LeaveittoLaynie

As my impending birthday is rounding the last corner, I can’t help but reflect back on what lessons I have learned during my time on earth:

Life is really better if you live by the “Golden Rule”. 

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  Whether you call it Karma or by another name, life is always better if you follow this simple lesson that most of us learned in preschool.

Often people believe in you more then you believe in your self.  

My brother was the one who pushed me into my current business.  I always wanted my own business, but I thought it would take a different form.  I never thought I would go into the type of business I am in currently and I love doing what I am doing.  On the flip side, I remember talking to several of my girlfriends, either timid about looking for a job after staying home with their kids, or one that started an amazing custom business that has been a part of her sole since we were children.

Having kids is much harder then I thought but worth much more.  

Anyone who has children will agree with me, this is the hardest thing you will ever so in your life.  However, seeing your kids master something they were learning, all dressed up for an event, seeing them run over to spend time with their grandparents or being polite to people after all those years of practicing please and thank you, is some of the greatest joys I will ever feel.

Friendship is absolutely necessary.  

My friends are priceless to me.  I try to be the best person to them that I can be.  These women have also been there to pick me up when I have needed them the most.

Exercise is a must. 

I don’t love doing it, but I feel great after I’m done.  I have also met some really interesting people that I wouldn’t have met, were it not for the gym or that spin class that I still haven’t decided if I like or not.

Working keeps me sane.  

I like to work.  It’s as simple as that and it is a big part of my sense of self.  This is one of my identities that I hold important.  Just as important as some and so’s wife, mother, sister and daughter.

You can survive the worst thing you thought would ever happen to you.  

Recently I experienced the loss of a parent.  I knew it was coming and I thought I would fall into a heap onto the floor and cry but I didn’t have that option.  I felt that I had to take care of my father and brother. I had to be the person my mother had raised.  It’s been a year, and I am still standing, stronger then I thought I ever was before, and have a greater appreciation of the blessings around me.

I have known many of these blessings prior to my big birthday, but it always is good to look back and reflect on what blessings I have in my life.