happy new year – Stephanie 's Corner

Life can be funny sometimes. It throws you curve balls, takes you on paths that you’d never think you would take and life always comes full circle. Each person has their own personal and unique life’s journey and along with it the interesting turns and twists that are unique.

One thing I learned this year is that life happens whether you want it happen or not. Being that I am a social media guru and I am online for about 60 hours a week, I get to see people’s lives evolve . I also get to see people’s struggles, complaints, life-moments, and everything in between. And from that I can tell you that life is short, really short. Every single moment in your life counts. Every decision you make will have an effect on your life in one way or another. What people don’t realize is that they have an opportunity to make a difference in the world and in themselves each and every day. That can be simply by saying hello, holding a door open for someone, supporting a friend, paying for someone’s coffee, etc.

Another thing that most people don’t realize is that we should never stop learning and growing. Traditions and rules were made to be broken. The concept of giving of one’s self to another, often is abused. People take advantage of good-hearted people, I should know. They aren’t appreciative of the fact that you gave of yourself, they now expect it. People who are more appreciative are those who aren’t expecting your kindness. Now, I am not saying that we shouldn’t be compassionate, open, and understanding, I am just saying to be wary of those with whom who are open to sharing your exceptional kindness with. … some don’t deserve it. But that doesn’t mean that you stop respecting them.

That’s another thing I came across this year. Social media has made too many people comfortable with being able to disrespect others without getting punched in the mouth for it. That then carries over to their “actual” lives and we have become more judgemental, angry, selfish, and greedy. If you live your life as if everything is about you, you will be left with just that; just you. Relationships aren’t designed for selfish individuals. But I have learned this year that being angry at people who don’t have the capacity to change is a waste of my energy and my time.

Speaking of relationships, I have learned this past year that some are not worth it, while some are worthwhile. The most important relationship that you will ever have is the relationship you have with yourself. Going into 2019, the best decision you can ever make, is putting yourself first. If you are still single, capitalize on it. Never settle. Know your worth. You deserve to be happy. Don’t end up with someone just because you need to be with someone. Never love when you are lonely. And if you can’t love who you are, how do you expect someone else to love you?

There is no right age to settle down but there is a right time. There’s a difference. Learn it in 2019.

Follow your own path. Don’t copy someone else’s life, live your own. You weren’t made to be a carbon copy of someone else, you were made to stand out and be an original. Be proud of who you are, how far you have come, and where you are going. Find people who support your goals, are happy for your success, and who are there to comfort you when you fail. Be authentic in real life and online. Stop trying to please others- when you are the one who at the end of the day, lives with the decisions YOU make, not anyone else.

Here’s to 2019! Go for your dreams, seek what makes you satisfied in your life , and make it happen.

Each year we learn something new about ourselves and the people around us. There are happy moments, sad moments, and it’s necessary to sit at the end of the year and focus on lessons learned, but yet, focus on what you want the new year to bring.

In 2016, some of the most happiest times were the birth of my nephew/Godson and the birth of my cousin, the next generation of my family. Other happy moments I had were publishing another book, having my business grow, and taking an awesome vacation this past summer. Other highlights for the year were that I went on the NYC subway for the first time and met my good friend at a Mets game. I also got to knock off 16 things off my 2016 bucket list. Finally my family was blessed with good health, and that is all I could have asked for this year alone!

Oh, did I mention that I turned 40 this year? Milestone!

The mixed emotions I had this year was deciding to retire from teaching preschool. I miss seeing the kids everyday, that is the hard part, but I don’t miss the school, the prep, and having the same routine day in and day out. I have though, thanks to teaching for 20 years, have developed some great friendships with parents, not only the children. That I am blessed with- relationships that mean something to me!

I also have started to develop great relationships within networking for my business. Those relationships will be a focus in 2017.

This year, once again, social media made me realize that a lot of people will fake change just to fit in. Social media is filled with people “pretending” to be someone they aren’t, just for likes, comments, and attention. Also due to the Election of 2016, so many people want to chirp but can’t handle it when others chirp. If you can’t take it, don’t dish it either. People took something that shouldn’t be personal, and made it personal. There were attacks, unfriending, and relationships were torn over a stupid election. Hopefully everyone learned a lesson.

There are always going to be people out there who will tell you that you can’t make your dreams happen. And the only reason they tell you that is because they are scared that you will indeed make your dreams a reality, while they are mad at themselves for not working hard on their goals. That is why this year I learned a value lesson from the weather; I learn to be talked about without responding. (Every writer/blogger is always going to have those special haters, but then again, haters are fans in denial)

Finally my Personal Motto for 2016 was: Out work ’em. Out read ’em. Out last ’em. Show up. I think needless to say, I lived up to that motto, at least I know I tried and I will continue that motto in 2017.

I not only learned about myself this past year, but I also learned the following through relationships, friendships, and observing others:

Accept your flaws. Admit your mistakes. Don’t hide and don’t lie. Deal with the truth, learn the lessons, endure the consequences of reality, and move on. Your truth won’t penalize you, the mistakes won’t hurt you, but the denial and cover-up will. Flawed and vulnerable people are beautiful and likable. Liars and phonies are not. Every beautiful human being is made entirely of flaws, stitched together with good intentions and finished with unique edges. Don’t listen to what people say; watch what they do. Your true friends will slowly reveal themselves over time. In the blink of an eye, everything can change. So forgive often and love with all your heart. You never know when you may not have that chance again.

When you learn how much you are worth, you will stop giving people discounts. Remember, the new year will be like the old one if you keep on doing the same old things. So here’s to 2017, where new challenges are met with hope, love and strength.

Thanks for sharing!

Like this:

Thanks for sharing!

Like this: