Karla’s Korner: Ten Things I’ve Learned in 46 Years

Ten Things I’ve Learned in 46 Years….

It’s my birthday week and along with that for me comes reflections not only on the number of years I have been on this earth but on the important things I have learned over those years. On Friday I will turn 46. I’ve never really been bothered by the number of candles on my birthday cake but for some reason this year seems to be just a bit bothersome. Maybe because I am inching closer to 50 or because it seems that life seems to be zipping by quicker these days and I would really like to slow things down just a bit. In recognition of my birthday I thought I would share a few things I have learned over the past 46 years.

1. Nothing stays the same. Life is an ever changing journey. In order to fully embrace all that life brings we must be able to accept and embrace the good and the not so good. Being able to stay strong through the rough spots will only enhance the beauty of the good parts. Without the tough stuff the good stuff wouldn’t be as sweet.
2. Old friends are important; don’t lose track of them. I lost track of quite a few old friends and have been so blessed to find them again. My life is so much richer because of their presence in my life. There’s something special about having friends in your life that you have known since you were a child; hang onto that if you can.
3. Stay true to yourself. Don’t let anyone convince you of something that your heart doesn’t believe. Sometimes standing firm in your own beliefs will alienate you but it is better to be true to yourself than surround yourself with people who do not have your best interest at hand and want you to be someone that you are not. There is only one you so be the best you can be.
4. Be kind to everybody. We never know what somebody is going through and being kind to them just might make a difference in their lives. It takes less energy to be kind than it does to be mean.
5. Ask for help. It’s okay to admit that you cannot do everything by yourself. Trying to do it all by yourself can be overwhelming and there is no need to put yourself through that. Relying on others to help ease your load or give you a hand will strengthen relationships and allow you the opportunity to return the favor sometime.
6. Play a little. All work and no play makes life very boring and mundane. I spent way too much time on the work part early in my adult life and realized that play is an essential part of a healthy life. Whether it is going to a concert, a race, a college football game or walk in the park with your family taking time out to do something fun is an important thing to do to keep balance in your life.
7. Take care of yourself. I have not always done this in the past and unfortunately it took a couple of bad knees and excessive weight gain to get me back on track. I have joined a gym and am working everyday (some days more than others) toward a healthier life.
8. Surround yourself with the positives. Negativity should not have a place to rest in your life. Staying focused on the present and what you have right now is all you can do. Worry and negativity is not productive.
9. Being a parent doesn’t mean that you are your kid’s best friend. That comes later, however, parenting doesn’t mean ruling with an iron fist. Trust me, I tried this and let’s just say it didn’t work and nearly ruined everything. Parenting requires respect on both sides and setting boundaries that are fair and appropriate. It doesn’t mean “my way or the highway” because trust me they just might choose the highway.
10. Love is love. No matter who you love, love them with your whole heart.

I could go on and on but I think ten is enough. Maybe, if I am fortunate to see birthday number 47 I will add onto my list. I’m sure that there will be many more lessons for me to learn over the next year. Whatever birthday number you are celebrating or will celebrate in the coming months I encourage you to make a list of your own. Keep that list handy so that as you learn life lessons you can write them down and remind yourself of their importance.

In honor of my birthday I am going to celebrate it quietly with my little family and be thankful for the years I have been blessed with and look forward to learning more life lessons as I look forward to counting more candles on my cake in the years ahead.

Peace,
Karla

I am proud to introduce a new column to Madame Deals! I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Check out all of Karla’s Korner articles for more thought for the week here. Also, please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

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