Isn’t that the truth? I’m turning 52 this summer and after all these years there are still so many lessons I learn over and over again.  I’m not totally convinced I will ever really learn them. The fact I know that, is even more disturbing.

I own incredible knowledge, but I don’t utilize it. Visual of me hitting my head against a brick wall over and over…

I know lots of stuff. That, however doesn’t mean I do lots of stuff. I can give incredible advice to people, I could be a life coach, I could write books about being good to yourself.  What I’m wondering is…

Why don’t I live what I know?

Today I’m sharing five life lessons that came to me while I was out walking. That’s right, lessons I already knew.

1. Moving your body, even if it’s just going for a walk can change your entire outlook on life. I’m pretty sure I’ve written that on this blog, let alone knowing it. I believe our bodies were designed to move and work. They function better the more we do. (As long as we are not running ourselves into the ground.) Today I got outside and just started walking. I set my alarm for 30 minutes and just did it. Within 2 minutes I felt amazing, like a new person with a clear mind and ideas flying through it. I asked myself why I always forget how fantastic it feels to be out in the fresh air, moving my legs and swinging my arms!
2. Listening to the right music can heal your heart and inspire you. Here is another one I’m sure I’ve written about. There is just something so special about being out, walking, with earphones in and your favorite music playing. I have songs that remind me of love, peace, happiness, and great times! When that music is playing in my ears, without any other sound, it gives me a charge of spirit and energy that nothing else will. It’s like therapy.
3. Things work better when you actually do them. I am a list maker and a planner. I plan and schedule so many activities that I am going to do. However, I don’t always do them. The diet, the workout program, the designing of that room over there. Seriously, I fail all the time by lack of doing. I’m a very busy person and do more than the average girl, so it looks like I’m really doing stuff. That way I get away with not doing what I’ve planned, like the really healthy and important things. When I do get them going and start working on them, they make me happier and feeling so much better than all of the other little jobs that keep me distracted from taking care of me.
4. Taking a shower everyday can be a fantastic thing. You guys, how sad is this one? It’s so cold here and I get so tired sometimes that I just don’t even shower. My husband lives over 400 miles away from me and I don’t have to be pretty here. I’ve gone more days in a row here without taking a shower than I ever have, even when I was a gross little kid. I have found myself wearing the same t-shirt during the day, then to bed, then to take Emma to school, and back in bed that night. Now, if you know me, you’d really have to understand how horrible this really is. Then into day 3 I start to wonder why I can’t shake this engulfing feeling of being depressed. Duh, take off your weekly outfit and get thee into the shower! Never underestimate the power of a fresh start a shower and clean clothes can give you!
5. A little make-up can go a long way. When I moved here I had very little make-up unpacked and I guess it just stayed that way. I don’t wear it to weed, or paint, or build, or to take Emma to school, or even to go to the hardware store. Why? It’s too much work. When I went to my neighbor’s house for Christmas, they were like, “Wow, you look really different!” I just told them it was because I showered, and then there was the make-up. But let me tell you, when I take the time to put on my make-up I feel better. I feel dressed and not embarrassed to walk into stores. I feel like getting out into the world when I’m put together. When I’m in that place I feel motivated and as though I’m ready to start the day. There are so many woman who look so great without make-up. I don’t look bad, but I look pale, and my eyes look tired which makes me feel old. I’m gray from my hair to my face and I see what I’m feeling, tired.

Maybe it’s the age or where I am in my life, but I’m tired of looking tired. I’m tired of feeling lazy. I want more out of my life and I’m ready to take care of me. This has to start with the one thing in life that is the only constant.

Me.

I’m the only thing in my life everyday. Every relationship I have starts with me. I start with me, and the better I feel about myself and the better care I take of me, the better I will be out in the world and in all my relationships…

OK, lesson number 6.

The one I know the best.

“Take care of you.” -Connie Garcia