1300 LESSONS I TOOK 55 YEARS TO LEARN

1300 LESSONS
 I TOOK 
55 YEARS 
TO LEARN

1.  Make friends on the playground or stand alone - Learn to Love Change!

I grew up in a military family, which meant I would just make friends in school and it was time to move- again. At the time I believed this was child abuse, but it taught me how to build relationships, grow friendships and hone the ability to accept and love change. 

2.  Don’t wish your life away!

I remember how I couldn't wait to be thirteen.  My Mom said, “Don’t wish your life away.”  That didn't pacify me at the time, but now 43 very quick years later I understand the wisdom in that statement. 

 3.  I love Brussels sprouts! I really do! 

I hated Brussels sprouts for 54 years.  The truth is I had never tried one.  Not long ago I did.  I have been trying to make up for lost time ever since.  The moral here is – you can’t hate what you haven’t tried and you can’t judge what you haven’t lived. Let that statement simmer a minute.  

4.  Don’t tell anyone you are on a diet! 

If you need to make a life change like losing weight or changing jobs you may need a support group or career coach, but don’t tell anyone else.  People will scrutinize every pound you lose (and gain), every job you apply for and every rejection letter you receive.  If they don’t know, when you have set backs and disappointments they won’t magnify your defeat.  Wait until you have good news to share and let them celebrate the victory with you.  

5.  Know when to say NO and when to say YES!

For years I said, “Yes” to everyone and every request for my energy and time. After suffering a few creative stress induced illnesses I learned that I couldn't do it all and I wasn't Wonder Woman.  I learned how to say, “No” when I needed to.  I also learned to say, “Yes” to myself.

6.  Not everyone likes me! 

What is not to like about me? I was the people pleasing cocker spaniel that when I got kicked wanted to jump up and lick the face of the kicker to prove that I was sweet, kind and deserving of love. The reality is – not everyone likes cocker spaniels!
There are enough people who do and those are the ones I spend my time liking and loving. Don’t waste your time trying to prove yourself to anyone who just doesn't like you. 

7.  Do what you LOVE!

Don’t waste a precious moment of time doing work you hate.  Do what brings you joy and contentment.  If you can’t do it full time do it as a hobby, but do what you love! 

8.  Know when to risk and know when to let go!

I owned Apple stock when it was $22 a share and sold it at $24. Big mistake!  This is a perfect example of doing this wrong.  Knowing when to hold something and when to let it go is an intuitive skill that I believe grows with listening to your inner voice when it tells you to run down the street after them yelling, “I love you!” or to turn and walk away as the sun sets and the credits roll. 

9.  Take care of yourself!

Being healthy matters, so control what you can. Just like you take care of your car by cleaning it, getting checkups and supplying it with quality fuel, take care of the body that carries your soul in the same way.  Once you hit the mile markers of  40, 50, 55 and beyond you will be happy you did!

10. Be quiet and listen.

Meditation saved my life. 
Sit alone and in silence. Listen to your heart.  Listen to the silence.  You will be amazed at what you hear!

 11. We are all one phone call away from our knees.

It happens to everyone.  When the phone rings and the message of loss is delivered, you will be on your knees. With the aid of love and grace we will stand back up stronger than before.  Once this hard lesson has been learned your heart will expand with the love required to support others when they fall.

12.  Every moment we choose the path of Fear or Faith.

We are constantly given the choice of walking the path of fear of failure or the path of faith in the future.  The road of faith is a much happier road to travel.  Choose faith! 

13.  Gratefulness leads to love and yes, Love is the answer to every question!  

Being here in this body, on this Earth and at this time is a privilege. Be humbled by the magnitude of it. Do not take anything for granted. Be grateful for every moment, every breath, every experience and every lesson learned; Being grateful leads to living in a space of love.
The most important lesson and the basis for all the lessons I have learned is LOVE!
Life begins and ends with love. 
Love yourself.
Love others.
Love animals.
Love nature.
With every breath be grateful for being here to love.
That’s it, bottom line… Love your heart out!

I do realize that was 13 lessons and not 1300, but most of them took me 100 or more experiences to learn, so I am giving myself extra credit.

Learn YOUR lessons well.
Happy Living!

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YOUR TURN...
            What lessons have you learned?  Share your thoughts and experiences relating to this post in a comment below.  Thank you!
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