50 Things I Know to Be True (the last 10!)

After almost 50 trips around the sun, these are a few things I’ve found to be true. I’d love to hear which ones resonate with you, too. And if you’re feeling inspired, think about writing your own list of things you know to be true!

(Previous posts with 1-40 are back here on the main page of the blog.)

41.  It’s okay to leave. I remember being on vacation once and signing up for a morning yoga class on the beach. I showed up, rolled out my mat and ten minutes in I realized… it was more of a “gentle stretching“ class than the Vinyasa yoga I thought it would be. I quietly rolled up my mat and let the instructor know I was okay but would be leaving. I spent the next 80 minutes taking a glorious beach walk instead of suffering through a class that wasn’t my jam.  I give myself the same permission with movies I don’t like!

42. It is okay to change your mind.  No explanations required.

43. The beach is my happy place.  Dipping my toes in the sand, swimming in the ocean. Pure bliss. This article explains why time at the ocean is so healing (my mind loves understanding the “science” behind it!).

44. My health truly is my greatest wealth.  I do a short gratitude practice each morning when I wake up and the first thing I give thanks for each day is waking up and feeling well. I never for one day take it for granted. I also check in with myself every day and ask: “How can I support my body, mind and spirit today?”

45. If something truly supports your wellbeing, make time for it. When I was going through cancer treatment, I started doing qi gong and for a couple years I practiced an average of two hours a day (total, not all at once!). I knew it was making a difference and helping me heal. There were times I said “no” to lunch dates with friends or rearranged my work schedule so I could fit those two hours in, but I gladly did so to honor what was nourishing my body. Whatever habits. practices or relationships support your wellbeing - do your best to carve out the time for them in your life!

46. Be kind. I truly believe that kindness is one of the most healing, connecting forces there is on our planet. Small gestures of kindness take very little time and think about how good it feels to be on the receiving end of them.  A good friend gave me a cute little sticker for my birthday this year that says: “Kindness: sprinkle that shit everywhere!” Let’s do it, friends.  

47.  You never really know what’s going on in someone’s life. That person who just snapped at you in the checkout line? Maybe she just found out her son has cancer.  Or the driver who cut you off? Maybe they’re in a hurry to get to the hospital because someone they love was just in a bad accident. I do my best to take a deep breath, not assume and have compassion. I always appreciate it when others offer me the same kind of grace

48. Unplugging is good for the soul. For an hour, a day, or longer if you can get away with it.

49. A good book, warm blanket, cozied up with my pups next to the fireplace = heaven. 

50. Joy is always available. Even on the roughest days, I can do something that sparks a little joy – snuggle with my pups, recall a happy memory, make a hot mug of chai, or have a quick sidewalk chat with my adorable 6-year old Lego-obsessed neighbor.  Simple moments of joy are always nearby if I open up to them.