I found this pin on Pinterest that listed 21 Suggestions for Success.  As I read through them I realized that so many are ones I will have to work on….either now or further on down the road. 

1. Marry the right person.  This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness…or misery. 
I think I’ve got this one taken care of.  I mean, there’s no ring, but I plan to spend the rest of my life with My Guy if he will have me.  I would totally appreciate it if people would STOP asking me when we are getting married.  I mean, seriously, don’t you think if I knew I would let you know?!?!  I guess we are at that age and point in our lives which we are expected to walk down the aisle and then reproduce.  Sucks getting old.

2. Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.
I definitely enjoy the little ones at my job.  There is something about the paperwork and other peeps that can make me stressed, but the real reason I went into that gig was for the little cherubs.  It’s absolutely worth my time and talent because I’m shaping our future.  Does that make you nervous knowing I have that much control?  Muahaha. (evil laugh)

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. 
I try to do the above, but I could definitely use some work in this department.  Sometimes I can be a bit selfish.  And, sometimes, when I do give I don’t always do it cheerfully.  Definitey one to work on.

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
You don’t haev to tell me.  I know.  I need major work in this department. 

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others. 
I’m my own worst critic.  I have major issues letting things go.  I tend to say too much.  All.  The.  Time.  I have forgiven many people in my life that have hurt me, but not always in the blink of an eye.  Sometimes it takes me a while.

6. Be generous.
I’d like to think I’ve got an A in this subject.  But as with anything, there’s always room for improvement.

7. Have a grateful heart.
Now more than ever I have realized how I am so FORTUNATE in so many areas of my life.  I think Mike probably changed that in me. 

8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.
I wouldn’t say that I give up easily, but I definitely lack patience.  BIG TIME.  Just ask Mike.  He can tell you all about that little problem I have. 

9. Discipline yourself to save money, on even the most smallest of salaries.
I would like to think I have a nice amount set back for emergencies, but I don’t necessarily save.  I know I need to.  If I could just tackle some debt I have then I would be good to go on the savings part.  If I could make a difference in anyones lives it’s probably giving seminars at colleges about NOT getting credit cards.  Big.  Mistake. 

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
All day long at my job I try and remember that being there might be the best part of their day because who knows what it’s like when they get home.  In that aspect I try and treat them just the way they want to be treated.  It’s not always easy, of course.  When I see homeless people I give them change.  When I see an elderly person struggling I make sure I hold the door for them or offer to help in any way I can.  My momma instilled in me that it’s very simple to make someone’s day and she also taught me how great it feels when you do just that. 

11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.
I feel like my life is non-stop at times and I’m hoping that’s because I want to improve.  Once a week (preferably Sunday’s) we like to lay around and be lazy and rest.  That’s about the only time I would consider myself not improving.  That and the times I like to have a glass of wine 🙂  Even then, I’m helping my heart.  Right?

12. Commit yourself to quality.
Working on it. 

13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power, prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect. 
Absolutely.  I was taught this at a very young age.  I love how my friend Heidi said in a recent blog post to her munchkin at According to HM that being rich has nothing to do with possessions but instead on love and relationships.  So very true. 

14. Be loyal.
Yup. 

15. Be honest.
Oh yes. 

16.  Be a self-starter.
Absolutely.  In fact I annoy people with this because I want to start everything.  It’s that whole lack of patience thing. 

17. Be decisive even if it means sometimes you’ll be wrong.
Oh lordy I am TERRIBLE at this.  Just ask Mike again.  Whenever he asks where I want to go eat I ask him for three choices.  Even then I can’t decide.  Major decisions….haven’t been too many in my life but when they come along I’m probably in big trouble. 

18. Stop blaming others.  Take responsibility for every area of your life.
This is way easier said than done but H. Jackson Brown, Jr. is probably right!

19. Be bold and courageous.  When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
I’ve always been pretty bold.  That’s not to say that I don’t have some regrets.  Sometimes being bold can lead to mistakes being made.  Hopefully I can always have the courage to get through it. 

20. Take good care of those you love. 
Amen.  This brings the most joy to my heart.  I love showing those I love how much I love them.  I hope they all know it. 

21. Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your mom proud.
Every day.  All day.  Whenever someone tells me “Your mom would be proud of you” I secretly go home and cry.  It’s one of the best things I could ever hear.  I miss her telling me that every day.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.