As 2014 draws to a close I have to say this has been a difficult yet eye opening year. Im thankful to come to this day despite the struggles. I started out 2014 wanting to change myself, I was at my heaviest and decided to put my foot down to change at least one aspect in my life that I had control over. While I did lose some weight I found that the same issues for my weight gain kept creeping up again towards the end of the year. I may have gained some weight back --I know I will never allow myself to get to the point where I've neglected myself.
This year I also lost a good friend. I was very vocal about this loss in the beginning I've found that somehow I've internalized the grief. I think about how to be a better friend and often stop myself in random places to make sense of the 'what if' and how my life is different by knowing one person. My view on friendships has changed as a result and I tend to value the closest to me even more. I came close to losing another friend in a serious car accident but thankfully she walked away without a scratch but the mere thought of losing another person allowed me to reflect more on how we deal with each other.
1- to those you may have wronged you, or you may have wronged them. Based on this year, do not delay reconciliation. If you are upset with someone voice it to them, if you know someone is upset with you, also reach out to them. Know that people aren't perfect and make mistakes. Be a little more empathetic of the others circumstances, sometimes anger stems from outside factors beyond anyone's control. Voicing your grievance (with love of course) may help the other person realize that their issues shouldn't interfere with the friendship. In general we should stay away from texting our grievances and pick up the phone and maybe visit to speak about issues. Which leads me to my second point
2- stop being so busy. Yah we have 100 things on our plate but at the end of the day we are nothing if we aren't giving love or being loved. Our relationships have become at the mercy of a telephone or computer screen instead of the old fashioned face to face conversations. Even in person we are distracted with what's happening in other people's lives on fb or Instagram we aren't connecting as well with the person or people right in front of us. Call someone instead of texting, you'll find the relationship to be a little stronger than just messages that can lose meaning behind a screen. That extra five minutes to talk to someone can mean the world, and it's five minutes of giving and receiving love you wouldn't have had since we're too busy.
3- to the depressed and lonely. If anything, I've heard so many people in 2014 express to me their depression and loneliness. Some of these people give everything of themselves to the service of others yet no one stops to make sure they're okay. Some are depressed because of lack of direction in life and struggle because society is putting an age limit of when we should be married or score that perfect job in life. We have to stop putting pressure on ourselves and actually live life instead of worrying about what we don't have. It's easier said than done. Just know as long as you are loved and are getting off your couch daily to do something for yourself and others, you're already headed in the right direction.
4- don't forget to take care of yourself. Recharge your batteries so that you can keep going. Your mind and spirit won't benefit if you're not taking care of yourself. Pamper yourself, take a time out, take up a new hobby, anything that soothes you so that you can keep going with a positive spirit
5-surround yourself by positive not negative. There are tons of Scrooges in this world, they say misery loves company. Surround yourself with those who will challenge you to be a better person, that will enable you to be that positive force in this world to help lift others up. It will also help you deal with negative in a positive way.
I hope 2015 is a better year for everyone. I wish everyone health, happiness, joy, love and laughter
