Wednesday, December 31, 2014

14 Things I learned in 2014

- My family is amazing – If you need them they will come running. It doesn’t matter the time or the place, they’ll be there.

- We are all stronger than we think – Especially when it comes to devastatingly impossible situations, we can make it through. This is mainly in reference to my sister; she is so brave and strong. I admire her.

- Hard work never goes unnoticed – You may think no one is noticing, but if you keep your head down and don’t complain, you will be rewarded. People are noticing, I promise.

- Travel light – There is nothing better than walking straight off the plane past the baggage claim, not paying luggage fees, not standing in line to check your luggage, and not worrying about lost luggage. It requires some planning, but it is worth it.

- Travel as much as you can afford to – It opens your eyes beyond your little bubble.

- The flu shot is not worth it – If's efficacy is typically 50%, sometimes it's less. But if you decide to get one ALWAYS go to your doctor, never from a pharmacist. I got an annoying shoulder injury from not following such advice. Wash your hands and don't touch your face.

- Communication is the most important thing in a relationship – If something bothers you speak up, otherwise it will fester in to resentment, which is toxic. But when you do speak up, make sure you speak politely and at an appropriate time (ie not right before dinner when everyone is tired and grumpy). Also, if you’re on the receiving end, listen. You may feel defensive but you can’t dismiss how the other person feels.

- It’s never too late to connect with long lost friends – If they’re your true friends you’ll pick up right where you left off.

- You can only count on yourself to be happy.

- Everything works out the way it’s supposed to – Cliché I know, but there is a story behind this lesson. Earlier in the year I had applied for an oil and gas job. I wasn’t called back and was pretty bummed, then not 2 weeks later oil prices plummeted and I was offered a promotion at my current work place. If I had gotten the job I would have been the first person in line to be laid off.

- The price tag of your wedding doesn’t matter – Focus more on the marriage rather than the wedding. At the end of the day you are getting married, it is going to be perfect I promise.

- Going on vacation while on crutches isn’t the end of the world – People were surprised in Mexico that I was smiling and happy even though I was stuck on crutches, my response “well I’d be on crutches at home in the snow and having to work, so this is a million times better.” Don’t let the little things ruin your time.

- Don’t compare your life to the lives that people post online – Facebook is not an accurate reflection of other people's lives. You will forever be unhappy if you’re constantly comparing yourself to others on Facebook.

- Be grateful– There is always something to be grateful for.