Mistake or Lesson?

Here is the question I have for you: In life, is it acceptable to make mistakes?

This blog post is inspired by a math conference that I attended today. The name of the session I was in was 'embracing frustration'. When I signed up for various sessions for the conference this one caught my eye. Why? Most of us have been taught it is not acceptable to make mistakes or fail at the things we do. I know when I was growing up multiple people instilled that thought in me; teachers, friends, family, etc. As I was being presented to today, the speaker made it very clear that it is OK to make mistakes! As a teacher, I need to let my students know that making mistakes is what makes great learners and allows them to problem solve within their daily lives.

As I was sitting there, I applied this thought to my life. I have made many decisions in life that have lead to...let's call them... lessons.  The word lesson (instead of mistakes) not only sounds better but in my opinion, makes more sense. Without messing up once, twice or twenty times I wouldn't be where I am today. Did I fail several times throughout my life leading up to this point...you bet!  Allowing myself to fail gave me the courage to keep going; knowing the right solution or action will eventually come my way. On my drive home I took the time to reflect on some of the lessons I have learned throughout my life. Here are some:

- You don't need to say yes to everything! It is OK to tell someone no. Don't spread yourself too thin that you can't give your current activities your full attention.

- Sometimes we lose touch with people that mean a lot to us for one reason or another. Give it time, eventually we will be brought back to them because after all, it is a small world.

-If you don't ask questions, the answer will always be unknown or no. I've learned to put myself out there and be confident no matter what the outcome may be!

- There are benefits to making yourself transparent. Allowing others to see the real you makes them more comfortable to show the real them.

-Don't take the easy way out of situations in life, challenge yourself...you'll be glad you did!

- When I happen to mess up, I know I will learn from it and move on.

  Embrace the frustrations life hands you, it will make you a stronger person!

Definition of mistake: an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong

Definition of life lesson: something from which useful knowledge or principles can be learned

(right now, I am frustrated at this formatting and how it won't line up...but it is what it is!)

The next time you make a "mistake", think about how it could be a life lesson instead!

45 Life Lessons from a "90-Year-Old" Woman

"Happy High"

This has been a crazy good week! I was telling my friend last weekend that I feel like I'm on a "happy high". What do I mean by "happy high"? That's up to you to figure out! This week it was my goal to notice the world around me. My fiancé and I woke up at 5:00 for the past couple of mornings. With our opposite schedules, we thought it would be nice to take a walk together with our two dogs. Waking up that early may seem a little nutty and to be honest the hardest part was just getting out of my comfy bed! Once I was walking I truly enjoyed that time together to talk about our days ahead and just see things around the neighborhood that I have never noticed. I've lived in my house for a little over a year and I am just now realizing the neighbor two doors down has a driveway... seriously?! I need to pick my head up and hold it high while I am out in this beautiful world! 

During this past week, I've completed two 5K races. I did one with my mom on Memorial Day, and we had such a fun time together. For those of you who know me, know I don't run for very long. Would it be amazing to get a kick ass finish time?....yes!...did that happen...no!  What I really loved though; was spending that time with my mom. She is one of my best friends that supports me no matter what adventure I take. I'm sure I drive her batshit crazy sometimes, but that's what loving daughters do! At the end of the race they call out the top three racers that have the best end time for their age division. We hung around for about 10 minutes to catch our breath and drink some water. My mom and I decided to leave because there is no way in hell we were going to be called on stage for placing. As we were walking out...it happened...my name was called!!! I stopped dead in my tracks and said, "Hey, that's my name!" My mom and I looked at each other in shock! I earned a 3rd place medal for my age division...BOOM! I didn't do this 5K to win a medal, I did it because it went to a good cause; our veterans. Am I proud of myself for finishing 3rd in my group... you bet! 

I've realized there are truly so many reasons to be happy. We just need to open our eyes and look around! I challenge you to go for a walk. While on your walk, instead of looking down take note of  the world around you! See if you can feel that "happy high"!

  

Ready or Not, Here I Come World!

I've had this blog set up for 3 years without a single post... well one draft in my post section from March 2013. Until now, I haven't had the courage to put myself out there for the world to read. I am excited to start a new chapter in my life. I know deep down I have it in me to do great things and excel in many different areas of life. I am tired of being on 'auto-pilot' day after day and not realizing all of the beautiful things happening all around me. Thus, here is the start to my new chapter of being unstoppable!

I am a second grade teacher who is ready for some positive changes. I recently became engaged this past November to my best friend. Let's face it, without David I would be a hot-mess thinking I can still live the college lifestyle. He keeps me grounded, sane, and grateful. Even though I am in a loving relationship with a great man, I still have some self-doubt about myself. I am determined to change that. My plan is to live a healthy lifestyle knowing it will take time and dedication. I don't just want to see a certain number on the scale, I am referring to a healthier body and mind! Many life changes will be happening soon. Thank goodness I have great friends and family who will support me along this new, unknown journey. I am now ready!