4 IMPORTANT LESSONS I'VE LEARNED

What is something you would go back and tell yourself 10 years ago? If I could go back I would tell myself…

✨ Be bolder in my communication of what I know is right and wrong. That being peaceable doesn’t always mean staying quiet. It’s being slow to speak, then when I do speak being filled with wisdom and not for selfish gain. Don’t let other people get under my skin. 

✨ Be more selective with those friends that I allow in the deepest. Be filled with kindness and grace and be quick to let things roll off my back. To intentionally be part of the lives I care about. Quicker to empathize. Soaking up the consistent friend, that I can have honest conversations with, someone that holds me accountable, that I can do nothing with.

 ✨Create boundaries earlier on for myself and my family. Work on accepting people where they’re at. I do not have to maintain relationships with people who are abusive. Being related to someone doesn’t give them the right to be deeply involved in my life if kindness and respect isn’t flowing both ways.

“When a manipulative (toxic) person can no longer control you, they will try to control how others see you. The misinformation will feel unfair, but stay above it. Trusting that other people will eventually see the truth, just like you did.” -Jill Blakeway

 ✨To value my marriage more and to assume positive intent more quickly. That motherhood is an incredible sacrifice and to have more respect for moms. Stop to hug and kiss loved ones more. Just dance and be silly together. Don’t underestimate good habits that we make together. 

Cheers to growing in wisdom as we age and learning to live more in this moment right now.

| Credits: Author: Jacintha Payne; Photography - Ali Henderson |