11. Show Empathy
Let me share a little story with you: There was a father on a subway with 4 children. The children were being loud, crawling over others, and generally misbehaving -- all the while, the father sat silently, not even trying to control his children. After some time, a passenger said to the man, "Sir, can you please get your children under control". The gentleman looked over at the passenger and as a tear slid down his face he said, "I'm so sorry. Their mother just died and I have no idea what I'm going to do without her. She was the love of my life and best mother these children will ever have." You never know what's happening in other's lives. Show empathy.
12. Don't Panic
There are going to be a lot of times in your life when something goes drastically wrong, you forget a meeting, your deadline gets moved up, etc., etc. Don't panic! No one is motivated by a blithering idiot who is running around like a chicken with their head cut off. Stay calm, take a deep breath and work through your issue. By staying calm, others around you will stay calm. Win, win.
13. Love Your Sister
Since Kelsey was a baby, she looked up to you like only a little sister can. You can see the love in her eyes when she talks about you or is sitting next to you. Even in those moments when it appears like she doesn't love you, you can still see that deep down she does. God didn't bless everyone with a sister, so don't take advantage of your blessing. And she can sing musicals with you like no one else ever could.
Just trust me on this one -- your day will be off to such a smoother start if you pick out your clothes the night before.
15. Say You're Sorry
If you've made someone sad, mad and/or disappointed, say you're sorry. PROFUSELY AND EMPHATICALLY SAY YOU ARE SORRY. Don't do the "I'm sorry, but blah, blah, blah." Just be sorry. Period. And then try really hard not to do the thing you did to cause the need for the I'm sorry in the first place.
16. Dance
Don't wait until you're on the Ellen show to bust a move -- just dance anytime you feel the urge come over you (and sometimes even when you don't feel the urge). Definitely dance when group dancing is happening. Don't be the girl sitting quietly at a table -- get out on the dance floor and have some fun.
17. Life Isn't Fair
Fact - as sad as it may be, sometimes life just isn't fair. Keep your head up and get on with it. Don't wallow around in self petty because life isn't fair. It sometimes just isn't. Move on.
18. Find a Hobby
Search for a hobby that will bring you joy. It's so nice to look forward to doing a fun project on a cold, winter day when there's nothing else to do. If you find the right hobby, it will be one you fondly anticipate starting, feel exuberant while doing it and you're proud of it when it's finished. Greatest feeling in the world!
Let's face it, who doesn't love hearing a compliment! If you like what someone is wearing, tell them. If you notice someone's new hair cut, tell them. Giving out compliments is free and limitless. Go ahead -- make someone's day by giving them a compliment.
20. Use All Your Senses
Sight. Hearing. Taste. Touch. Smell. Enjoy them all! Savor the taste of your food when you put it in your mouth. Enjoy the touch of a baby's soft skin. Listen to the sound of the ocean waves crashing to shore. Breath in deep when the honeysuckle is in bloom. Don't cheat yourself by not using all your senses to enjoy the beauty of life.
21. Be Yourself
You are a beautiful, intelligent, resilient young woman. Learn who you are and what you want. You have your whole life in front of you -- please make the most of it. Don't settle -- God has big plans for you! We can't wait to continue to see the wonderful things you do in life.
Love you Haley!
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