The end of an era.

I cannot believe how fast time flies. Is it June already!? Is it the middle of June already? My half birthday is just around the corner ;) This year has brought so many changes in my life, and I don't even know how I could ever spell all those changes out. With those changes has come stress. And high volumes of stress at that. But I just keep reminding myself: Everything happens for a reason. I'm constantly trying to take a step back and figure out what I'm supposed to be learning from each unique situation.

And not everything is bad! There have absolutely been great changes! Along with these high levels of stress, I have grown and definitely learned many things. It's been one giant roller-coaster, but I'm enjoying the ride with all of its ups and downs.

Recently, a friend of mine passed away. His name is Alex. He battled with cancer for quite some time. Him and I weren't the closest friends ever, but he definitely influenced my life. He influenced my life for the better. He fought cancer with a smile on his face and love in his heart. I believe he was the true example of what everyone should strive to be.

During the past couple of weeks with that going on, it has caused me to reflect a lot on my life and the relationships I have. Do I communicate with people? Am I expressing my gratitude for the amazing friends I have and the incredible things they do for me? Have I been telling people how much I love them? And more importantly, am I forgiving people? Who am I to say that what other people have done is wrong? Who am I to cast down judgement?

So, I have come up with a few goals that I'm going to try to implement more commonly in my life. And hopefully I can inspire others to do the same. :)

• Say please and thank you.
• Smile at strangers as you pass them by - You never know when someone is having a bad day.
• Give people a "thumbs up" instead of flipping them off when they cut you off (I may or may not be guilty of this on more than one occasion... Oops).
• Compliment people about things you like about them.
• Let people know how you feel.
• Don't hold grudges.
• Forgive others. Always.
• Really listen to people when they talk to you.
• Try only listening when people are telling you things. Don't always try to solve their problems.
• Make eye contact.
• Call people rather than text.
• Focus more on the positive and less on the negative.
• Hold the door open for people.
• Be supportive.
• Be accepting.

That's all I can really think of right now, but I feel that's a good place to start. And I can always add more whenever I get the opportunity! Now, to start crossing these off my list!

Have a lovely day everyone!