7 Lessons & a Latin Quote Learned in 2018

As our Christmas decorations come down and boxes that have been stored for over a year in our garage are unpacked while we remodeled after Hurricane Harvey, I am sitting back and looking at my "big picture".  I am grateful to be a part of the #CompelledTribe and to have developed a practice of sharing my thoughts and learning through blogging. (More about the #CompelledTribe and why I blog here.)

Here goes where I am as we close out 2018.....

I’ve found this year to be filled with reflections on gratitude, appreciation, inspiration to keep learning, stretching, growing, exploring, creating, and contemplating who I am meant to be.  Seven take aways from 2018 that I will carry forward in my journey are:

• Failure is an opportunity for growth. It is evidence that I had the courage to try. It is the best way to learn how to do (or not do) whatever I am striving to achieve.
• Try not to ever pass up an opportunity to travel. Being a traveler expands world views, perspectives, and empathy in powerful ways.. It makes us more insightful and accepting.
• Loss comes in many forms. It isn’t something we get over but something we learn to live with and shapes who we are and how we see other people. (Empathy) 

• Use my opportunities and privileges to extend more opportunities and privileges to others.
• Things gather dust and most things will eventually end up in a donation box.  Keep it simple.

• My time is the most valuable and precious commodity I have. Gifting it to others is the most meaningful gift I can give. Filling my time with people who make me feel motivated, challenged, inspired, valued, or loved is the most valuable and memorable gift I can give myself.
• Never settle for what is, continually ask what if... including looking within. (It's ok to change your mind and your goals.) 

I learned the Latin phrase alis volat propriis or "She flies with her own wings."  It makes me smile. 

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!  Now on to the fun of thinking of my three words for 2019! What will yours be?  #ChallengeOn