12 things...

Hi y'all! I'm sitting- well laying here- wide awake at 12:30am. I should be sleeping, yes, but my vacation naps, laziness & lounging is wrecking havoc on my sleep schedule. 

As this year winds down, I've been doing a whole lot of reflecting on 2012. I know that every year has potential for learning experiences this year, for me, was a milestone year in learning about myself, my beliefs and my opinions. 

So, I figured why not share with you all?
 I know that none of my thoughts are revolutionary or radical, but, maybe (at very best) you can relate to me! Maybe you have some insight for me or maybe I'll spark a thought that changes the way you think about things. 

So, here are 12 of the life lessons I learned in 2012...

1) Don't Burn Bridges

To the best of your ability....don't burn the bridges you built. Boss you don't love? End things professionally. You'll never know when you'll move back to that city and be looking for a job that needs her recommendation. Friends/ex boyfriends/family....try to end things on a positive note when you can. It'll give you the peace of mind that you did the right thing.

2) Wash your face every night.

 It makes a huge difference. 

3) Say "thank you"

When someone deserves a thank you- be sure you give it. Verbal or written...go out of your way to express gratitude. A handwritten card (or email for business) goes a long way.

4) Soda is completely wasted calories....you'll pack the pounds on with no effort. 

Don't get me wrong. I still drink it. I'm not doing so well with cutting it out...but...I've learned the above to be true. 

5) Don't take your family for granted. 

If you're lucky enough to have family that is always there/willing to do anything for you- appreciate that. 

6) Get outside yourself....

Some of my toughest times this year have been alleviated by doing things that make me remember that this world is bigger than Jenn/people have it worse than me/I'm blessed. 

7) Watching '500 Days of Summer" (on repeat) is a good therapy to your breakup.

 I think this was MY movie of 2012. I always, always loved it but in 2012 it meant something different to me than ever before. 
Plus, it's a fabulous reminder that there is always an Autumn!

8) Worry less about the size on the tag and more about how the clothes fit. 

If something fits flatteringly and comfortably...you'll be more secure than if you're squeezing into the "right" or "ideal" size.  DO take care of yourself and keep yourself healthy, but, make sure you aren't hung up on the size of your jeans. 

9) Find something your passionate about!

 Something you can do to relax/unwind/throw yourself into. For me, I found blogging! I could write a whole post on this- and plan to sometime soon- but to keep this particular post short I won't get into it. I'm happy that 2012 was the year I found my "hobby."

10) Have someone you can tell absolutely anything to.

 Good, bad, ugly...you need someone who you know is going to love and support you through it. I'm lucky. I've got a few of these. I feel like a few of ladies have started to become these people in my life, too. It's really very cool. 

11) If someone wants to be in your life- they will make it happen.

Again, this is something I'm still trying to grasp, but, it's something that I've learned- that's for sure. Try as hard as you may...you don't want to try so hard for someone who isn't wanting to be there in the first place.
Eventually, they may want to be in your life and you may not want them there- in which case you can remove them. The biggest point though is don't chase or push something or someone. Everything has it's timing.

12)  Protect yourself. 

You've got to take care of yourself and look out for you. When it all comes down to it- you go to bed with yourself every.single.night. Go to bed with someone you are happy with, that you love, and is taken care of. 

What were some things that you learned in 2012? 

Tell me! I'd love to know! 

****************************************************************************

(PS- You know, know, know I HAVE to plug this.)

 Please keep in mind the very special 5 for Five link up that Ms. Jessica and I on 12/31!  
Not sure what {5 for Five} is all about?! Check it out here! 

Since next Monday is the last day of 2012- Jessica and I decided that we would theme {5 for Five} around the FIVE resolutions you want to make for 2013! The overall idea is the same, but, instead of 5 goals for the week it will be our 5 goals for the year! 

Jessica even created this GORGEOUS button for us to use! Feel free to grab it & help us spread the work! 

(PS- 5 for 2013 is the theme Jessica and I are going with, however, we still encourage you to link up with for WHATEVER goals you are going to set! ANY amount of goals you are setting for ANY length of time are welcomed and encouraged! We just ask that you link back to our blogs and use one of our buttons!)