ME

If I were to tell you the stories of my life I would not come out smelling like roses, and you might say to me that I have failed - but in the very least, I will have owned my transgressions with frank honesty and brutal accuracy and I will know that, despite your judgments of me, I am a person of integrity.

Some of my life lessons

A friend sent this to me via email today, and I was only halfway through it when I knew I wanted to share it here. I've heard it before or at least other versions of it, and I always enjoy them. I always have to change these things up so they conform to me too (it's how I do).  So, anyhow, here it is (personalized).

I've learned....

that the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned....

that when you're in love, it shows - and when you're not, that shows too.

I've learned....

that just one person saying to me, "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned....

that having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned....

that being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned....

that you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned....

that I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help in some other way.

I've learned....

that no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to be silly with.

I've learned....

that sometimes all a person needs is an open ear and a closed mouth.

I've learned....

that some of the simplest conversations with my father or mother still had a big influence on me.

I've learned....

that you can over-think some things.

I've learned....

that sometimes that thing you truly should do, isn't going to be your easiest of options.

I've learned....

that when the argument gets too heated, it's good to take a break and resume the "discussion" again later.

I've learned....

that we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned....

that life isn't just about being happy or content all the time, it's just as much about the conflicts and crisis and what we learn from those moments and how we use those lessons in our maturity.

I've learned....

that the people calling others "haters" are actually the only ones focusing on the hate.

I've learned....

that money doesn't buy class.

I've learned....

that tone, rather than words, can change the direction of the conversation.

I've learned....

that miracles happen all the time, but some people choose to rationalize them away.

I've learned....

that sometimes we say so much more when we say nothing at all.

I've learned....

that under that hard shell is someone who wants to be accepted, appreciated, and loved.

I've learned....

that to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned....

that when you plan to get even with someone, you are only giving that person the power to continue to hurt you.

I've learned....

that there's nothing sweeter than waking up next to your babies and listening to them breathe.

I've learned....

that life is tough, and crying about it doesn't fix it.

I've learned....

that opportunities are never lost - someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned....

that when I harbor bitterness, it's only hurting myself.

I've learned....

that those people who have passed harsh judgments on me, don't really know me at all nor do they know anything of the situation, and so, aren't worth my worry.

I've learned....

that when you make assumptions, you really make an ass out of only you.

I've learned....

that you should keep your words both soft and tender, because tomorrow you may have to eat them, and eating crow is horrible!

I've learned....

that no matter how hard I tried to blame someone else, I still held some of the blame for the drama that surrounded me - and until I accepted that responsibility and changed my actions, it was not going to go away.

I've learned....

that taking the high road, is not about repairing a relationship, but it's the first step in healing myself.

I've learned....

that it is best to give advice in only two circumstances: when it is requested and when it is a life-threatening situation.

I've learned....

that no matter the situation, we always have more than one option.

I've learned....

that everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.

I've learned....

that you should always represent yourself with frank honesty and brutal accuracy because your truth will come out, and when it does, it's better to be revealed a person of integrity than the alternative.

I've learned....

that I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.

I've learned....

that while the 'ups' were loads of fun, it was the 'downs' that truly transformed and shaped me - and I still kinda like me.

kiss kiss

My hunny posted this song for me - it hit the spot because he's never given me a song before. LOL, I feel so sixteen again. Silly, isn't it.

"Once you figure out who you are

what you love about yourself, I think it all kinda falls into place."
(Jennifer Aniston)