’s
Duck Dynasty. I’m Real Housewives. As long as you both want the same things – a
happy home, love and respect, hot butt naked sex . . . you’ll be alright!!!
14. It’s
easy to be average. – There are plenty of role
models and examples to follow.
15.
Happiness is a choice . . . That YOU make!!! - If you’re looking for that time in
life when there are no troubles, if you’re looking for that person who helps
you find your “happy”, new car, house, etc. ---
Good Luck!!! The goal is to possess your joy in spite of all.
Now get out there and find your “sunshine”!! That’s
an order! J
