The interesting thing about life is that we live it moving forward but we understand it looking backwards. We are constantly evolving and learning about ourselves and each other. Throughout life, we encounter certain situations that will completely change who we are at our core. It can be as big as losing someone we love or as little as a conversation with a stranger. For me, these type of core-changing moments, have taught me a lot of simple truths.
In my early 20's, I started a "Things I Have Learned In Life" list on a piece of now-tattered college-ruled paper. As a very-young adult, you have a lot of feelings. There is something about having a fresh heart, being on your own for the first time, and feeling like the world is yours. You open yourself up a lot and with that comes the chance of getting hurt. At the time, it is hard to see the silver-lining in certain situations, but more often then not, you come out a wiser person.
My list of simple truths has stayed with me since college. It has been kept in a old picture box, slipped into a journal, and now most-recently pinned on a bulletin board right next to my desk. Once in awhile, I feel inclined to add a line to it. When I go back and reread these things I have written down, I can recall the past circumstance that has taught me the lesson. Without getting too deep, I do believe every situation teaches us something and helps point us in the direction our life is meant to take us.
Things I Have Learned In Life... word for word:
1. Always tell people how much you appreciate them. That's all anybody wants. When they
feel unappreciated, it hurts.
2. Never try to have a serious talk when you are drunk. (So true!)
3. Never forget your manners.
4. Some things in life you just can't change.
5. Pick your battles wisely.
6. Be careful who you trust, people are not always who they seem to be.
7. Once a cheater, always a cheater. (Ouch, this one hurt.)
8. Always stand up for yourself and your beliefs. No one can make you feel inferior without
your consent.
9. Actions speak louder than words.
10. Just when you think you'll never find the perfect person, you do. (Wink, Wink Cody)
11. Never forget to laugh.
12. Life doesn't always turn out how you think it will. (Not a bad thing, my friends.)
With a new year brings reflection on the past, and a sense of excitement and new beginnings for the future. I like to reflect on what I have learned in the past, and figure out how to use that knowledge to move ahead with my best foot forward.
"Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation." Confucius
