STOP IT ALREADY!

Just stop it okay?

Stop what you ask?! We'll I'll tell you.

I came across an article on Facebook this week,
and it really made me take notice. 

It was titled,  *30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself*, and I, personally, found it fascinating. I saw myself, and a decent amount of my friends in some of the points and thought "WOW, we really kick our own butts sometimes", which is kind of silly don't you think?

So, I thought I would share this article with you today, muffins, while highlighting my five favorite points.

#1. Stop spending time with the wrong people. – This would be #1 on my list and I'm so happy it's #1 on this list. I feel that this is such a problem in our culture and people need to stop wasting time on people that aren't worth it. Some people come into our lives and are meant to be there forever, but some, are just pages, chapters and sometimes a paragraph. You should surround yourself with people who respect you, treat you with respect and are happy to be in your presence. Why live a life dating someone who doesn't treat you right, or hanging out with people who don't respect you? Losing a bf/gf or a friend might mean nights are quieter and there is less to do, but you won't feel held down by something that is bad/wrong. My man, Han, said it best, "Who you choose to be around you, let's you know who you are".

#15. Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Everyone wants to keep up with the Jones' but you know what, I don't think the Jones' care about us in the least. Going into debt to have the best house, car or clothes is ridiculous and a hole that is hard to get out once it has been dug. So what if most of your friends were married you? So what if you don't have a home or a baby two years into marriage? So what if you choose to spend your money on traveling for kickball instead of a lavish vacation in the islands? So what if house isn't Pinterest worthy? You were created to be amazing and you are amazing. Concentrate on yourself instead of worrying about what others are doing.

#22. Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – To be honest, I never fully began embracing the small moments until I became engaged and married. I enjoyed life, and all that it was, but knew that big things were going to happen, soon. Once they did, I found myself clinging and holding tight to the small moments that surrounded the big ones last year. The random family dinners together and the quiet, simple moments on the couch watching a show together. The most mundane, small moments make my heart so happy now and I am so glad to be reveling in them. And, you better believe, I stop to smell every rose I can, just to grab a small moment of joy.

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#28. Stop worrying so much. – Worrying doesn't help the outcome. EVER! It just creates more stress, unnecessary stress and causes us to stop being happy. I used to be a bit of a worrier, but now, I know 1] Most things aren't in my hands and 2] Worrying won't do anything but cause me grief. When you worry about what MIGHT happen, you stop thinking about the here and now and you stop enjoying what you have. I think this point is coupled with #29 Stop focusing on what you don’t want to happen. Make the choice to believe what you want happen will. Positive thinking is much more fun and better for you than worrying.

#30. Stop being ungrateful. – I feel lucky that my parents taught me from a very young age to be grateful for what I have in life and not to focus on what I don't have. Even when life drives me nuts, I choose to look at all the blessings I have, instead of dwelling on the problem. Of course, sometimes I need to be reminded that many people have it worse, but I do feel that I try to recognize how insignificant a long meeting, rude email or bad commute can be compared to plight of others. I've chosen to become much more aware of how I describe my hardships too, because all too often I think we exaggerate our problems to make ourselves feel better. Counting my blessings also makes me feel a lot better than dwelling on a problem, I've found as well. You should try it out :)!

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 Hopefully you don't think this too preachy, but even if you do, I think that's A-Ok by me. Sometimes we need to have something shoved in our face, before we sit up and take notice. I do want y'all to know that I love all of you reading and truly hope you have a fabulous weekend < 3!

*linking up here again!*