What I've learned, a Top Ten Featurette

Hello! First of all, thanks to everyone who has read up until this point and those who have left such amazingly supportive comments. Secondly, I'm sorry I've been so lax in posting recently, things just got busy! I'm sure by this point you all kind of instinctively "get" that I really like lists, so let me do another Top Ten to jump start my blogging fervor.

Ten things I've learned (thus far) in 2012:

1. Negative feedback is only one person's opinion. I had someone comment on my novel idea in a class I'm in with some pretty critical words. They thought the idea was too dark, and that I should make the writing more "happy," I believe is how she put it. At first I was kind of crushed - after all this was my mini epiphany, and I was loving every moment of writing it. And then I wanted to explain that this story wasn't supposed to be light-hearted and happy - it was supposed to be gritty and rough, and full of heart-wrenching exposure. The kind that makes your soul ache for the protagonist and just hope that there is a different ending than that which is foreseen in such a dark story. But I didn't. Instead, I just thanked her for her opinion, and for reading what I had so far.

2. Being published gives me a a huge ego boost. I've been published in a newspaper before, and a poetry book when I was 13. Blogging is like being published too, only I have complete creative control - also a bit of a high for me. But about a month ago I was published in a bridal magazine for writing an article on equal pay for women, and seeing my name on the byline - in a real publication that wasn't run by students (read: school newspaper) - was amazing. I can't wait to do it again. Freelancing is hard, but I think I need to keep on pursuing it and eventually I will break into the industry.

3. Life changes - fast. Okay, so this one branches over the last few years really, but I think I am finally learning to go with the flow as far as life changes. It's bizarre how much you can become accustomed to living a certain way, being with someone, or having a routine -- and then how quickly everything can be altered. I guess the life lesson in this one is to live life as best you can and try not to get too attached to anything because eventually, it will change. Maybe for the worse, maybe for the better - but nothing is static.

4. It all works out in the wash. I've had to come to terms with losing this year. Losing friends who chose to leave in the face of hardship, losing jobs that rightfully couldn't wait for me to turn my life around, and losing housing in the midst of craziness. But you know what? I am still standing! I am still here, and lucky to have a friend who I could lean on for a place to stay, a can-do attitude for finding new jobs, and frankly, stronger friendships because they stood the test of time. I may have regrets right now, but the past is in the past, and it'll stay there no matter what. Or, if I may, no matter how much laundry I do.

5. I am blessed. It's a bit hard to pull perspective when you're down on your luck or facing the bottom of a piggy bank. But when I think about all that I have - a family who loves me, friends who'll support me, a college education, food in my belly, a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and access to clean water, good coffee and WiFi - I have to cringe at the thought that I thought I was at rock bottom.

6. You can't change who you are inherently meant to be. This was a tough lesson, but I definitely learned it in the last four months. I tried changing for a man, and that didn't work. I attempted to mold myself into an ideal student, and that wasn't me. I worked on being a health guru - fitness, nutrition, and a more serene lifestyle - and that certainly didn't end well. (Mostly I was hungry, tired, and too grumpy to meditate instead of taking a nap). But I did a good job of learning what I'm not. I'm not a vegetarian, or very good at perfect attendance. I don't like routines, and I think counting calories is for the birds. Of course, I also learned about things like my passion necessities - see my other post - and my objet d'amore. And I got to write about equal pay, and meditation, and skin care. I did learn, and grow - but I am also the same old me.

7. This blog has become an inspiration in itself. I say this because I am less than 150 views away from hitting 1,000 views. And that's awesome! My favorite part of coming onto here to write or brainstorm is seeing new views and comments. It's like I'm touching a little part of the world - even if half those views did come from my mom, gram, and aunt.

8. The smartphone is a fantastic invention. Before January, I'd never had one. As April comes to a close, I can't see myself going back to anything less. I can check my email, listen to podcasts, create to do lists, update my calendar, browse Facebook, Craigslist, and Twitter, and Google the heck out of curiosity. And that's just on the bus on the way to the city. Ahhh-mazing.

9. You can't outrun your debts. As most graduating (or soon to be graduating) college students find themselves, I am in debt. And I know I've got to be responsible and pay it all off - the loans, the medical bills, the credit cards. Everything. For awhile I tried to live in denial (we can call it a phase ;-), and just wish away the bills. But still, here they sit - and I've got to get proactive. So keep your fingers crossed that the salon job I interviewed for on Thursday works out and I can get on the bandwagon of being an ADULT.

10. Some of the wisest words I know are: "I'm sorry," "I was wrong," and "good luck." I'd like to think that this one is fairly straightforward, but I have to mention that I am growing more humble by the day. With it, I have learned to be independent, and completely honest about the state of my life. It's incredibly liberating. I don't keep people in my life who don't belong there, I don't work on things that don't make me happy, and I try to send out some positive karma every chance I get.

Whew! That was practically a post and a half! If you're still with me - thanks for reading! Until next time!