The Emancipation of Leslie

(Read while listening to La Vida es un Carnaval by Celia Cruz)

It’s only the first quarter of the year and I’ve learned so many lessons to last me ‘til New Year’s. I should start with a little recap so you can understand where I’m coming from. This one is a sit down and stretch afterward recap.

The year so far in a nutshell. Left Boston and moved back home, started a relationship, moved in with him, got engaged, broke up and moving to New York next week.

That right there is a plot for the next How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days! Clearly, there was something to be learned from all of this. It was one of those situations were I thought I could have it all; a person I love, my family, good weather and a fulfilling job. Sometimes things don’t work out like you’d want them to, but two things you can always count on are good lessons and I told you so’s!!

What did I learn from all of this?

God is my strength. Pray. Have faith. I’m not alone. I’m stronger than I thought I was. Cherish blessings. Complain less. Respect yourself. Move out and move on. Ask for help. Crying helps. A hug goes a long way. Listen to advice. Always have a Plan B. Be an adult. Laugh. Remain calmed. Do not pay attention to negative people. Take responsibility. Don’t dedicate songs, which will hunt you. Be positive. Forgive and forget. Things will get better. Be careful. Be smart. Protect your heart. Trust less. Give your all. Smile, even when you don’t feel you have reason to.

The beauty of life is that there’s always a tomorrow and a new opportunity to start again. Thrive to be a better version of YOU. And hey!  At least I didn’t have to change my blog’s name!

“Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake… Shake It Off” – Mariah Carey