2015 is quickly approaching, and I spent the day reading back on my journal for 2014. I must admit I cried to myself, and laughed at myself, while skimming through those pages. I realized that I learned more in these past 365 days about life, about love, about marriage, about people, and about myself than I have in my 27 years of life combined. I hope to one day share those lessons I've learned, but in the meantime....
In light of this day of reflection, I've decided to compile a completely RANDOM (and mostly silly) list of things in my life that I would have done differently this year, and years prior, if I knew then what I know now.
In light of this day of reflection, I've decided to compile a completely RANDOM (and mostly silly) list of things in my life that I would have done differently this year, and years prior, if I knew then what I know now.
I HATED my curls when I was younger. My mother and sister have Asian straight hair, so no one at home knew how to tame my mane. I didn't know how to manage my beautiful mess either, so I would straighten my hair often to avoid all the tangles and the frizz. Regrettably, my hair no longer curls from all the years of putting heat to it...& that has been one of my biggest regrets in life. When I look back at pictures, I always ask myself WHYYY?! People with curly hair want straight hair, and those with straight hair want curly!
We always want what we don't have. The grass is greener on the other side? No! The grass is greener where you water it. Heed to my warning, you curly-haired babes: DON'T MESS UP YOUR CURLS! (These pics are over 10 years old...don't judge me)
We always want what we don't have. The grass is greener on the other side? No! The grass is greener where you water it. Heed to my warning, you curly-haired babes: DON'T MESS UP YOUR CURLS! (These pics are over 10 years old...don't judge me)
2- Say yes to saying NO!
Sometimes I believe that I am Superwoman. I need to get over myself and my "I got this! I can handle this!" attitude... because I end up super burnt out sometimes. It's ok to say NO! Set boundaries in relationships-- parents, spouses, bosses, friends... it's ok to say "No" to them. Know how much you can handle, and allow yourself only that much. If you don't, all it will do is build up resentment towards others, when you only have yourself to blame for saying YES.
3- STRAP IT UP!
Put a case on your iPhone. It may be cute and sleek and thin when you first get it, but it's NOT cute when your screen looks like spiderman zapped it.
4- LAUGH WITH THEM, NOT AT THEM!
Never make fun of the sound of someone's laughter. Just about everyone in my family has a ridiculously funny laugh. Both of my parent's laughter is loud and contagious. My sister's laugh, high pitched. Mine-- the silent belly laugh with an occasional knee-slap or the extremely loud, doofy laugh, depending on how funny things are. We would always make fun of each other's laugh, and I have seen how that can really inhibit someone. There are times where I find myself stifling a giggle to avoid awkward stares. My sister does the same. Someone's laughter is their expression of happiness and enjoyment. Laugh with people, not at them.
5- DANCE LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING!
Don't make fun of the way someone dances either! How about you mind your business, and grow the balls to get on the dance floor too! Too much? Sorry, not sorry.
...in someone else's house. You can do what you want in your own house, but... I'll leave it at that.
You know how these cute, model-looking chicks walk around with no bra and it looks just fine? I figured my itty bitties could pull off that look too. Well if I'm honest with you all, it wasn't a look I was trying to pull off... I didn't put on a bra out of sheer laziness. I got up, threw on a sweater, and left my house. Let's just say, no one has ever mentioned to me that there's a such thing as nipple chaffing. Ladies-- we talk about our menstrual cycles and sex and men with each other, but never this!? Well it's a real thing y'all...& it's awful! To the melody of Alicia Keys... "My girls were on fiyaaaaaa. My girls were on fiyaaaaa-aaaa." After working for Victoria's Secret throughout college, I have JUST come to the realization that bras have been created for more reasons than holding them girls up and for your spouse's visual pleasure... What an uncomfortably painful lesson to learn in 2014.
...like "Thank You's" and "I'm sorry's."
Acknowledge people's efforts...& THANK THEM.
Acknowledge your faults...& APOLOGIZE.
Acknowledge people's efforts...& THANK THEM.
Acknowledge your faults...& APOLOGIZE.
Oh, normal people don't do that?? Well, I guess I'll say something that you may be able to relate to then... Don't eat crap all the time! You will gain weight eventually. Once you're above a certain age, whatever touches your lips eventually goes to your hips... especially if you're Puerto Rican!
10- JUST DO IT!
I have a really bad habit of not using the bathroom when I have to go. I hate public bathrooms, so I will hold it until I get home or until I can't hold it any longer. (TMI? Oh well!) If you gotta go, GO!
11- STICKS & STONES BREAK BONES...& WORDS DO HURT!
I frequently have found myself in foot-in-the-mouth moments... so I do my best not to say anything at all sometimes. I guess it's a good thing that you almost always know what I am thinking, good or bad. I'm learning that it's all about the delivery. It's ok to say what you mean, just don't say it mean.
12- MONEY MANAGEMENT!
Live like no one else does now, so you can live like no one else can later. Pay off your debt. Save your money. Be content with the possessions you've worked honestly for. Don't buy unnecessarily to impress people. Don't live above your means.
You want to try a new do? Go for it! What's the worst thing that can happen? You end up hating it? It's hair--it'll grow back! Best case scenario? You'll love it!
14- PAMPER YOURSELF!
If you live in the hustle and bustle of the city life, you may not even realize how fast you're going until you slow down. Take a few hours every week to pamper yourself. Go to a spa. Get a massage. Too expensive? Get a manicure and/or pedicure. That too costly as well? (I know, the struggle is REAL sometimes!) Put on some Kenny G, light some candles, grab your favorite book, and take a nice, hot bubble bath. I'm not talking date night with your boo; I'm talking taking some time for YOU!
Happy New Year!
