Have you ever gone back to your old journals? I’ve been keeping detailed journals for the past 2-3 years and rereading them is one of the best parts. The short-term benefit of getting the thoughts in my head out on paper are there, but going back and revisiting old writings from a present context provides a wealth of advice! I often read these passages to my husband, who feels they are universal. One day, I may publish a collection of them. For today, I thought I’d share my favorite advice from my 2019 self. Enjoy friends!

 

Advice on how to live from my 2019 journal

 

The process is the marker for success, not the outcome.

I can change my way of being in an instant. Anything is possible.

I am not my results.

Don’t take it all so seriously.

If I don’t know, may as well make up a good story.

Life happens in phases. We won’t feel the same way about people or a situation, especially those that bother us, forever. Time heals, we evolve, perspectives change. If you feel bad about something, don’t worry. It’s not permanent.

Does it even matter? is a question I don’t ask myself nearly enough.

My dreams have always been filled with insights.

I am brave and independent. My spirit has always been that of a risk taker. I’ve always had the inclination to go out on my own despite how others feel, so why do I believe I’m so scared and small? I was brave. I still am.

I’m not exactly resting on my booty, so why do I feel it’s never enough? It is enough.

Looking back, there was no way I could have written a book on a story that had not concluded. Maybe that’s what’s happening now. Divine timing is at play.

I get existential with too much time on my hands. Movement is essential for me.

I must give in order to receive.

If I can’t be myself, WTF am I doing here?

Without acceptance, shame will keep popping up in life. That’s how it works.

What are you willing to give up to have the life you’re pretending to want?

Entertain and share more crazy ideas.

Don’t get lost in tactics and checking things off a list, you’ll lose sight of the bigger picture.

Let God take this from you. He has the space. Go out. Don’t take it all so seriously. Don’t be afraid to be a beginner, know that you are loved, trust.

Follow your curiosities.

We must create the context of movement and begin living in integrity. That’s how we stop the opposite from showing up in our space.

Being present will dramatically improve my life and the quality of the interactions around me.

Being in a library or book store makes me happy.

Life is good.

Connect to God through art.

Relax. It’ll work out exactly as it must. It’ll all unfold perfectly.

Great creator, i’ll take care of the quantity. You take care of the quality.

Everything is different when judgement is present. When you see a person’s humanity up close and they share their experiences with you, compassion is the only response.

I have the tendency to judge, but also the deep and almost immediate tendency to open my heart and change my mind without embarrassment. I don’t hold onto opinions to shield my shame. Though I do feel the shame of my judgements in the process of opening my heart.

We need the body’s wisdom. It’s an incredible muscle, not simply a prop stand for the mind.

My instincts are good. I often catch things or make connections others don’t.

Become comfortable being uncomfortable.