The first time I ever ventured out, truly on my own, was when I moved to New
York ten years ago - with two suitcases and a lot of plans. And boy, was it a wealth of life lessons.
Looking back over the past decade, here are ten things I've learned... one for each year:
1.) Life will not go the way you originally planned. If my plans had worked accordingly, I would be an executive in a fashion house, living in a small but fabulous sky-rise apartment with a Yorkie, and engaged. I did manage to become a director at 25 like planned, but it was in healthcare not fashion; the amount of home goods I've acquired certainly wouldn't all fit into an tiny NYC apt; I have two dogs, neither of which are Yorkies; and I am happily not married.
4.) Make a big purchase - the investment kind. I remember all those good feelings that came with finally buying my first car... and with signing that last paycheck! It gave me a sense of freedom and a means of transportation. There are plenty of other big investments I hope to make in time, and they will need to be just as important and meaningful.
5.) Travel. Travel. Travel. Some of my best memories were during vacations with my family or seeing a new city with girlfriends. Traveling opens your mind to other possibilities, your eyes to unknown beauties, and your heart to different people. And while you're at it, make sure to eat new foods and try new adventures. You never know if you'll be back there again.
7.) Remember to occasionally make an ordinary day extraordinary. Buy fresh flowers just because you like them, dance in the rain, or drink champagne while eating takeout pizza off paper plates. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and sometimes we have to remind ourselves to do so.
8.) Be nice to other people. Always try to be as friendly or polite as possible. If not possible, try to be professional. Even while other people are driving you absolutely crazy or trying their best to be horrible for no apparent reason, they are still people with a life and their own issues, insecurities and problems. And, by the way, you never know how being nice to one person can make a big difference in their life or yours.
9.) Breathe. You can not control everything, even though sometimes that would just make life simpler. It took a few heartbreaks to learn to let go of my life plan and my desire for control. This doesn't mean that every now and then I don't wish I knew where my life was taking me so I could pack accordingly, but it does mean that I have learned to give God a whole lot more of my faith and trust and credit when it comes to those little speed bumps in the road.
10.) I'm leaving this one blank... because I've learned there is no telling what new little life lesson is coming my way.
x
RH
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| Corrie Bond Photography |
1.) Life will not go the way you originally planned. If my plans had worked accordingly, I would be an executive in a fashion house, living in a small but fabulous sky-rise apartment with a Yorkie, and engaged. I did manage to become a director at 25 like planned, but it was in healthcare not fashion; the amount of home goods I've acquired certainly wouldn't all fit into an tiny NYC apt; I have two dogs, neither of which are Yorkies; and I am happily not married.
2.) Second chances are good. Third and fourth...well, don't become a doormat.
3.)
You know you have good friends when you haven't seen each other for a
while, and then when you meet up, you can pick back up right where you left
off. Do not loose these kinds of friends! They will become your
extended family.
4.) Make a big purchase - the investment kind. I remember all those good feelings that came with finally buying my first car... and with signing that last paycheck! It gave me a sense of freedom and a means of transportation. There are plenty of other big investments I hope to make in time, and they will need to be just as important and meaningful.
5.) Travel. Travel. Travel. Some of my best memories were during vacations with my family or seeing a new city with girlfriends. Traveling opens your mind to other possibilities, your eyes to unknown beauties, and your heart to different people. And while you're at it, make sure to eat new foods and try new adventures. You never know if you'll be back there again.
6.) Sometimes a cupcake, a chocolate bar, or tomato-basil soup with grilled cheese, does in fact make it all better.
7.) Remember to occasionally make an ordinary day extraordinary. Buy fresh flowers just because you like them, dance in the rain, or drink champagne while eating takeout pizza off paper plates. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and sometimes we have to remind ourselves to do so.
8.) Be nice to other people. Always try to be as friendly or polite as possible. If not possible, try to be professional. Even while other people are driving you absolutely crazy or trying their best to be horrible for no apparent reason, they are still people with a life and their own issues, insecurities and problems. And, by the way, you never know how being nice to one person can make a big difference in their life or yours.
9.) Breathe. You can not control everything, even though sometimes that would just make life simpler. It took a few heartbreaks to learn to let go of my life plan and my desire for control. This doesn't mean that every now and then I don't wish I knew where my life was taking me so I could pack accordingly, but it does mean that I have learned to give God a whole lot more of my faith and trust and credit when it comes to those little speed bumps in the road.
10.) I'm leaving this one blank... because I've learned there is no telling what new little life lesson is coming my way.
x
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