Onwards and Upwards: 20 Important Daily Reminders

I know things have been a bit slow around these parts, I apologize for that. With a full-time job and a part-time job on my plate, it's safe to say that I have had some difficulty finding time to do a lot of the things that bring me happiness. This issue, I have found, has prompted me to realize that I could really benefit from taking my own advice. On this outlet and in my every day life, I am constantly preaching about the importance of always making time for the things that you love, no matter how hectic life may get. Often times, this mantra may be a bit easier to practice before you're launched into the real world. When things keep piling up on your plate, it can be tough to find a way to balance it all, but that's life.

As I continue to adjust to this transition and my new life as an actual adult (better late than never, right?), I often find myself succumbing to the pressure. An important reminder I think that we could all benefit from is this- you are the person who decides if you are happy or not. No one is going to wake up every morning and make that decision for you. You cannot depend on others to supply you with that feeling- they are not responsible to do so for you, they must do it for themselves. You have to choose happiness and keep choosing it. We must wake up every day with the idea that these 24 hours will matter- they will be important, for we will see to it to make them that way.

If you are proud of who you are, what you are putting out into the world, the impression that you are leaving on others and the work that you are doing, what else matters? In true Alissa style, I've compiled a list of 20 daily reminders that I think all of us could resonate with.

1. Don't go searching for things that will upset you.

2. Accept that some things are not meant to last forever.
3. Let people go if they want to go. Appreciate what they brought into your life, even if their role was short-lived and ended before you were ready for it to.
4. Have faith in the fact that if people are meant to be in your life, eventually, they will be.
5. Don't spend your days grieving. Wake up and acknowledge all of the things that you do have in life.
6. Don't try to convince people that you matter- that's something that they should know without a reminder.
7. Know that every situation- all of the bad and all of the good- is necessary if you want to grow.
8. Talk to someone with a different set of beliefs that those that you hold- they may teach you a thing or two.
9. Wear the clothes that you feel best in. Spend the extra money if you want to. Shamelessly take that selfie and be comfortable with who you are.
10. Wake up early in the morning. Don't check your phone right away- social media will continue on without your incessant checking in, I promise. Stretch, make yourself tea, sit down, listen to music and just relax.
11. Take care of yourself and the people who take care of you.
12. Do something today that your future self will thank you for. Try to make your time here matter- it can very easily fade away with nothing to show if you let it.
13. Write this down and remember it- you are worth knowing, finding and loving.
14. Don't compare your life/story to others. There is enough sun for everybody. Someone else's success does not rob you of anything. Cheer for people, encourage them, really, truly, sincerely desire to see them happy.
15. Don't get stuck in the past. Don't try to fast-forward into a future that is not yet yours. Give today all that you can- get to a point where you can climb into bed at the end of the day and feel like you made your time worthwhile.
16. Make a playlist of all of the songs that make you smile. Listen to it on a solo drive with no destination. Roll down the windows and sing your heart out.
17. Hug, smile, kiss, love, meet new people, show them things that you think will make them happy.
18. If you want something to happen- go out and make it happen. Beautiful and important things won't fall into your lap without any effort.
19. Know this: everything is happening exactly as it should- it may not seem that way now, but you'll realize it one day.
20. Forgive yourself and forgive others. It's so easy to be upset these days- it's not so easy to make changes and to really understand- but it's so, so incredibly important.