Everyone (I use this term loosely) always (again, a loose term) says how much they've learned through a given season. I believe them, and sometimes I catch myself saying the same thing. While I fully believe other people saying it, any time I say it I think to my self, "well, ya, but like what?" In my minds it's always just been another way of saying, "I've been through a lot lately." I know that through trials wisdom is gained purely from an experience standpoint, but if someone were to ask me of a specific thing I've learned recently I'd probably say something like, "well, I've learned that depression sucks."
However, I actually feel like I have learned things lately. Tangible life lessons that are worth remembering and continuing to put into practice. I believe there is power in speaking something and putting it into words, so instead of letting those learnings get lost in my spaghetti brain, I'll write them here. More for me than for you (who I'm pretty sure doesn't exist), but if ever my thoughts become useful to someone else, then glory be. At least then I know my pains and struggles and learnings are worthwhile to more than just me.
#1 Don't procrastinate
Sounds simple right? Probably something you've been told since you were a kid and put off your science project or math homework until the very last minute. Apparently things turn out better when you aren't rushed doing them or stressing at the last minute to figure something out. I've learned recently not to procrastinate for a very different reason. I tend to worry about things that bring fear, that turn into anxiety, that make me avoid said things, hoping the issue will deal with itself. I know now that the issue will NOT deal with itself, and if you simply handle said issue early on, then surprise! No more anxiety.
#2 Just breath
It may sound silly, but sometimes I forget to breath. It usually happens when I am worried about something and thinking too hard. All of the sudden I catch myself taking a breath and think to myself, "have I been breathing this whole time?" I'm pretty sure I haven't been, which can really do a number on the body. It's on days when I stop breathing that I end up with all kids of stomach cramps and bloating. And we all know that does wonders for the already present stress at hand. So all day, every day, just breath. It can solve a myriad of problems.
#3 Nothing good or bad lasts forever
This is my mom's saying. She has a few, but this is one is my favorite. It's most helpful in the hard seasons for obvious reasons, but also forces you to appreciate the good times. Knowing a hard season will eventually end is more helpful than I could possibly describe. It truly is like the light at the end of the tunnel. Looking back, after the year I've had, and recognizing how far I've come and how much healthier I am shows that this statement is true. Even when you're at your worst, thinking life itself is over, it's really not. Eventually you will start to take baby steps towards a healthier place.
#4 You're harder on yourself than anyone will ever be
That's all.
#5 If you just start moving...
eventually you will get out of the funk you are in
eventually you will enjoy what you're doing
eventually life won't seem so heavy
eventually the end of the day will come, and tomorrow is a new day
#6 Good friends will fight to stay friends
Even through the most difficult seasons, if you're willing to fight through it, then it's probably worth it to stay friends. Sometimes friends disagree. Sometime friends aren't very friendly at all. But if you're willing to stay in the game, even when it's hard, then chances are it's worth the fight.
#7 You can't be friends with everyone.
It's just that true. You can be friendly with everyone, but there just isn't always (usually) enough room in life to maintain a deep level of friendship with all those who cross your path. At a certain point there just isn't enough time in the day, week, or month to keep up with everyone to the extent you might want to. I meet new people, great people, all the time. I see how great they are and want to be their friend, but it's just not always possible. And that's ok. This doesn't mean you can't make new friends or add people to your life, but doing so does force you to prioritize the people and time in your life very carefully. It's important to be open to new, meaningful relationships, but don't kick yourself if you can't grab coffee with everyone who says you should.
#8 If you lay down on a Sunday, you will fall asleep. And it will prevent you from going to bed at a normal hour later that day.
#9 Caffeine makes me happy
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