Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye. -H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

“To laugh often and love much, to win the respect of intelligent people, to earn the appreciation of honest critics an endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, and to leave the world a bit better…to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” – Unknown

Whenever I read this I feel like I can find peace and give me the opportunity to reflect on how I feel. It brings me back to where I need to be. You might have a favorite quote or an inspirational picture. You should leave it in a prominent place so that you can take the time to stop and smell the roses. ☺

I am sure you all remember the sitcom “The Facts of Life.” Although, it was a comedy I found that it is a great tagline. Besides, I think you can make up your own rules to maintain accountability and a little bit of spice and sugar to add zest to your life. Really, its that simple.

So here goes, my list of The Facts of Life:

1. Life is what you make of it. Whether we want to believe this or not, it is true. ☺
2. You are in control of your choices.
3. Take a deep breath and smile, it will make a difference.
4. Make goals and achieve them.
5. Don’t take life so seriously
6. Worry less and enjoy your surroundings
7. Keep a good network of friends
8. Cherish your family
9. Create a map for what you want to accomplish, but don’t forget that detours may come along so be prepared for them.
10. Believe in hope and faith it is your spirituality that will guide you

It may sound cliché and you may have heard about these before, but it works for me. I am not saying that I am right or that I am wrong. It works for me and it has not failed me to date. So I encourage you to try this and if it does not work for you then modify it for yourself. We only have this lifetime to share our life with others and experience it to the fullest. So go for it. What are you waiting for?

1. Follow the road less traveled

So you have decided to follow a path that is not conventional when it comes to your peers and family. I find it inspiring when individuals go against the grain of what is acceptable and seek out their purpose in life. It is rare, and believe me you are in a very fortunate position. Not many people know what it is that they really want to pursue in life. If you want to be a doctor, musician, photographer, lawyer, etc., then make it happen because you want this dream to come true. Do not pursue it because someone else is making you do something that is not for you.

2. Do what makes you happy

Let’s face it we are all in some form individuals who are out to please others. If you are not, then that is okay too. Really it is. I have this habit of always watching out for others and putting myself last. In that sense, I genuinely enjoy making others happy and seeing their faces light up. I believe in random acts of kindness, and that we do have good people doing great things. But, there will come a time when you will have to really do what makes you happy. Let’s face it in realistic terms, you will not be able to make everyone happy. If you are, then you are doing something wrong. Your friends and family will understand and if they don’t they will once they see how much change it brings to your life. It will be positive, trust me.

3. Make you #1

This is the one goal that is the hardest to meet, for myself. I know that it may sound selfish, but did you notice that the most accomplished people tend to put themselves first. It is a skill, and I wish I had learned this earlier. I find that you can be there for everyone, and still make time for yourself. Don’t become so consumed with other’s worries and their problems. The truth is you cannot take them away, but you can be there to listen and serve as the shoulder for the person to lean on you. I learned this the hard way, I consumed myself into everyone else and almost lost sight of what I needed to do. We are all inherently raised to help others, but I think that at times we tend to lose ourselves in the process. Make a list of what you want to do for you and slowly make it happen. Set goals and you will see how much happier you will be. Why not invest in yourself? It will be worth it. Trust me.

I know that it is easier said than done, but really try to follow the steps above and you will really feel like you are moving towards your own personal realization. It took me time and I am happy that I took the time to really appreciate the “aha” moments in my life. It has really put things into perspective and I cannot be anymore happier than that!