NINE THINGS LAST YEAR TAUGHT ME THAT'LL HELP ME SLAY 2020

I am a lifelong learner, always something new to know. But one thing I need to work on even more on this decade is learning from mistakes and encountered situations or environments. While many of us have shared goals and intentions and reflected on the past year, I decided to take a look at how to slay this new year and decade from looking at the past. 
Hope you can relate to some of these. 

1. Not everyone has a good heart!             
I’ve always been that person who sees the good in everyone and thinks everyone has hope and potential but unfortunately, that’s not the case for some. There are just some people in this world that will never be kindhearted no matter how bad you want them to be!


2. Expected outcomes often turn out to be the unexpected.                                    
There are so many times that we kind of expect what an outcome will be, or we expect how people will react to a certain situation. I realize this is not the case. The prime example was when our sweet Daisy passed away last summer. It was me who I thought would be the strongest regarding the event, but it turned out to be me who grieved the hardest and the longest. While my family was hurting, they are men and they did not show it in the same way I did. At first, I was a little angry, but then I came to understand. This is something I will remember moving into this new decade. And I will be open to the fact that I may not react the way people think I should either.

3. There really is something to this Joy Thing.                                                    
Within the past two years that I’ve quit my Professional Position, I’ve decided that I am only going to surround myself with things and people that bring me joy. This year, I’m going to make even more of an effort to do that. If it makes me anxious or stressed or leaning towards the negative, I must let it go!



4. Love is all you need.
How true is this and that’s probably what is wrong with our world right now. The hate is outweighing the love. When you look at your own life, think about the people that love you and about the people that you love! Concentrate on that and know that if the world falls apart and everything good goes away, you will forever have that love, whether the people are with you here today, miles apart or in heaven, that love continues through all of the time. and in regard to romantic love, strive for this quote below.




5. It doesn’t matter where your friends live as long as they live in your heart...but try to get together yearly.                                   
I have been blessed to find a friend group, where the only drawback is, we don’t live close to each other, we are scattered across the country. While I miss having a best friend in my area, I'm blessed to have 5 besties. These are the kinds of ladies that bring me infinite joy and while we keep in touch in all other ways including our beloved Marco Polo, the most important thing is that we are going to make an effort to get together annually and let me tell you, our trips are the best!
From our last trip to Texas

Here is a print I had made for the ladies recently from an Etsy shop that just reminded me of the 6 of us and one if the best things..all our butts look good, lol! The Etsy shop I got these from has closed but find the same thing to customize HERE

6. Food is medicine.                                    
This is so true and I’m going to remember this, especially going into the new year. When I eat junk, I feel like junk but when I eat whole and healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and unprocessed items, my body feels and behaves so much better. when I put things in my mouth, I need to remember I’m doing it to stay alive and healthy. While I will still allow myself the occasional treat, I just have to remember, stop, not so many extra treats, LOL!

7. Not everyone will like you.                        
My goodness is this ever true! It’s like, you know in your heart you’re a good person, you try to be kind and loving to everyone, but some people simply will find that as a threat and everyone has different taste, even where friendships and people are concerned. There were still a couple negative comments on my blog this year and I found it hilarious that for every poll I did on Instagram stories, there was always one or two followers that would disagree with everything I had to say. Moving forward into this new decade, I guess I just don’t care. Haters are gonna hate and all I can do is live my life the way it should be lived and always treat others with kindness! And I’ve stop trying to get people to follow me back on Insta..waste of time..I leave like a bazillion nice comments and all they do is like it, never reciprocate, never follow back…ok….


8. My Body needs Sleep!
Isn’t this the truth! Sleep is so important. You know sometimes I wonder why my boys sleep in so late but then I remember that I was a teenager who liked to sleep until noon because it means our bodies need it! I am an early riser and most productive in the morning and I probably always will be. However, it is so silly to get up super early just to comment on blogs and link up. I can comment any time and why get up on the mornings I don’t have a blog post when I can sleep in until my man gets up or even a little later. This is a perk of having older kids and no longer working in the professional world because trust me I put in my years getting up early when they had school start times at 7:25 AM. I’m definitely not saying sleep until noon, I’m still usually up before seven or eight, but over the holiday break, I enjoyed more sleep in days and realized it is so worth it!



9. Taking a Step Back = More
I don’t really have a word for 2020, just lots of intentions. However, one thing I want to work on is simplifying in so many aspects of my life. It really is true that less is more. I relate to this in the fact that I want to simplify my cooking with more wholesome and easy ingredients. And I want to simplify my stress. I’m not going to put in so many hours into the blog and Instagram. Currently I work on this blog about 50 hours a week and to save from getting burnt out and ending this hobby, I’m simply not going to worry about it as much. Nothing really changes when I put more time into it. so why not put just enough time into it, the time I want to devote and place my precious time in other areas of my life! I’m also going to try to not buy so much “stuff” and instead to concentrate on experiences. People think you always need to move forward to succeed, I think taking a small step back helps you grow by leaps and bounds.



One of those dear friends I alluded to in number 5 has a BIRTHDAY today. I could not let this blog post slip by without wishing her the ultimate day and entire week of happiness and joy! This precious friend of mine shines her light wherever she goes. Her positivity, sweet take on life, culinary skills, excellent taste, Love of family and fierce loyalty to friends is hands-down inspirational! Head over to her fabulous BLOG and wish one of my ultimate besties, my dear Laura Horton, a very Happy Birthday! Wish she'd move to Indiana, lol!

HERE's to Hoping YOU all SLAY 2020 too!!


xoxo

42 comments:

  1. Well you know I am all about Joy! And the part about not everyone liking you is so hard for me. Thank you for helping me not focus on that too much. Happy 2020 lady!

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  2. These are all great points to keep in mind, even if some of them are hard to live to their fullest! 2020 is going to be one for the record books for sure.

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  3. I agree with every single one of these. So great that you have found your tribe :-). these days, I feel like I’m searching for mine still. You, my dear friend, bring me joy with your sweet posts and comments

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  4. All good my friend, you will slay this year for sure! Remember hurt people, hurt people. That's what I try to think of when I encounter the unhappy, mean souls out there. Ya know? Dang, someone must have been so mean to them and hurt them so badly! Any yippee for sleeping in later - I agree, it feels good!
    Just love that print you sent us, we really are so fortunate to have found one another!
    xo,
    Kellyann

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  5. Great list! Needed to read some of those. Love seeing the sweet friendships you have made with those women! Who made that card/picture of you all???

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  6. I love the sweet friendship between the 6 of y'all! It is just precious! Now I need y'all to plan a trip to Atlanta so I can meet up with y'all! ;)

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  7. Every one of these resonates with me! I'm letting go of the negative and focusing on joy this year. I'm a people pleaser so I've had a hard time with not everyone will like you but need to let it go! And yes to more sleep!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

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  8. Así es Andrea, a veces tenemos que vivir experiencias no tan agradables con ciertas personas, para darte cuenta que no ha toda la gente le vamos a agradar. Lo que creo es que en estos tiempos a veces dices algo y las personas se ofenden solas porque no pensamos o actuamos como ellas. El individualismo ha crecido y el Yo cada vez se escucha más..Lo importante es no hacer daño y estar alerta y atenta cuando estemos en una situación así. La vida es linda y aun hay personas que son buenas y otras que tratamos de ser mejor cada día.. Lo importante es no hacer daño ni permitir que nos dañen...Feliz 2020, habrá tiempo para todo..

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  9. Great thoughts and advice!

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  10. I kept nodding my head throughout this post. You really hit the nail on the head with these! The expectations thing is one that I have been trying to work on for the past few years. A friend said it to me once when I was upset about something and it really resonated - you have to manage expectations for both yourself and others!

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  11. Haters gonna hate! Stay sweet!

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  12. This was such a great read! How anyone could leave you a negative anything I don't understand! You are such a bright light! I agree about sleep and many of your points. Have a lovely Monday!

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  13. What a great reflection post! Seven and Nine are personal favorites for me and I always appreciate a little extra reminder on those and hearing that other people need the same reminders!

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  14. I enjoyed reading this post today. I do think that these are all really great things to strive for and achieve. Good luck with them and I know you will slay 2020!

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  15. As I read this, I could hear your sweet voice talking. I'm so happy you know what makes you happy, what needs to change and how you want 2020 to be a great year. You are one special person and I love you bunches!!! XOXO

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  16. I really enjoyed this psot, Andrea! Working on reconnecting with friends this year. We all get so busy with kids and life but we need to make time for each other. My bestie lived in France so I am thankful for whatsapp so we can connect everyday!
    wwww.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

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  17. I'm a firm believer in food being medicine! And LOVE the Style Six - your trips always look so fun <3

    Green Fashionista

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  18. As someone who mostly lives/lived by "more is more", I couldn't agree more (haha!) that stepping back is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

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  19. Anonymous20.1.20

    I admire you for being able to quit your public job and blog full time. I love to read blogs and am always happy when my favorite bloggers can do it full time. Keep up the good work!

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  20. Great post, Andrea! Some great lessons can be learned here. Hope you have a great week!!

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  21. Great post, Andrea! Love the fact that you are looking for less stress with blogging. You have such a great blog and beautiful style and a sweet personality! Your hard work shows and I agree that sometimes we just have to sit back and not stress or overwork with blogging! Keep it joyful!

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  22. My friend, I think you slay every year and it’s fabulous that you took time to think about these lessons. We all have lessons to learn if we will be still and listen - not to ourselves. Ha! That always gets us in trouble. Anyway, you’re precious and I love you.

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  23. I love these! All so true and so wise. I so resonate with the food is medicine thing since changing to a vegan diet for my head this year. I love your joy and positivity!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  24. 50 hours a week on your blog.........oh, my goodness! That's a whole lotta time. I'm just not blogging like I once did and not sure I ever will. I still enjoy dropping by my blogging buddies and reading their posts occasionally but just found I was spending way to much time posting and reading. This was a great post with a lot of great lessons learned. I suppose as long as we live we'll never stop learning and that's a good thing. Have a great week Andrea!

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  25. Food is medicine is one of the lessons I've learned this year too and I am really hoping to never forget that lesson.

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  26. Yes, yes, and yes to all of these. It's so true that there are some very negative people out there. Just delete and move on! I like the mantra of less is more in just about every aspect of life. Here's to a healthy and happy 2020!

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  27. Andrea, I truly loved this post. I was nodding my head in agreement the entire time. I am similar to you in the sense I wake up uber early. Lately, I also have been thinking of just sleeping in. Like you said, commenting and all other blog work can be done at a different time but snuggling with the little man is definitely far more important. I always love the idea of less is more and I can agree. It does seem a lot more simplistic when there is less stress, less stuff, just less of everything. Life is better and we can focus on the things that really matter the most. I hope you are having a great day so far and happy Monday!

    Maureen | www.littlemisscasual.com

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  28. I love this! It's always so important to look at past lessons and look forward to new ones! And that picture you got done for all the ladies is such a thoughtful gift and you all turned out so cute! I always enjoy seeing you guys get together and all the fun you have on your girl trips. Now you and I just have to meet one day...I'm still manifesting this! :) xo

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  29. These are all fantastic!! I agree, my husband and I together are trying to implement most of these into our lives..

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  30. These are all such fantastic lessons that we can all take something away from! We shouldn't stretch ourselves so thin and it is ok to take a step back and say no! I've been not a great eater over the holidays and am feeling it so I'm trying to turn it around and see the effects when I do too!

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  31. I love everything about this post especially the "joy factor"- you go girl- so inspirational and these goals and intentions will bring you that joy!

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  32. I love your beautiful outlook on life - it's full of positivity and what we all need more of! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  33. You are such a doll and I just love following you on your blog and IG. You inspire me every single day. I adore your heart and this post!

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  34. Yes to all of these, but especially number 1.

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  35. I love every single one of these!!! Such good lessons to learn & cling to
    The print you made for your gang is just precious. I bet everyone loved it!

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  36. Yes to all of these but especially #9! I'm right there with you! Less is MORE.

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  37. It is hard to stay positive in these times but yes better to surround oneself that brings joy. And yes not everyone will like you and yes indeed not everyone has a good heart.

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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  38. You are totally going to slay 2020. Joy and less are always more in my book. And food really is medicine. I'm so sorry we both lost our little angels in 2019, they were the sweetest!

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  39. Joy and peace are my goals this year! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us at the Creative Muster. Looking forward to seeing what you’ll be sharing next week. Pinned!
    Robin 😊

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  40. Oh my goodness, Andrea! Such a great post! And not just because it was a shout out to my birthday, either! SO MANY truths in this one read! I am so glad that you are slowing down and just taking each day as it comes. Just breath, Sista! Find me a job in Indiana at a hospital and maybe I can convince Mr. Horton we need to head North! HA! Love you SO dang MUCH!! xoxo

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  41. I love this dear, especially the last three. Have a beautiful day dear!

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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  42. You are just the best. I know you will in fact slay 2020. Your positivity comes shining through. Thanks for taking us all along for the ride! :)

    Thanks so much for joining the Grace at Home party at Imparting Grace. I'm featuring you this week!

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