Musings: The glitter on the sidewalk always shines.

I have learned a lot in the past, usually the hard way because I have tendencies to do certain things by trial and error after I have given them much thought. Some of my life's little musings are as follows:

1. Smile. Just smile at people-- at strangers. When we skimp out on the smile, especially with strangers, they can walk away with the perception that we are mean and miserable. And your smile can make all the difference in their day.
2. Take everything with a grain of salt.Good things are great and bad things are bad, but there is always something in the in between.
3. Refrain from your complaining. Seriously. When you complain (especially about other people) it brings everyone else around you down to your level. Venting is necessary, but have vent sessions with one person, maybe two if you're having a particularly bad day-- and make sure you ask them if you can vent first. Complaining is detrimental to yourself and others. Make it a habit to say three positive thing about the person or situation or thing that you are complaining about. It will make a big difference in your life.
4. "And if not, He is still good." (He is referring to Jesus Christ). He is good no matter what, even when He tells you 'no.' His no is better than anything you could dream up for yourself.
5. Not everything that feels good is good for you and not everything that hurts is bad for you.
6. Coffee and good conversation will fix almost anything.
7. And if coffee and good conversation can't fix it, peanut butter will. If peanut butter can't fix it... well... I don't know what to tell you.
8. Be intentional. With everyone you meet. Ask your professors to lunch or to grab coffee, they are humans too, and they love when you treat them like they are a real person. Just get to know them more than the person teaching you sociology in the front of the classroom. Be intentional with the cashier or the person making your sub at Subway-- just say hello and thank them.
9. Patience is a virtue? Yes it is, but it is a virtue that you should and need to learn. I can't stress this enough. Be patient. You will be happier and less anxious.
10. Be calm. Don't overreact to the little things-- don't sweat the small stuff! The sooner that you realize that a mess is just a mess and can be cleaned up, you will feel better about who you are, and the people you interact with (your children, spouse, parents, co-workers, friends, etc) will be less likely to live in fear of making a mistake around you.
11. When something happens to you, it is not the end of the world. I was diagnosed with PCOS (poly-cystic ovary syndrome), does it suck? Absolutely. Will it affect me? Absolutely. Is it the end of the world? Definitely not. The glitter on the sidewalk always shines. Grieve it. Accept it. Live with it. But DON'T let it control you or your life.
12. You can't fix everyone, and you don't have to try. You should be there to listen and support those you love, but you aren't expected to fix their problems.
13. Find value in every single person that you meet. We are all created in the image of God and we all reflect different parts of Christ (including those who are not saved). We were all given dignity and worth when God created us. Before we did or didn't do anything. God loves you just because He made you. He is proud of you.
14. Send encouraging notes. Anonymously or signed. People love getting them and it can make their whole day a lot better than it was before!
15. Cleaning isn't everything. Relationships are more important. A lot of things are more important than a sparkling kitchen floor. Name your dust bunnies and move on! No, I'm not saying to be dirty and live in filth, I am just saying that everything doesn't have to be perfect.
16. Don't worry, don't hurry. Do your best, and leave the rest.
17. Make sure you have time to take God and I time (aka: devotionals)  daily. You won't fall a part as easily.
18. Make sure you are taking the time to feel something painful and not just stuffing and numbing it. Let yourself feel the pain, if you don't it will all build up and you will explode.
19. Life is too short to be under-dressed all of the time. Can you have a t-shirt and jeans day? Sure! But dress up sometimes!
20. Fight for what you feel is right. Specifically those of human concerns (pro-life, modern slavery, human trafficking, domestic and child abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, mental), health care reforms, etc.)