Random Life Thoughts

Random thoughts: I don't have a great life. Just choose to celebrate the small positive moments. Anyone can do it despite their resources. My life is sometimes rough (right now is an example but as it's someone close, it's not my info to share with the world). But I try to not let those times become who I am. 

Get out of the house often and enjoy the free things every town has to offer. Housework can wait. Go to parks and take tons of pictures and talk to people. Take enough pics and a few will come out awesome. People are fascinating and most have an interesting story. Having a dog is a great conversation starter. 

Don't share to brag but show the smallest things can bring happiness. Well, you can brag a little - nothing wrong with sharing the good moments and your talents. :)

Tell others how wonderful they are, give specific compliments and be sincere.

Don't judge. You never know someone's full backstory, why they do the things they do, and everyone has a tragedy somewhere in their life.

Nursing a cup of coffee in a coffeehouse with a laptop can make for a great afternoon - if you're brave enough to do it by yourself sometimes. I still feel awkward sometimes but love it enough to not stop doing it.

Take tons of selfies & post the ones you like. You're beautiful/handsome! Share it on social media. Enjoy the compliments! You deserve them.

Be vulnerable and share yourself with the world. Trust most people are good and won't be hurtful when you do. 

Ignore or standup to those that are. Don't let them convince you that their words are true. Avoid them if you can. Negative exposure is toxic. You can appreciate someone's struggles without allowing them to hurt you. You don't owe it to them to endure it.

Don't feel sorry for yourself. The attention you get from it is hollow and short-lived. But do confide in friends and let them help you through it and baby you. 

Don't stop saying please and thankyou to everyone, not just those you like. It means more to people than you think. Know you have a ripple effect to even strangers. Choose to make it a positive one with no expectations of payback. 

Ask yourself when you're unsure of trying something new. Or when deciding about taking a job (or stay in a job) - "Will this matter when I'm 90?" Or "Will I regret, when I'm 90, not have done those types of things?" You may feel stupid or awkward or unsure but if you go forward with sitting in a coffeehouse by yourself, volunteering, skydiving, or trying a new career - you are being brave. Bravery is doing something despite fear. 

Please, please, please try even one tiny thing out of your comfort zone once a month. Look back, after a year, and you'll be so proud of yourself. I want to try Toastmasters but am afraid of a) looking stupid and b) failing miserably. Therefore, sometime in the next month, I plan to attend a meeting. Notice I said 'try'. It's not a commitment but simply stepping out of my comfort zone to try it.

Always be gentle with yourself. Imagine you are talking to the five year old girl/boy you were. You wouldn't say hurtful things to them, would you? Then don't do it now.