It’s my birthday, which had me asking, what have I figured out in my 50+ years on big blue?

1. You can’t control other people
2. Everyone has a story to tell.
3. Happiness depends on your perspective.
4. You have to let your shadow speak.
5. Free stuff is only going to get you so far. At some point you need to invest in yourself.
6. Confidence is acquired by doing the thing.
7. At some point, you have to accept that you are responsible for yourself.
8. Dating sucks and I don’t have to keep doing it.
9. If you like it, some else will too. So put yourself out there.
10. It actually does take a village, so show up for others.
11. None of us are entitled. Also, none of us are doomed.
12. Saying have a nice day is not me telling you how to live your life.
13. If you want it bad enough, you will find a way to move that mountain.
14. Good people suffer too.
15. Money does not make you happy.
16. You can’t pray once and expect things to happen. You gotta pray, act, pray some more, act harder.
17. No has three meaning; not yet, this needs more work, and oh, hell naw! This is not good for you. Don’t stop until you have a clear definition of the one that fits your situation.
18. In today’s economy, it’s going to take more than one stream income.
19. On that note, use your corporate paycheck as your seed money if you dream of building your own business.
20. Discipline is doing things you need to do when you don’t want to do them.
21. Fake it until you make it is a lie. Vibrate at that energy and do the thing.
22. Other people’s opinions do not belong at the top of your opinion about yourself.
23. Life is too short to spend time making other happy and yourself miserable.
24. I like what I like and I don’t owe any one an explanation.
25. Have fun. Smile for no reason. Laugh as often as you can.
26. Ask your elders to tell you their story. Listen. Take notes. Don’t forget to say thank you.
27. Gratitude helps you get through your pity party.
28. Your time can’t be reclaimed. Make as many of those minutes count as you can.
29. Make a mistake. Look back at it and pull the lesson out.
30. Put your seat belt on when you are in the car.
31. Friends are the ones there for all the emotions. Acquaintances are there for the good times.
32. If being around a person makes your soul stressed or uncomfortable, walk away.
33. Howl at the moon.
34. If you hate your job, start making an action plan.
35. Uno can be played with one person. It’s in the name.
36. Family might be the ones you didn’t choose, but sometimes they prove to be the ones that got you.
37. Find your tribe. You will see just how normal you really are.
38. The crowd is usually a target. Find a smaller group going the same direction as you.
39. Know your values so that you are not easily swayed.
40. Love is not supposed to hurt, unless it involves loss.
41. Forgiveness is a choice.
42. Love the people you have in your life. They won’t be here forever.
43. It’s ok to drink alone, but it’s way more fun with friends. That also true for Uno.
44. Remember, you should be at the top of your priority list.
45. Always say thank you to the Elderberry tree for her elderberries.
46. Religion should be everyone’s individual choice.
47. Driving fast was fun when I was younger. I’m just not in a hurry to get there any more.
48. My superwoman cape has been retired.
49. If you don’t allow me to eat carbs, I will bite you.
50. My mom was right.

Here’s to my next 50 years 😊

Love and light my friends,

Portia Leivette