let me tell you....

It seems like lately I've been hearing quite a few people talk about life changing plans, ideas, goals and/or dreams. Maybe it's because of Facebook(I always blame FB) that more people are discussing issues that would normally be kept private or that this is just the new way to reach out to people. In one way it's good because I believe everyone should express themselves but it's kind of bad too because everyone becomes a therapist/psychologist. I'm just as guilty as the next person. You tell me about family/friend drama, work gossip or celebrity news and I'll tell you how I feel and what that person needs to do. It's always so crystal clear from the outside. From the outside you take out the emotion and what you are left with are statements. When the statements are put together it's obvious what the answer is to the eventual question (the question that more than likely we haven't been asked).

But then when we look at our own lives and try to figure out what is going on or how to get things back on track and all of a sudden things aren't clear anymore. It's almost like we become blind when it comes to our own lives. We either just don't see it, we make excuses, or we accept it and do nothing about it. If we are honest with ourselves we acknowledge whatever "it" is and we try to do something about it. Everything is so much harder and scarier when we have to do it on our own.

With a big birthday coming up soon I keep thinking about what I'd like to see happen within this next decade. Is it time to start a family? I'm not sure yet. Is it time to go back to school for a master's degree? Maybe.

What I do know is that every once in a while you have to do a self evaluation and figure out where you are at and where you want to be. Whether it be married with kids within the next couple years, buying a house in two weeks, or leaving a bad relationship it's all about what you want and need. So here is a list of what I like to live by and every now and then I have to remind myself about not being afraid.

1. Do what makes you happy.
2. Don't be afraid.
3. Get rid of toxic people.
4. Learn to stand up for yourself.
5. Live your life.