7 Things I Learned in 2017

1. Important people will make you important

We are all busy. We all say we are busy. However, we each have the same 24 hours in a day. Don’t let people use the excuse they are too busy to see you for the ones who care will make the time. Yes, of course there are days and weeks we are “busy”. But don’t let that be a reoccurring excuse. People make time for the things that are important to them.

2. Oh, the places you’ll go

Yes, I still believe in Dr. Seuss’s philosophy. If there is an opportunity to travel somewhere – go! See the world while you have the chance. In January I took out a student loan for a trip to Australia and New Zealand. Absolutely no regrets!

3. Find your own therapy

2017 was a hard time for some of us. I learned to find my own therapy. Some days it was retail therapy. Some days, working out. Some days it was Chick–Fil–A. Find your happy place to reenergize and go there often.

4. Work to make yourself happy

No one else can define your happiness. Don’t let other people tell you what you should do. 2017 reiterated the fact that we are supposed to live up to social media expectations of perfection and happiness. Do what your heart tells you. Fulfilling other people’s dreams will not satisfy you.

5. You are no ones second choice, side chick or back up plan

Period.

6. Smile often

People notice happy people. I currently have a background on my phone that reads, “Be the reason someone smiles today.” It is my daily reminder to bring joy to those I am around. Here is my background if you want to try it out:

7. Experiences are way better than things

You’ll remember the experiences you had way more than the things you owned in 2017. Spend the money on a weekend road trip, Sunday brunch, or plane ticket to visit a friend. Enjoy the experience!

According to Instagram here are some of my best moments of 2017...I agree!

Here is to 2018 - a new year with more experiences and new lessons to be learned! Hope it is a great one.

XO,

Ellie