15 Ways to Succeed at Life- What does your “Dash” show?

I wanted to start the year on a positive note. I’ve written, what I feel, are 15 ways to succeed at life. None of these are new, just a great reminder as we all embark on 2018. I also included my all important New Year’s resolutions that include taking more bubble baths and drinking more wine. No weight loss goals here, folks. The blog will be accented by my year in pictures.

I recently read “The Dash” by Linda Ellis and felt it pertinent at the start of a new year.  Looking back on your life, will you happy with the recap? Did you make a positive impact? Will you be greatly missed? Did you at least try to accomplish all your hearts desires?

               The Dash By Linda Ellis

“I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning . . . to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that they spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars . . . the house . . . the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash . . . would you be proud of the things they say and about how you spent YOUR dash?”

Here are 15 ways, I think, you can succeed at life. I plan on trying to work on these in 2018!

1. Surround yourself with people who make you smile, laugh and feel everyday. Life is short. The people around you should lift you up, not bring you down.
2. Find a faith or belief in something. Support it with all your might
3. Put others first. Give back to those around you and those in need. Your heart will swell with happiness by impacting someone else’s life for the better.
4. Be kind and Don’t take kindness for granted. Kindness is a strength, not a weakness. To be kind to everyone who crosses your path is a muscle we all need strengthened.Is there a friend or family member who is always there for you, rooting for you in good times and bad? Send them a card. Give them a hug and tell them how much you appreciate them.  It takes time and effort to be there for others. Don’t take them for granted. One day they may just be a sweet memory.
5. Find time for yourself everyday. Even if it’s only 15 minutes, do something just for you, that you love everyday for 15 minutes. You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.
6. Stop complaining. Constant complaining aggravates those around you, fills you with negativity and solves nothing. Find the solution.
7. Stop blaming others for your problems. If you always have problems with relationships, friends or your job- look for the common denominator.
8. Be grateful. Count 10 blessings you have everyday instead of what you wish you had. Can you provide food on the table? Have a roof over your head? A steady job? People who love you? A healthy body? There’s half your list- these are not common blessings that everyone can count as their own.
9. Love the people in your life for who they are-not who we wish they could be. We all have distinct personalities and unique quirks. That’s what makes us who we are. Don’t try to wish away someone’s uniqueness because it might suit you better. Embrace it.
10. Set goals. Having dreams and goals pushes us to be our best selves. Do your best to achieve them. Achievement helps build confidence and fulfillment in our lives.
11. Love one another. See everyone as one color, one race- each deserving the same respect as you would want for yourself.
12. Love yourself. This may be the hardest task on this list for many. Living with self-loathing only perseverates poor self-esteem and disappointment in life. We all deserve love and to be happy.
13. Learn to forgive others AND yourself. We are human. Mistakes happen. Without mistakes we can’t learn how to improve. Plus holding a grudge allows more negativity to grow – and negativity carries a lot of weight. 
14. Listen with an open mind and closed mouth. Think before you you speak and choose your words wisely.
15. Spend more time in nature. Travel. Meet people from a different region. Introduce yourself to another culture. Walk in someone else’s shoes for a while.

Did you notice a theme in my 15 ways to succeed? Love, respect and positivity! That’s because the world really needs a big dose of each of these.

10 New Year’s Resolutions

I didn’t make New Years resolutions the the past year or so, but I’ve missed making them.  You won’t find my usual weight loss goals or anything unrealistic. I focused on fun, relaxation, community and friendship.

• TAKE MORE BUBBLE BATHS
• DRINK MORE WATER
• DRINK MORE WINE
• SEND MORE SNAIL MAIL
• TRAVEL TO NEW PLACES
• TAKE ON NEW CHALLENGES- DO THINGS THAT SCARE ME
• READ MORE BOOKS
• PURSUE MY WRITING DREAMS
• EXPLORE MORE ADVENTURES IN VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITES
• PLAN MORE FRIEND DATES-WHETHER OVER COFFEE OR FACE-TIMING

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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