Motivation Monday: 32 Lessons

Before crawling out of bed to make coffee, feed the cat and get ready for work I peruse Huffington Post on my phone. This morning I read 37 Life Lessons in 37 Years. I have to admit it was an inspiration, and I even had the idea to read the article weekly as a motivator to just enjoy what blessings I have in my own life. But then I decided to take it to the next level and think about 32 life lessons I have learned and share with my readers (as I am 32-years young). Check it out!!

• Lesson #1: Wake up every day with a smile. Starting off on the right foot - or with the right expression on your face - will only perpetuate positivity throughout your morning, day and night! Try it - it works!
• Lesson #2: Make a plan - a daily plan. List out the chores, errands, work projects and life goals on a daily basis. But...(read lesson #3)
• Lesson #3: Regardless of your plan, always be flexible enough to throw said plan out the window. Life is about experiences and an openness to enjoy the occasional spontaneity.
• Lesson #4: Remember that people's words, reactions and/or thoughts are unrelated to you. What others do is not a reflection of you - it's about what is going on in their own lives.
• Lesson #5: Treasure the small things in life. Appreciate what you have in life.
• Lesson #6: And do not focus on the things you don't have.
• Lesson #7: Be goofy, silly and fun. Life can be too serious at times; so don't be afraid to lighten the mood.
• Lesson #8: Just do your best...every day.
• Lesson #9: Don't be hard on yourself - remember that "Rome wasn't built in a day." 
• Lesson #10: Spend time with your friends and family. Time is the most precious, selfless gift you can give.
• Lesson #11: Love all but most importantly love yourself.
• Lesson #12: Be romantic - allow yourself to be open to love and embrace romance.
• Lesson #13: Scare yourself. Face your fears. Overcome your challenges. 
• Lesson #14: Talk to a stranger - whether it be a person in line at the grocery store, or a passerby. Try to at least say "hi" and ask how their day is going. Trust me; putting yourself out there feels less lonely.
• Lesson #15: Make eye contact with people. Don't be afraid to look people directly in the eye. You have nothing to hide or be ashamed of.
• Lesson #16: Advocate for yourself. Don't be combative but don't be cowardly.
• Lesson #17: Be true to yourself. Be insightful. Think about what you want - or what you believe. And own it.
• Lesson #18: Don't be afraid to be alone. 
• Lesson #19: Relax. Enjoy downtime. Don't be a couch potato but don't be a robot either.
• Lesson #20: Read. Read the paper, the news, and/or a novel. Exercise your brain.
• Lesson #21: Dance.
• Lesson #22: Buy someone an unexpected present - a 'just because' gift.
• Lesson #23: The little things count. Send a sympathy card if a friend/coworker/family member is going through something difficult. Or write a congratulatory text or email if something exciting happens in an acquaintances' life!
• Lesson #24: Dream big. Then break your dream into tangible, bite-able goals.
• Lesson #25: Be happy for others. And mean it. 
• Lesson #26: Compare yourself to others then remember that we are each on our own journey.
• Lesson #27: Travel.
• Lesson #28: Don't be afraid to be sexy.
• Lesson #29: Walk the walk. Stopping talking the big game and not delivering. Say what you mean, and mean what you say.
• Lesson #30: Be the kind of friend you want in your own life. 
• Lesson #31: Stop being so hard on yourself...and others.
• Lesson #32: Stop and smell the roses. Enjoy life.