50 Lessons of 2012

1. Save your money. You never know what could come up at what time.
2. It's OK to put your dog down as devastating as it is. All dogs go to heaven, and I would never want my dog to suffer a long, painful death before getting there.  
3. Puppies make you happy. 
4. Family are a blessing. They have seen your best and your worst, and they're still your family. 
5. Friends should bring out the best in you. If not, re-evaluate your friendships.
6. Your significant other should, also, bring out the best in you.
7. Be slow to speak and quick to listen as much as possible.  (I know, it's hard.)
8. Swallow your pride.
9. You are not perfect, stop trying to be or seem so. 
10. Make sure you check who you are sending a text to, before you send it to the wrong person.
11. Put your phone away on a date, at dinner with your fam, and when you go to sleep. 
12. Relax.
13. It's OK to be unavailable to your cell phone and available to the people you are spending time with. 
14. When picking out heels, make sure you can dance in them. You won't look like you're doin' the stanky leg the whole night. 
15. Drinking enough to puke is not fun, and not attractive. (I know, what a change from college.)
16. Your parents and grandparents DO know what they're talking about. 
17. Find a hobby and stick to it. Ex. Workout class at your gym, biking, train to run a marathon, collect rocks, read every Cosmo for that year-basically whatever floats your boat.
18. From The Happiness Project: Act the way you want to feel. Still learning this, but it's so true.  If you're feelin' cruddy, there's no reason to drag anyone else down with you. You will sleep better knowing you didn't let your negativity get the best of you or anyone else. Act happier than you feel, and you will, in return, feel happier.
19. Make sure you see a future in your career. If you are working a job that feels pointless and unproductive to you, chances are it probably is. Find a career YOU are HAPPY with. And you will be happier. 
20. Take care of yourself. Getting sick is never fun. Drink that OJ, and eat well. 
21. Think before you act. (...another simple one that is still tough.)
22. Make time for yourself. This should be a PRIORITY!
23. Set long-term and short-term goals.
24. You ARE enough.
25. Keep in touch with friends-distant or close.
26. Do not be afraid to fall in love and set your life off track. Love is meant to do that. (Eat, Pray, Love)
27. Do not push away your significant other. That person is ON YOUR SIDE.
28. Lying gets you nowhere.
29. Accept your imperfections.
30. It is important to believe in something.
31. Your socks don't have to match.
32. Try to refrain from gossip whenever you can. Gossip is basically murder to your friendships and relationships. 
33. It's OK to want more money.
34. Pick a close friend or family member that you can fully trust and rely on. That's the person to vent to-not the whole world. 
35. Your business is your business. Keep it to yourself. 
36. Take pictures of anything you find beautiful.
37. Show up. A majority of being a good friend, good acquaintance, and a good family member is showing up.
38. Birthdays do count. If anything, make sure to share birthdays with as many friends and family members as you can. 
39. Send Christmas cards-a nice, simple way to keep in touch with those who are far away. (Your address book and Christmas card list will grow every year.)
40. Speak and think of the past as a previous chapter in your life, not a burden you are carrying around. It's over. Move on.
41. You are the source to your own happiness.
42. When someone hurts you with words, take those words into consideration, and turn them into something positive. 
43. Accept where you are in your life, and don't wish to be anywhere else.
44. Own your mistakes, but do not hold onto them. 
45. When you dress yourself in the morning, wear your style, not anyone else's.
46. Listen to what you feel. (...unless it's that time of the month.)
47. Learn how to cook foods you've never cooked before. 
48. It's OK to splurge on yourself at the mall from time to time. 
49. Smile more, have a bad attitude less.
50. You are alive, and that's reason enough to keep going. 

I could go on for days. 2012 has been a tough reality check for me in many ways. I've learned A LOT, and I'm super excited for what 2013 has in store. Bring in the new year leaving 2012 in the past, ready to embrace what next year has in store. You are the creator of your world, and the writer of your life. Make sure the people in your life are making YOU a better YOU. Stay close to family, count your blessings, and never give up. 2013 here we go!