I wrote this two years ago on September 8th in a diary app I had on my phone. It was an odd, difficult time and a horrible day that will be burned into my memory forever, but I feel like these words are encouraging always and to anyone...not just two years ago and not just to myself.
I attached a quote from a beautiful song called "Wildflowers," by one of my favorite musicians, Tom Petty. Why? Because it is always fitting no matter who you are, where you are, or what you are doing.
If it doesn't make you smile, let it go. If it makes you feel empty, let it go. if it makes you feel taken advantage of, let it go. If it makes you feel taken for granted, let it go. If it makes you feel used, let it go. If it makes you cry, let it go. If it makes you angry, let it go. if it makes you feel constant stress, let it go. If it isn't what you wanted it to be, let it go. If it makes you compromise or sacrifice any part of who you are, let it go. If it hurts, let it go. If it brings you down and you can't get back up, let it go. If it puts you at the bottom of a priority list, let it go. If it is never about what you really want, let it go. If it is never on your own terms, let it go. If you have to force it, let it go. Once a day is over, it can never be gotten back. Once words are spoken, they cannot be unsaid. Once something has happened, it cannot be erased.
Know where your mind wanders first; it's your cue.
Know what blesses you, completes you, warms your soul, makes you belly laugh, and makes you feel whole...all without conditions or without sacrificing any part of your own sanity; for sanity is happiness.
Know what makes you truly feel appreciated, undoubtedly cared for, actually cherished, and completely admired. Know what makes you genuinely happy and smile from the inside out.
Those are the things you should keep forever.