If I'm being honest, the past few months have been weird. I started 2017 off in a totally unexpected way, but determined to make it the best year yet. Realizing that we're halfway through the year, I wanted to reflect on everything that's happened so far–the good and the lessons (because I think we can learn a thing or two from the not-so-good things in life).
The Good:
1. I started this blog! This was not something I had planned to do in 2017, but I have loved it so far. Having a place to create and write and express my thoughts is so fun!
2. I drove 12 hours to a city I'd never been to. Participating in a national advertising competition took me all the way to Baton Rouge, LA. By far the furthest I've ever driven, and by far one of the coolest things to happen so far in my college experience. Traveling to another state with my peers and professors was WAY out of my comfort zone, but I am so glad I talked myself into going. Try new things, y'all! I'm learning it's not all that bad.
3. I started saying no. Not to everything, but to things that I simply do not want to do, or to things (and people) that I know aren't good for me. I'm learning that it's better to be happy by yourself than miserable with others. If you don't want to go to that gathering, or be around that person, don't. It's okay.
4. I started making an effort to love myself more, and hate myself less. The term "self-care" is kind of tossed around all the time, but it really is SO important. From treating yourself to a mani-pedi, to spending a night at home enjoying your fave movie, don't hesitate to slow down and take care of yourself. I've found that wearing what you want is self-care, too. I finally built up the confidence to wear my high-waisted bikini bottoms that I bought last summer, and not care what anyone else thought about them. And in case you were wondering, that's the most comfortable I've felt in a swimsuit in a loooong time. Wear what you want to, friends!
5. I took a not-really-my-style vacation. For years my dad has wanted me to visit Alaska, but I always talked him into a Caribbean cruise instead (no regrets, though). I finally gave in and we took a two-week trip to Canada and Alaska. It was BEAUTIFUL. I don't even have words to describe it. If you always take the same kind of trips, I encourage you to find a destination out of your comfort zone and go for it. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
The Lessons:
1. Anxiety is real. I've always been stressed about something in life–school, friendships, family...the usual stuff. But 2017 has taught me that anxiety is no joke. I wish so badly that I could say I've already learned this lesson and can move on, but I'm finding out that it's not that easy. The lesson I have learned, though? It's okay to not know how to fix it, how to fix yourself. It will all work out soon enough. :)
2. You don't need people who don't need you. Okay, so this is pretty cliche, but I promise you IT IS SO TRUE. If there is someone who chooses not to have you in their life anymore, don't tell yourself the lie that you need them. You don't. It might seem like it at first, but after a while, you'll realize that you are capable and wonderful all on your own.
3. You don't have it all figured out. Guess what? Neither does anyone else. Remind yourself of that daily.
4. Don't try to keep up. I've spent a lot of time trying to keep up, and found out that it is exhausting. I've been challenging myself in 2017 not to try fit a mold that I wasn't made for.
5. You can't force things to happen. You know when you want something so badly that you convince yourself thinking about it or preparing for it will somehow magically make it happen? Whether it's a dream job or just a new friendship, don't force it. It will happen at that perfect time (wooow, this post just keeps getting more cliche...apologies).
So that's my raw, honest, authentic mid-year recap. I hope it encouraged you and made you realize you're not in this "life" thing alone! In short, do you and don't apologize for it. Love yourself and love your life.
Here's to making the rest of 2017 the best of 2017! What lessons have you learned so far this year? Leave a comment below or reach out to me on IG @sarah.tidwell.