The Heart Of Our Identity

I recently scrolled through my notes app to find one titled “Things to live by.” I’m not too sure why I wrote these life lessons down but once I opened it I was reminded of their profound importance. It’s funny how, as humans, we tend to forget these simple yet powerful truths amidst the hustle and bustle of life. This post is not just a collection of words, but a gentle reminder to embrace these lessons and cultivate a fulfilling life.

Finding this note that I had forgotten about felt like a sign. I have been going through a new self-care journey and all thirty-two of these “things to live by” listed reminded me why I still continue on this long journey. If you were like me you might question how words can be so helpful and maybe even inspiring, I used to think that. But first, let me list what I once wrote in my notes app. Things to live by; People do change, Forgive don’t forget, YOLO, Drunk words are sober thoughts, Trust goes both ways, Karma is real, Everything happens for a reason, Once a mistake but twice is a choice, ’Sorry’ doesn’t fix everything, Grudges don’t fix anything, Actions>>>words, If they wanted to they would, Always listen to your gut, Say “I love you” from the heart, I love you’s should be valued, Trust is earned not given, Second chances sometimes work, Right person wrong time, Friendships shouldn’t be hard, Smile at strangers, Old type of love, Time heals, Don’t EVER break pinky promises, You never know what others are going through so always be kind, Family isn’t always blood, Less is more, The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, You can’t make people love you more by loving them harder, Never settle, Practice the art of listening, Count your blessings daily and Take responsibility for your life. I know there’s a lot to take in, a lot to live by but I don’t think I could’ve taken some out. All of them are valuable, and worthy life lessons.

Each principle has become a beacon in my life. Here are examples of how they’ve changed me, 'People do change' taught me to be patient with myself and others. 'Forgive but don’t forget' reminded me that while it's important to let go of bitterness, I should also remember the lessons learned. 'YOLO' constantly pushes me to seize every moment and opportunity. 'Drunk words are sober thoughts' has shown me the importance of honest communication. 'Trust goes both ways' underlined the importance of reciprocity in relationships. 'Karma is real' is a daily reminder that our actions have consequences. 'Everything happens for a reason' helps me find silver linings even in tough situations. 'Once a mistake, twice is a choice' taught me the importance of learning from my mistakes. 'Sorry doesn’t fix everything' and 'Grudges don’t fix anything' have taught me the importance of resolution over resentment. 'Actions speak louder than words' has made me value deeds over declarations. 'If they wanted to, they would' has helped me set realistic expectations from others. 'Always listen to your gut' has guided me in making important decisions. 'Say I love you from the heart' and 'I love you’s should be valued' have taught me the importance of genuine affection. 'Trust is earned, not given' has made me understand the value of reliability. 'Second chances sometimes work' taught me the power of redemption. 'Right person, wrong time' has shown me the importance of timing in relationships. 'Friendships shouldn’t be hard' has made me realize the importance of ease in relationships. 'Smile at strangers' has shown me the joy of spreading positivity. 'Old type love' has made me value deep and enduring love. 'Time heals' has taught me the virtue of patience. 'Don’t EVER break pinky promises' has shown me the importance of keeping my word. 'You never know what others are going through so always be kind' has made me more empathetic. 'Family isn’t always blood' has made me appreciate the family I've chosen. 'Less is more' made me opt for a simpler solution over the complex one. 'The grass isn’t always greener on the other side' made me realize how great my life already is. ’You can’t make people love you more by loving them harder' has taught me the importance of self-love. 'Never settle' has made me strive for the best in every aspect of life. 'Practice the art of listening' has made me a better friend and listener. 'Count your blessings daily' has made me more grateful. 'Take responsibility for your life' has made me more accountable for my actions.

Overall, these principles have guided me through life's ups and downs. They've taught me the importance of empathy, trust, and self-love. They've shown me that every action has a reaction, and that time and kindness are the best healers. They've helped me understand that love is a two-way street and that I should never settle for less. They've made me realize the importance of listening, being grateful, and taking responsibility for my life. And most importantly, they've reminded me to always smile at strangers, because you never know what someone else might be going through.

To wrap it up, after reviewing what I have written I have realized that these principles aren’t just things to live by, they’re the heart of our identity. They’re the visual balance in our life’s design, the pop of color in our daily canvas. As we navigate the hustle and bustle of life, let’s keep these in mind, cultivating an ageless spirit and attitude. After all, just like a timeless design, it’s these principles that make our lives truly stand out. So, let’s live by them.

I think I’ll start posting every Thursday! And if I’m thinking a lot that week then a bonus blog as well. :)

Love Always,

M.R.