As the sun is preparing to set on the evening of the penultimate day of 2014, i have found myself pondering the past year- a tradition I have grown to acquire as the eve of a new year dawns. Something I've grown to understand is that without any denial, every year sees the formation of precious memories, joyous occasions, and some less memorable events. However, as the years progress the challenges and obstacles we were previously confronted with begin to seem so minor and so minute, as we come equipped with the valuable life lessons acquired as the years pass us by. 2014, like any other was a year in which these said life lessons were rife..THE 14 LIFE LESSONS OF 2014:
Don't stress about things entirely out of your control; Just believe and trust in your journey, what's meant to be, will be.
Ask yourself in 5 years, will this all really matter?; Before loosing sleep as a result of over-stressing, propose this question, often the answer will be the negative - highlighting the unnecessary stress created.
Everything happens for a reason; and sometimes you've just got to accept this and the fact you just can't have a say in everything that happens.
Learn to accept not everybody is going to like you; You may not be the most popular colour, but remember you are somebody's favourite colour.
Ooze positivity and positivity will find you; A positive approach to all you are greeted with sees you get the best out of every situation and opportunity.
Sometimes it's okay to be sad; It's okay to feel overwhelmed with sadness, even on the brightest day.
Everyone needs their own space at times; Taking a breather and enjoying your own company often is the only medicine needed.
There's light to be found in every situation; Even in the darkest and most stressful situations there is always a glimmer of hope and positivity. “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
Ed Sheeran and a bubble bath is all that's required to relax; When times seem tough and life gets you down, Ed will run you a hot bath and fill it up with bubbles. A bubble bath and your favourite artist's album on replay is an unbeatable relaxation remedy.
Things are never as bad as first imagined; You often envisage situations to be many, many times worse than they will ever be. Your first perception of situations are often totally inaccurate, and much worse than the actual outcome.
The good always outweighs the negative; For every difficult situation confronted, there are multiple more good things that await you.
Happiness extends far beyond the material world; No amount of material worth will ever exceed the sheer happiness you can achieve by being immersed in the love of your nearest and dearest.
One step at a time; Nothing worthwhile comes all at once, or happens quick and easily. The most deserved achievements are as a result of hard work and sheer determination over a process of time.
Just breathe; and you will have the ability to overcome any obstacle, and nothing will take you by surprise.
