The end of the year is a natural time for self-reflection of what’s happened and planning and intention for the year ahead.

Someone once said that the greatest mistake we can ever make is making the same missteps over and over again. We’ve all enrolled in the school called “Life on Planet Earth.” Challenging relationships, health challenges, difficult bosses, rebellious teenagers and experiencing joy, grief, betrayal and everything in between is simply part of our soul curriculum. We need to pass one course before we can move on to the next. Good students know that when you review your notes and apply the principles you’ve learned, you’ll end up passing the course with flying colors!

By reflecting upon, and articulating, the lessons learned, one gains true wisdom and the ability to master one’s life. As the year winds down to a close, it’s a perfect time to notice and share those pearls of wisdom. If you were at the end of your life, looking back on your experience, what advice or lessons would you want to pass on to others who were just about to start out?

I recently took the opportunity to do just that and offer to you some of the pearls of wisdom I have gained:

• Love and accept yourself completely. Life is WAY more fun that way.

• Peace must start within yourself before you can see it or create is it in your family, community or the world.

• The greatest wisdom is in the heart, not the head.

• Be damn grateful to be alive.

• It’s natural that people come in to and out of your life. But you are never alone.

• Trust that the Universe is a friendly place and that you are loved.

• Your ego’s only job is to keep you safe. But don’t believe everything it tells you.

• Speak your truth always.

• It doesn’t matter if other people like you or agree with you. What matters is that YOU like you and that you act with integrity.

• Sink into and notice the little moments and details of your life. That’s where the wonder and joy of living will be found.

• See everyone and everything as incredible gifts for you to unwrap.

• It doesn’t matter who’s right or wrong. That’s an ego game designed to keep you stuck. What matters are the choices you make.

• Be humble. Don’t take anyone for granted. That includes you as well.

• Everything is energy. Everything has a vibration. Everything you do, say or think creates a ripple effect. Managing your vibration is the most profound and sacred duty you have.

• Forgive yourself when you make a mistake or react out of fear. Love yourself forward.

• Use your feelings, honor them and express them. Feelings are the language of the soul.

• Expect to feel fear when you’re doing something new. It doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. Welcome it as a sign you’re growing and expanding.

• Celebrate your victories. Celebrate your mistakes. Celebrate everything that contributes to your awakening and remembrance of how incredible you truly are.

• Remember you created your life’s curriculum before you got here. There are no mistakes in life. Life is like an adventure. Don’t forget to have fun along the way.

• Everyone has their own unique path and schedule. You don’t have to take other people’s issues on as your own problem. Give them the gift of discovering their own answers and wisdom.

• Our greatest challenges are the greatest teachers because they require you to draw upon wisdom, strength and resources you might never otherwise know that you had.

So, what are some of your own pearls of wisdom?

© 2011 Carolyn B. Ellis All Rights Reserved