Alexa Tetrault

Another year older, and bolder. This year was a doozy. Most of this year was a dreamy false reality, with having our wedding happen over the summer I felt a sense of normalcy with social events leading up to our big day.

I felt lost a lot of this past year too. Starting a business, as a new mom, during a pandemic, is probably my worst idea? But I remind myself that I’ve never been easy on myself and now isn’t the time to start. I am nowhere near where I want to be, but I will get there.

I like getting older, I feel more grounded with who I am and have my priorities kind of nailed down. Here are a few of my favorite lessons I’ve learned over the years:

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY – Now more than ever, I don’t have time for relationships that drain or take a lot out of me. I’m not trying to toot my own horn here, but if I’m your friend I will defend you and your character to the freaking death. And it’s just hard to find people that reciprocate that. I am happy with my handful of friends that are always honest with me and have my back. I consider my daughter with my relationships too, and want her to have a solid group of role models. Reserve the energy for people who are worth it.

 DOGS ARE THERAPY – I’ve had Luna for almost 6 years now, and Champ came into my life 5 years ago. I have NEVER had a bad day that wasn’t made even slightly better by being with my dogs. I love that I know I will feel more at ease or less anxious if I take them on a walk or just snuggle with them in bed. They sense when I’m sad and will do their best to make me happy. They are my big fuzzy angels.

DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER – Sometimes I feel like people think they know others based on their social media. Judging someone without knowing what it’s like to walk a day in their shoes is simply illogical. You make SO many connections by being open minded. The world sucks as it is, we may as well free up some mental space to care about climate change and things that truly matter, and not judge each other. And don’t be such a judge judy know it all. It’s not a fun vibe.

RELAXATION IS PRODUCTIVE – Sometimes to be a better person later, you have to take care of yourself now. If you need to go take a bath in the middle of the day, DO IT. If you want to read a few chapters of that new thriller but really should fold the laundry, read 50 pages and then fold. Give yourself space and some freedom to do nothing. I am guilty of this all the time, I never want to stop running around getting things done.

MOTHERHOOD DOESN’T GET EASIER – Motherhood is an all consuming emotional journey that doesn’t “let up”. I think you just become better at going with the flow and letting go of control. I have accepted that I won’t ever feel like the old me, but the new me is pretty great.

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT – No one is going to hand you anything. If you want something to happen, you have to work and make it happen. Opportunities don’t fall from the sky. You get the idea. This might sound blunt, but you can’t spill your life story to everyone you meet and expect them to give you a pass on everything. We’ve all been through bad times, you can’t use it as an excuse for not living out your best life.

WORRYING IS LIKE A ROCKING CHAIR, IT GETS YOU NOWHERE – Will repeating this phrase make me stop worrying this year? Unclear but I’ll keep trying. I never was such a worrier until becoming a mom and I haven’t been able to shake it. Then again, I should give myself some grace because my entire momhood experience has been during the pandemic.

If you read that whole post, wow thank you so much. Cheers to another year of living my best life however I see fit. Love to all you crumbs!