Hello 2014! And lessons learned in 2013.

2013 was a really tough year. I'm not going to go into every detail because it doesn't serve a purpose to record all that negativity in a public place. Instead I'll talk about the lessons that 2013 taught me.

The major thing I've learned is that it's ok to sometimes stand up for yourself. I have always been a peacemaker. I have tried to avoid conflict in my adult life. I have tolerated behaviour from other people that I find negative and hurtful, just to avoid upsetting others and causing conflict. I have tried to be the bigger person. I have tried to practise kindness, forgiveness and tolerance. While these things sound lovely and admirable, I have, in the process, allowed myself become a doormat. And it has hurt my soul. I read a quote recently that said something like "You need to stop crossing oceans for people who wouldn't step over a puddle for you".

So I have decided to do that. This doesn't mean that I will become intolerant and unforgiving, quick to anger and unkind. It just means that if someone repeatedly treats me in a way that I feel is hurtful or disrespectful I will no longer pretend that I am ok with that. And if that person can't recognise and respect how I feel then there is no room for that person in my life at this time. I am all for forgiveness and reconciliation. The door is always open, but only if I'm going to be treated with kindness and respect. There is not just one person in my life who this applies to.....there are a few. After recognising that this is so damaging to my health and wellbeing I've decided to draw a line in the sand and say "enough".

2014 is going to be a year focused on my beautiful family, my home, my health and my soul. Life is such a precious gift. I want to savour it all. I want to really live in the moment, to focus on the gifts in my life and to share the abundance of love I've received. I know that I'm a bit of a dork. I come across as a bit cheesy and a bit of a dreamer, but as I move into my late 30s, I'm completely comfortable with that. If my gushy words or cheesy sentiments make people cringe then that's ok - they can move on to another blog, Facebook friend, Instagram friend etc. I'm not going to censor the authentic me in order to try to please the world. I am who I am, and I like me. So let's step forth into 2014 with open arms and hopeful hearts <3


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