Another Trip Around the Sun

Tonight concludes another trip around the sun! Usually I blog on my birthday about all the great things that have happened in the last year, but this year I’m feeling a little differently – more introspective – about my birthday. Per usual I did have a list of things that I wanted to accomplish in the year, and as per usual as circumstances changed, the list changed. In the end I accomplished 24 of the 40 on the list, and I had a lot of fun throughout the year. However, more important than the fun was the personal growth that I felt came with 40, so I want to share some of my personal growth tips from the last year.

1. Learn to set boundaries. If you don’t learn to establish boundaries, people will walk all over you. Also, while learning to set boundaries, understand that it is a process not instantaneous.
2. Learn to do one thing at a time. As much as we all like to multi-task, we can only be fully present with one thing at a time.
3. Learn to not let the comments people make bother you to the point that you can’t focus. This is hard, but it is important to learn to do in order to avoid driving yourself crazy.
4. Try something new or something you haven’t done in a long time. There’s a rush that goes with learning or re-trying a skill!
5. Put down the phone. Boy this is a hard one that I’m trying to improve upon so that my child doesn’t believe it’s necessary to have a phone in front of your nose. When you put down the phone, you will realize how much stress being on it can cause you.
6. Schedules are not a bad thing. This is a struggle for me because I like to think I’m fun and do things on the fly, but the truth is that I achieve more and get more joy (because of not rushing) when things are scheduled. Plus, I love having things on the calendar to look forward to doing!
7. Dance like no one is watching! It’s fun!
8. Sing your heart out! It’s okay if you’re still belting out all of your favorite 90’s and 00’s songs!
9. Take one on one time with people. It allows you to connect with them on a deeper level and strengthens relationships.
10. Coffee, tea, and water are the best drinks on the planet! Water might be the most important, but the other two are right up there!
11. If you want to see change in the world, start by making a small change yourself. It’s really easy to complain about how hateful everyone in the world is, but by modeling kindness to others, you can be part of the solution.
12. Read a book or listen to an audiobook! There is power in the written word!
13. Find faith in something. For me it is God; for you it could be a blueberry muffin. I’m not going to judge what you put your faith into, but I can assure you that it is better to have faith in something than not at all.
14. Get outside! There is healing in nature!
15. Plan a trip! Then go on that trip. The world is big, and you deserve to see more than the little slice where you reside.
16. Purging material items that you don’t need is cathartic especially if you find a way to donate or reuse it instead of filling a landfill.
17. It’s okay to not believe the same things as previous generations. You’re a different person; therefore, it is okay for your viewpoints to be different.
18. If you influence children, teach them to actually learn things for themselves instead of believing everything they are told.
19. Stop believing that everything on the Internet or Social Media is true! If you see something that you’re unsure about its validity, do some research before you repost it.
20. Be proud of the things you have accomplished! They make you special and wonderful! Having a hard time with this? Take 10 minutes and list some of your greatest accomplishments.
21. Play with Legos. In fact, if you’re an adult, just find ways to play. Having fun will make your life better!
22. You’re never too old to look the way you want. Have blue hair! Get a nose ring! Do your thing!!!
23. Follow your dreams! I had always dreamed of writing and publishing, and now Mr Kisby and I have a little thing called Letters & Lore! It’s connected to this page!
24. Send handwritten notes to people. It takes more effort than a text or FB post, and it shows that you care.
25. Learn to stop comparing yourself to others. This is super hard and a work in progress, but I can assure you that if you accept who you are, you can achieve greatness!
26. Eat Zaxby’s. You can thank me later.
27. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Change might be scary, but it can also be amazing!
28. Do something you’ve been afraid to try. For me it was getting back on an airplane, but I had the best time last July, and I feel like I became a better person for it. Plus, it helps teach LilKsby to not be afraid.
29. Walk, run, jog, whatever…just get moving.
30. Life is short. Eat cake. Then go back to number 29.
31. It’s okay to stop doing things you no longer enjoy. Set it aside, and you may find that you like it if you try it again down the road.
32. Tell people your dreams.
33. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help shows strength not weakness.
34. Relax during the holidays. Don’t get stressed out by trying to make them perfect. Enjoy them.
35. Unless you have a legit good reason, don’t say “no” to social invitations.
36. Make sure your cup is full so that you can pour into others.
37. Get a massage. It’s okay if you start laughing because you’re ticklish.
38. Always re-evaluate your goals in life. You’ll get further by allowing yourself to change.
39. Watch a favorite show again especially if you need a laugh!
40. Don’t wish time away. You can’t get it back.

That’s a lot of tips! I’ve learned a lot at 40, and I am 100% that 41 is going to be even more exciting and freeing! Much love my friends!

XOXO,

The Great Kaysby