Pearls of wisdom

Truly insightful tidbits are harder to find as you get older (and more cynical). I have come to rely on my own judgment. Right or wrong, these are the pearls of wisdom I have found in what has been my most difficult, heart wrenching, depressing and fun-filled year of my life. I have experienced my darkest moments in the last twelve months. During this same period I have also had moments of pure joy.

Look after yourself. No one else will. Eat well, drink water, exercise, stretch and try to sleep.

Nothing in life is permanent. This too shall pass. A blessing for hard times but a curse when you know you are onto a good wicket.

Let your children be. Guide them, encourage them, educate them but don't change them. They are perfectly imperfect just the way they are.

Fear is the ultimate enemy. Being scared can stop you from doing what you want or what you know to be right.

“Not everything that counts can be counted and not everything that can be counted counts” - Albert Einstein. Do more of what you love. Happiness is a transient state so fill your life with as many happy moments as you can capture. Smile, laugh, breathe. Explore new things and soak up the good ones whenever they come around. 

Stop comparing yourself to others. You have no idea what they have sacrificed to get to where they are; the troubles they face or the pain they feel as they battle their way through life.

Love with everything you have. Love so when you look back you have no regrets. Love so wholeheartedly that you can never stop. Ensure the people you love are of such quality that, regardless of what happens or how much time goes by, you'd drop everything to help them out if they needed it.

Humility is a strength few possess.

Forgiveness holds great power. Start by forgiving yourself and work from there.

Acceptance is key. Fight for what you believe in and seek out your dreams but accept that you won't always win.