~ Some of My Lessons ~

At 34 years old, there are alot of things that I have learned on this roller coaster called life.  There's a lot of lessons that I would rather not have learned, but am stronger because I did.  There's alot of things I have yet to learn, and wish I would, as I keep hurting myself by not taking the lesson from the experience.

 However, there are many things I have learned that I am so very happy to have experienced.  I'm going to focus on these good ones today.

My favorite?  Well...

However... if I make you smile, then I'm happy.    

Now... Some other lessons learned...

~ My parents really did know, and still know, what they were talking about.

~ My parents are my very best friends, confidants, and role models, and I am extremely blessed to be able to say that, AND to still have both of them in my life.

~ My brother will always be my best friend, through everything, and will forever (sometimes unfortunately) know everything about me (and will not shy from calling me out on my shit).

~ The people who DO call you out on your shit are your true friends. The ones that make you feel horrible about it are your enemies. Know the difference, and be grateful for both. They BOTH make you stronger.

~ Sugarcoating is not desired, or needed. Tact is.

~ Having a husband should not mean having a master.  It means having an equal partner, a best friend, and a man you have no problem cooking and cleaning for (as you realize that he will, most of the time, not do these things for himself... and you accept that. =D In exchange... he'll change your oil and fix the water heater, when needed). Compromise... always.

~ Family first. Always. Period.

~ Your children do not belong to you.  They are humans, gifts from God, and need to be appreciated for everything they are (Warts and all).  Accept them as they are, help to nurture their true spirit, try to instill some good core values, and you will receive more blessings than you can count.

~ Friends will let you down. It's important that you see that most of them are not out to hurt you. They are just human. You, also, may let other people down from time to time. Learn to apologize, forgive yourself,  and move forward.

~ Everyone is on their own path.  Just because it is not yours, does not mean it's wrong.  It's just theirs.

~ Everything in moderation. EVERYTHING.

~ Music truly does soothe the soul.

~ Crying IS therapeutic, and necessary. (Otherwise... you will explode.)

~ Happiness is contagious. So is anger.  Choose wisely your words and try your best to control your emotions. (This one is a hard one for me sometimes)

~ Faith is a very powerful thing.  So is hard work.

~ No one will do for you in this life what you will not do for yourself.  If you want it... go get it. Don't wait for someone/something else to make it happen. 

~ If you have respect for yourself, so will other people.  If they don't... they are not meant to be in your life.

~ A walk in nature, I have found, for me, is the best way to tune into your soul.  Enjoy this Earth while you're here. It really is amazing.

~ Love is a gift and should be cherished.  Don't forget what a blessing it is to have people who love you exactly as you are.  That is a rare and beautiful salvation.

~ Death is not the end.  It is an interlude.

~ God is Good. So is wine. =D

~ SMILE WHENEVER YOU CAN!!!
Blessed Be.

J