I spent some time yesterday going over my blog and re-reading some archives. In the last 3 years I have been writing I have grown a lot, learned a lot, changed a lot. I went from being a married stay at home mom to a single working mom. My sisters have had 3 babies (and one on the way), my kids are both in school. I found crossfit. I’ve made friends, I’ve lost friends. I’ve fallen in love and fallen out of love. I’ve had my heart broken, and I’ve broken a few. I’ve written about my biggest fears, I’ve put my vunerabilities out there for all to see. But as I read the posts I realized something big. As much as time has passed, and how much things have changed in my life, I am still the same.

Ancora Imparo – I am still learning. 

I have realized that I have to change. That instead of analysing I have to start to really change. And that journey will only be for me alone. I will continue writing but I have decided to change my focus. To write about something that I have been wanted to write about for a long time but have procrastinated.

I will leave you with a list that I made last year. A list of my advice that I would give myself if I could go back in time. And what I have learned from writing this blog and from living my life for the past 38 years.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want
2. Don’t be afraid to look stupid
3. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes
4. Be true to your word
5. Don’t be afraid to say no
6. Work on your weaknesses as well as your strengths
7. Believe in yourself. Don’t doubt yourself.
8. Work hard for what you want. It won’t be handed to you.
9. Sometimes living the life of your dreams means doing things you don’t want to do
10. Don’t focus on the dark. Find the light.
11. Never stop laughing.
12. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Let go of the ones that make you feel bad or bring out the worse.
13. Be present. Put your phones away.
14. When you regress and go back to your old ways, think of your mission, your goals, your plan and re-read this list.

We are all awesome and strong. Being so we also have to be weak or fail at times to remind us what we need to work on. My wish to you is that you accept yourself for who you are right now… your body, your mind, your heart. And have the strength to work on the things that you can’t accept that you can change.

The journey from now on will be mine alone.

Wishing you strength, joy and laughter on your journey.

Ancora Imparo

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger