8 Very Important Things

Leanne knows 8 Very Important Things. I think I do.

1. Always ALWAYS *ALWAYS* trust your body. Especially if you're a woman (but of course men should do this too). Even when you have several "medical professionals" tell you otherwise, you know your body better than they do. Don't put up with doctors who play mind games with you. Find a doctor who trusts your judgement about what's going on with your body and what you will--and won't--do to your body. They are worth their weight in gold. And so are you.
2. Allow yourself to marvel in the wonderment in your children's eyes. There are few joys greater than watching your children learn about the beautiful world around them.
3. Own a pet. Any pet. Furry, feathered, finned or otherwise. They are relaxing, and often give you unconditional love like no one else on 2 legs.
4. Read. Read the paper, read blogs, books, or even comic books (note: I currently subscribe to the new Buffy series ::blush::). But in that reading, dare to read something you normally wouldn't. You'll probably learn something. And always read things people say that you *shouldn't*. Chances are, they haven't read it anyway.
5. Never let fear stand in your way of doing something. It's much better to say "Wow, that was scary I don't think I'll do that again" than to have regrets.
6. Be good to yourself. Eat a truffle. Take a nap. Buy that girly-scented shower gel. Use the fancy vase for your homecut flowers. Sleep on soft sheets. If you don't take care of yourself, there are very few people who will. If you do take care of yourself, people will follow suit and honor your self-respect.
7. If you don't like something, change it. Even if you have to start over a dozen or a hundred times. And accept that some things are beyond your control. That's not failure. Life just isn't fair sometimes. And it's ok to be upset by that. Just keep trying.
8. Be yourself. Be true to yourself. You may be the only one in your corner but in the end, your opinion is the only one that really matters. Better to be authentic and "eclectic" than blend in with the crowd. Listen to that voice in your head and heart.