I couldn’t choose the best 9 so here’s my best 18 of 2018!!

In 2018 I watched friends and family go through some heart breaking times. We ourselves went through some incredible highs and some very low lows, but here are some things I’ve learned.

It’s ok to admit to yourself that you’re hurt and heart broken and upset- instead of just saying ‘I’m angry’. Anger is more often than not a front to some other feelings. It’s not weak to be heartbroken or devastated, it’s a self awareness that I wish more people had.

break ups, Divorce, the end of friendships or other relationships- no matter where the fault lies- brings heart ache, hurt and devastation and it’s ok to let yourself not only feel them things, but to admit to yourself you do. It is healthy to process those things.

Pregnancy for some is horrific and it’s ok not to like it, it hurts the body and mind for some and even though others may long for it, it’s ok to admit that you don’t love it and that it’s hard. Equally it’s ok to love it.

It’s ok not to love Disney land. I will stand by that one till the day I die!! 😣

I’ve watched a friend struggle and her wider family, because of cancer in a nephew. When someone’s worst nightmare strikes- talk to that person. It is definitely ok to pray from afar, and whatever your faith suggests whether that is fasting or temple worship or you just think of them often, all those things I believe help. But I know with some experience that people caring up close and personal with words, texts, phone calls and being interested enough to let others talk actually helps ease a burden. Be present no matter how hard or awkward you find it. It’s mostly not about you so get over it and you’ll probably find it’s actually a blessing in your life to over come that obstacle of not knowing what to say. If it’s you people reach out to- be kind as they may say the wrong thing. We’ve all been there.

Life certainly does not turn out how we hope, all the time. Blessings can be found amongst any pain and any event that shakes your world. Look for those blessings.

For me, reading my scriptures and praying brings a peace to my life I know I would get no other way. Do something that helps you find peace rather than dwelling in anger.

It’s ok to be angry. After all that is said and done sometimes we just feel angry. Life is not fair nor will it ever be. Just learn to channel the anger to keep moving forward rather than pushing people away and becoming an island.

Self awareness is a must. I have some ridiculously funny ways. I’m aware of most of them and so can somewhat control how I react to things, but be aware others aren’t always just out to be weird or mean or awkward, we’re all just super different and it’s what makes the world go round.

Be kind. This is a simpler statement than the action. But practise makes perfect. Be kind knowing mostly you’ll not get anything back, sometimes not even a thank you. Become a kind person, it shines through and you will be happier.

Work hard. Find goals you want to achieve and then get your butt to work. You can achieve anything. But you have to not give up, and you have to go get it.

Know that life is mostly ordinary and mundane on the every day tasks. That is when you hopefully find peace in enjoying the life you have created.

Make goals. Change goals. And try and not beat yourself up over failure. I fail on a daily basis. It’s ok. Try again tomorrow.

Love. Love fiercely and be loyal, and don’t worry about getting hurt. You either will or you won’t and either way- you will survive. Love completely and even when it’s scary.

Believe it or not it’s scary to love my children and let my heart open to them, because reality suggests I will lose both of them one day so I try to close my heart off. Jonnie helps me to recognise it and try to be softer and I recognise it more on an every day basis than I used to. I do love them with absolutely everything I have, I just get scared and sometimes derailed. This is where I have to keep trying every day.

Put your health first, physical and mental, it helps you do all the rest.

If you’re reading this then you’re probably a friend or family member of mine. I love you. And I will keep loving you. I’m here if people need me and I look forward to new beginnings of 2019 with hope and faith despite difficulties.

Wishing you all a very Healthy & Happy new year from the Birch family xxxx