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It's my birthday! Holy cow where does the time go? This last year has been a rollercoaster and, quite frankly, the worst year of my life with the cancer diagnosis and Crohn's flare. But with that comes reflection and learning experiences, and that's what I wanted to share today. I'm excited for my birthday this year because it means a new year, a fresh start, and the beginning of some positivity! Despite everything, I'm happy and have a positive outlook for the future. Here's what I've learned this last year:
1. Everything can change with the blink of an eye & you're not invincible.
One minute you're dancing at the Ed Sheeran concert, the next you're in the hospital being diagnosed with cancer. I was totally guilty of having that "it won't happen to me" mentality, until it actually happened to me. And while this is not an ideal situation, it changed my outlook and perspective on life and put a lot of things into perspective. All in good ways.
2. Don't sweat the small stuff.
There are bigger problems in the world than running into a cute guy or ex-boyfriend when you look like a mess. Don't get me wrong, I complained about some DUMB stuff before all this. But once I realized that there are bigger problems in the world, it makes all that other stuff seem trivial. There's no need to waste energy or get upset over things that really won't matter 5 hours or 5 days from now. Life is too short to get hung up on things that won't matter in the long run. Brush it off and don't worry, be happy :)
3. When people show you who they are, believe them.
I love the lyrics of the song "Find Out Who Your Friends Are" because it's so true! When people want to be there for you, let them. And nourish those friendships, because those are the ones that last. And when people don't show up for you the way you expected or wanted them to, it's ok. Sometimes it takes a major life event to learn who falls where, but it's better to know who your real friends are sooner than later. But no matter what, be kind to everyone and treat others the way you want to be treated.
4. Everything happens for a reason.
Sometimes I love this phrase, and other times I hate it so much. But when things get really tough and I want to give up, it ironically keeps me going. Life isn't fair sometimes, and that's ok. That has been one of the harder lessons to swallow, but it's reality. The sooner you can come to accept that things aren't always fair, the better off you'll be. All the things we go through in life, good and bad, shape who we are as people. Some people have easier paths than others, but those paths make us who we are and we can all learn from both our experiences and the things others go through as well.
5. Take care of yourself!
Take care of your mind, your body and your health. Go to the doctor regularly. Eat well. Exercise. Wear your sunscreen. Make a conscious effort to BE HAPPY. Like I said earlier, we're not all invincible. Take care of yourself, because you are the only thing you're guaranteed in this life.
Thank you all for being Sweet & Sauer readers and followers. I have so much fun working on this blog and sharing things with all of you, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Your support means the world to me. Here's to the next year to come!
