As I get older, I find myself becoming more nostalgic about life. I never want to forget riding off on the motorcycle with my husband the day we got married because that was one of the happiest moments of my life. I never want to forget how it felt to be turned down for writing jobs because that has fueled my ambition and reminded me to be humble. I never want to forget the day my daughter was born because she has made my life complete and gave everything meaning. Motherhood has opened my eyes and has taught me several life lessons.

As cliche as it may sound, life is too short not to be happy. Not just happy for the moment but happy with life. Okay, don’t get me wrong it’s not all rainbows and sunshine every day. There is a point where I reach my breaking point and feel like the world is against me but after my brief pity party I regain my composure and remember this too shall pass. Ask yourself, are you happy and what would you change that’s within your control? If it’s to speak up and stand up for yourself, get over your inhibitions and do it. If it’s to not be such a control freak, like yours truly, let others in and let go. I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s worth it.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is not to sweat the small things. We can’t control everything and shouldn’t try to. I’m a type A, over achieving, control freak and it’s really hard to let go and know that I’m not going to be perfect. If people come over and the house is not immaculate and there are toys everywhere…its okay. If my daughter wants to wear her princess costume to the grocery store and bring her wand…its okay because you only live once. I’ve learned to do my best at what I’m currently doing and that it’s okay if I can’t do everything. I also added a new word to my vocabulary…no. I can’t do everything and even though at times I feel like I can take on the world, its okay if I can’t.

We cross paths with others for a reason and things do happen for a reason. No, I’m not saying that you accidentally left your lunch at home because you were destined to eat McDonalds. I am saying that we meet people along our way so that we can be in each others lives whether it’s to become friends, help each other or just be part of the journey. Yes, even the mean people in your life have a purpose. A friend of mine told me that we have to encounter mean people in our lives because if we didn’t then we may not have the ambition or determination, that they evoke in us, to accomplish our goals.

Becoming a mother opened my eyes to everything around me and became the driving force to be better. I wanted my daughter to have a strong woman to look up to. I never want her to think that she can’t accomplish something. It doesn’t have to take motherhood for anyone to have this epiphany.  Look around you, soak up life and figure out how you want to live the rest of your life. Maybe our paths have crossed because you were meant to be inspired by my profound life lessons or maybe you just accidentally clicked my link.  Coldplay says it best, “Fix You.”

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