12 “Notes to Self” We Should All Memorize Before the End of the Year

As we all look forward to the rest of the year, many of us yearn for a simpler and more selective range of life experiences — the happy holidays, the normal times, the settings and experiences that make us feel more comfortable. And yet, the full range of our reality often brings something very different. The days and weeks ahead will inevitably give us an extensive array of experiences that evoke feelings ranging from sadness to struggle to pride, growth to hope, and more.

So we have a choice starting today. We can revolt against reality — the reality of having to deal with discomfort, of having to cope with uncertainty, of having to feel upset sometimes. Or we can embrace every experience life gives us, including all our highs and lows — all the blissful moments, and frustrating ones, and everything in between. Life is not just happy and comfortable 24/7. It’s well-rounded and it’s very real!

Embracing the full range of life’s experiences between now and the end of the year means embracing every moment with our full presence, being open and vulnerable to reality, being gentle with ourselves when moments are tougher than we expected, and practicing sincere gratitude whenever possible…

It means accepting life as it is, and accepting ourselves as we are.

It means not expecting the best to happen every step of the way, but instead accepting what happens with each step, and making the very best of it.

And it won’t always be easy of course, but it’s worth remembering and practicing, together.

Let’s keep our best intentions top of mind.
Over the past decade, Angel and I have written various “notes to self” like the ones listed below (some of which are excerpts from our books), and then we review them daily until they become ingrained in our minds. These memorized notes have helped us stay on track in various areas of life by empowering us to make the best and most effective use of the ever-changing reality in front of us. So I hope you find value in them too. I challenge you to memorize at least a few of these notes by the end of the year. Turn them into wallpaper on your phone, or simply write the words down on sticky notes and leave them in areas where you can see them daily…

12 PHOTOS

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Now it’s your turn…
Although none of the aforementioned “notes to self” immediately force you to do anything different, they represent a timely shift in perspective, and good perspective is where progress begins. For example, with the right mindset you can change your posture from one of tension and resistance to one of acceptance and opportunity as you move through the rest of the year. Ultimately, the goal isn’t to get rid of all your negative thoughts, feelings or life situations. The goal is to gradually change your perspective and response to them.