Now that we’re officially past the mid-way point of the year, I’m sharing the 2019 life lessons I’ve learned (so far).

Hello there, dreamers! Welcome to July 2019. At this point, we’re officially past the mid-way mark of the year. That means, for better or for worse 2019 is half-way done.

If you were around at the start of the year, you might remember this post where I shared that my number 1 goal for 2019 was to rediscover my passion. After giving so much of myself to others in 2018, I made a promise to myself that this would be a year where I got back to what makes me happy. By nature I’m a giving person, which is totally great! I just have to watch myself because if I’m not careful…I end up giving so much of myself away that I’m left feeling exhausted, burnt out and even somewhat bitter. #NotGood

2019 Life Lessons I’ve Learned – So Far

As we fly past the half-way point of the year, today I want to touch the brakes a little bit.

One thing is for sure: there is A LOT left I want to accomplish this year. The last six months have had their ups and downs and there’s a lot of unfinished business I want to tend to. That said, I also realize that some pretty important 2019 life lessons have come my way.

Given that we’re all a work in progress, I’m taking a *time out* today to share with you 5 key things I’ve learned so far this year. Hopefully at least one of these will give you some food for thought on how you can better navigate the rest of the year. The clock is ticking and we have six months left to go! While we’re all sure to face ups and downs along the way, I have my fingers crossed we’ll all finish off 2019 stronger than we are today.

1. Mental Health Takes Just as Much Work as Physical Health

Okay, so I’m starting off my 2019 life lessons learned so far with an important one on mental health.

Maybe it’s the time we live in, maybe it’s part of getting older – I really can’t say for sure. But, one thing I’ve learned this year is that mental health takes WORK. As much as I’d like to say it all comes so easily for me, I’ve found that I really have to put the effort in to keep things smooth sailing where my mental health is concerned. That means dedicating time for my Calm app sessions. That means dedicating time to stepping back and disconnecting from the madness that is everyday life.

That means setting boundaries, respecting limits and accepting you’re not going to be much help to others unless you remember to help yourself first.

2. A Change in Scenery is a Must

Whether it’s booking monthly trips or visiting a park across town, I’ve learned that mixing up my surroundings is incredibly beneficial. A change in scenery 1) keeps my spirits high and 2) keeps me inspired.

And honestly, I’m kinda surprised I never put this together before because it makes A LOT of sense, doesn’t it? We all know what it feels like to be in a rut same as we all know what it feels like to be out of one. This year, I’ve really tried to step out of my usual comfort zones as a way to re-energize my creative drive and keep moving forward.

3. Respond, Don’t React

This one I think is one of those tell-tale signs of getting older, but one of my favorite 2019 life lessons has been knowing the difference between a responding and reacting. A younger version of myself might have considered these the same thing, when in fact they’re entirely different.

A reaction is a reflex. It’s what happens when you act without thinking.

A response? That takes more time and thought.

And I’ve learned that 100% of the time, a response will serve you better than a reaction. So, be it in your personal or professional life, don’t be so quick to react. Give yourself time to absorb and process before making a response. I guarantee you’ll be glad you did!

4. Life Is Better without Push Notifications

Early in the year, I made the decision to disable all push notifications on my phone. And lemme tell you, it’s been a game-changer.

By removing those red alerts with numbers on them, I realized just how much they were subliminally stressing me out! They create a sense of urgency that you have to check your email, check your Instagram, check the weather, check the news, check your group chats, check in with EVERYTHING every minute of the day…and that’s just bonkers. We can’t all be tuned into everything at all times.

By turning off all my push notifications, I notice that I’m much more present in everything I do – which completely makes sense. Essentially, they are nagging distractions that aim to distract you…and it usually works. Life without push notifications means I might not see an email the second it comes in…but when I’m actually in a good place to read and respond. In my book? That’s a good thing.

5. Listening Is More Important than Talking

Wow. I’m closing this list of 2019 life lessons with a BIG one.

Given that I’m a communications person through and through, you’d expect that I’d be a big believer in talking. And I am, I truly am. But more and more, I learn that listening is so much more important than talking. Whether you’re looking to be a good friend, a good partner, a good employee, a good daughter or just a good person in general…I guarantee taking time to truly listen to what another person is telling you will make all the difference.

When you’re listening, you’re learning.

When you’re talking? You’re not learning a thing.

It’s really that simple.

Over the next six months, I challenge you to listen a lot more than you are now. I guarantee you’ll be more effective because of it.

What’s a life lesson you’ve learned in 2019, so far?

What I’m Wearing:

NY and Company Peplum Blouse
NY and Company White Structured Crop Pant
WhoWhatWear Denim Sandal (Similar)

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