Day 7; 27 lessons I’ve learned in 27 years. {Blogging Challenge}

Day 7; ~~Seven lessons I’ve learned so far this year…~~ 27 lessons I’ve learned in 27 years.
I am going to alter this one a bit… Last week was my birthday, I turned 27. So I thought I would write 27 things I’ve learned so far in my life…

“I spent a lot of years running from believing and looking for another way to save my soul. The longer I’ve lived the more I see it, there is only one way home” (John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16 – Keith Urban) For me, knowing God & Jesus has been a wonderful & a beautiful positive in my life. I don’t have to fully understand everything about God to love him. I am so grateful for the life I have. I trust in God, but this does not make me immune to hard times & hurt. But He does give me strength to get through those times.
Honesty is always best.
Let go of anger, hate, resentment, bitterness – just let it go. It lightens your load, your soul feels free and your life becomes sweeter. So forgive when you can.
You cannot change people. You can’t change their type of crazy, their behaviour, their perspective or opinions. You don’t have to understand them or always agree with them, but try to be respectful. Just focus on those who love & care for you, those who understand your choices & listen to what you have to say. Don’t waste time with those who don’t see your worth.
Celebrate everything, make it an occasion – invite the family, take photos. One day those memories and photos maybe treasured.
Leave your past where it is, make peace with it. You can’t change it. If you are unhappy with choices, situations & actions you’ve made – let them go, make sure it never happens again, but don’t dwell on the past it will just mess up your present.
The key to happiness is being content more so than getting what you want. Happiness is always a choice and it’s always a matter of perspective. If you keep searching for reasons & things to make you happy, you’ll never be happy. Learning to be content with what you have now – will bring you happiness. Things do not equal happiness.
Team work, mutual sacrifice, forgiveness and love are the keys to a strong marriage.
Setting boundaries & standards for everything in life is important & makes true freedom a possibility. The way people treat you, your behaviour & reactions, how much you spend/eat/drink/work/play etc. Self control & control of situations you open yourself up to, is important.
Never let fear stop you from doing something you can’t stop thinking about. You will never be 100% ready to start something, you just have to learn to deal with the awkwardness, nerves & fears – just do it!
You will never regret being generous or helping some one.
Praying is more about listening to God, not just handing Him a list to fix or talking endlessly.
Over prepare for every occasion, event & outing. Then just go with the flow.
Try to control your words. It’s better to have a moment of biting your tongue than saying something you can’t take back. (I am still working on this)
Your instinct is normally right, if you feel uneasy about a situation, place or person – your feeling is normally right. Walk away.
Be kind as much as you can. Kindness is so important.
Cry if you want.
Your children only have 1 childhood, do everything in your power to make it positive & memorable.
Treat others how you want to be treated. It’s a simple & basic principle taught at primary school. Also treat your spouse how you would want your child to treat & be treated by their future spouse.
Your mind controls your life. Positivity and negativity come from the same place, your thoughts. Fill your mind with positivity & your life will change.
Drink water. Lots of water – make it your drink of choice. Your body will love you for it.
Surround yourself with people who build you up. People who you connect with, that have good energy, good vibes and people that will teach you new things & help you grow.
Use your special perfume, put the good linen out, burn the special candle, drink the special bottle of wine. Don’t wait for “some day special”, the present is special.
Only own things you find to be useful, beautiful & special. Discard the rest.
Record as much as you can. Write it down, photograph it, film it – live in the moment, but don’t forget to capture it somehow – one day that captured moment could bring you so much joy.
Always have a book you are reading. Read when you can, feed your mind.
Count your blessings daily. This life is a gift.

I am so happy to be another year older, the way I see it growing older is much better than the alternative – dying young.
Every day on this earth, in this life is a gift & I am so grateful for it, even the hard days. The hard & hurtful times just make the great times that much sweeter.