Inspirations for Living Life

Inspiration is all around us.  I get emails, see things on Facebook, read things from friends, and stumble across many inspirational quotes, stories, and "rules to live by."  Here are some adaptations of what I've learned from all these sources over the past year (and maybe a little before that, too).

1. No one said life is easy.  Life is a tough game to play, but it's still good, and worth the effort to play it.
2. Keep those you love close to you.  Stay in touch, however you can.
3. When you think you can't continue, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and take the next small step.  You'll be surprised at the courage and strength you can find when you need it most.  You are stronger than you think.
4. Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Life can throw us some pretty big curveballs.  Lean on those who are closest to you.  You'll both benefit. 
5. When you need to cry, call on someone.  I'ts more healing to cry with someone than it is to cry alone.
6. It's ok to let your children see you cry.  They may offer more encouragement and strength than you can imagine.
7. You have the power to change things in your life.  If you don't like something, figure out a different way and change it.
8. There is always a choice to be happy or unhappy.  No matter what the situation is, choose happiness.
9. Be grateful. Don't ever take anyone or anything for granted.  Their purpose may be greater than you initially think.
10. Be present and enjoy now.  Don't wait for something better to come along. Make the most of what's already in front of you.
11. Every day has the potential to be a special day.  Make it so.
12. See life through the eyes of a child.  Not everything has to be as complicated as we adults make it out to be.
13. Let your children remind you how to truly play.  Enter their world, and allow it to encompass you. 
14. Be what you can for others... and for yourself.  
15. Don't let anyone take away who you truly are.  Change only what YOU want to change.
16. Muster up all the courage you can for 20 solid seconds, and see what incredible thing you can make happen.
17. Sometimes it's ok to close your eyes and take a leap of faith.
18. Always strive to be a good example. 
19. When faced with a decision, flip a coin.  In the moment that the coin is in the air, you'll realize on which side you hope it lands.
20. Smile, even when you don't feel like it.  Smile long enough and you'll start to be in a better mood.
21. Believe in magic, and in miracles.  
22. Look for opportunity in unexpected places.
23. Go off the beaten trail once in a while.  Take the detour and don't worry about how long it will take to get you there.  Enjoy the ride.
24. Believe in yourself.  You're not as bad off as you may think.  
25. Treasure true friendship.
26. Don't compare your life to someone else's.  Their journey may be more difficult than you know.
27. Make peace with your past.  Accept what's been done, and don't let it mess up your future.
28. Don't waste time being envious or hateful.  You are surrounded by everything you need.  Just look for it.
29. Live on the edge.  Do something completely out of character just once to see how it feels.  Let it feel good.
30. Don't limit yourself to "the way it's always been."  Do things differently now and then.
31. Live life with intention.  Find a purpose, and work to fulfill it.  No one is here by mistake.
32. When you think no one cares about you, call the first 3 people to come to mind.  Ask them to describe you.  Their words will be kind and sincere.  
33. Never deny yourself the chance to make a new friend.  It could be the best friendship you ever had.
34. Always be respectful of others.  Even in an argument, be polite.  
35. Don't worry so much about growing old gracefully... just be sure to grow old happily.
36. Your attitude speaks volumes about you, and is the first thing people will notice.  Let it shine brightly, no matter what.
37. Love unconditionally.  Eventually we all make mistakes, but we all still need to be loved.
38. Be reliable.  It will prove you have good character.
39. Enjoy the wonder of nature every day.  
40. Worry only about you.  You can't control others, so don't bother trying.  Do what you're suppose to do, when you're suppose to do it, and you'll always have reason to be proud.
41. Hold your head high, even when you are feeling down.  Do your best to smile through the tears.  Don't let your fears crush your spirit.
42. See yourself the way others see you - beautiful through and through.
43. Follow your instinct.  Just because "everyone else is doing it" doesn't make it right or good for you.
44. Be passionate about something.  Share that passion with others.
45. Keep your standards high.  Expect only the best, but allow yourself forgiveness if you fall a little short.
46. Be silly.  It keeps you smiling, and keeps you young.
47. Laugh out loud whenever you can.  There is no better therapy than a sincere, gut-wrenching, deep down belly laugh.
48. Forgive everyone.  Wipe the slate clean and allow yourself to move on.
49. Pay it forward.  In whatever manner you are able, make something a little easier for someone else.  The love we give will come back to us ten-fold.
50. Never pass up the opportunity to spend time with friends, family or your children.  There is nothing you'll regret missing more.