All we can do...

Something I've learned along the way: Stop taking things so seriously.

Things always end up working themselves out, and the amount of worry/panic that you put into it has little to no bearing on this fact.

This is me NOT SERIOUSLY considering the

bagel on my desk.

What's happening now is bizarre in the best kind of way. I don't know where it came from, but that happens so often in life that I've decided to stop questioning it. I'm not in a hurry. I know where I am, who I am, what I want and now I know better than to settle for anything less. I am enjoying this feeling, I am enjoying the experience, and I am mandating that I not let irrational thoughts of self-doubt interfere. Why should I? If it doesn't work, then it was something that made me happy for at least a little bit and there is something better coming. That said, it's probably one of the scariest things that has happened to me in a long time. But if it isn't scary, it isn't worth it. If I'm not pushing myself, pushing my boundaries and breaking my patterns, than I am not growing. I'm stagnant. And that's how you get malaria, folks.

...that's a mosquito joke. Niche humor.

Something else I've learned: When I like someone, I'm going to know about it.

I don't ever have to guess. So, the next time I find myself wondering "Could I like this person?" or "Why don't I like this person?," I'm going to stop. If I have to ask, I don't. And that's okay. Ohh, that's a subcategory of this heading:

Something else I've learned:

a) Never feel guilty about your feelings.

There are a multitude of things in life about which you are going to feel guilty. You are responsible for your behavior 24/7 and for each of the one million choices we make every day. Sometimes you are going to make the wrong choice. It's going to happen. And you are going to feel guilty. Your feelings are not in your control. They are what they are. Be honest about them, but never degrade or begrudge a feeling that you do or do not have.

This week in kindergarten, we are studying presidents. Things I've learned from 5 year olds: Justin Bieber is of legal voting age; Dr. Seuss' birthday is today. I'm not sure that either of those facts are entirely relevant.

One more thing I've learned: Slow down.

It's more than just a 'The Academy Is...' song. People never rarely regret taking the time to think things through. My personality sometimes makes me prone to impulsivity. I race past my own starting line before ever taking the time to consider if I actually want to run the race. The best things in life are worth waiting for... and if you're not careful, you'll find yourself squashing possibilities, rushing past them without pause for consideration. Ask all the questions in your mind. Don't be afraid to realize incongruencies and negatives. They don't necessarily discount the value of the situation, but being aware of them will aid you in preparing for them.

& Finally:

Dear Universe,

Thank you for everything. Especially Jupiter and Venus. Don't make life easy, but please make it grand.

Love always,

Me.