Life Lessons

I've come across a lot of life lists and sometimes they're good, sometimes not so much but this one really hit home for me.  I think it teaches lots of valuable lessons and each one helps make life a little more bearable.  I remember watching a New Year's resolution type episode on Oprah about 5 or so years ago and one of the things they said was learn to forgive and just forgive everyone.  I really took it to heart because a lot of times in my life I've lost friends and time with loved ones because of not being able to forgive.  It was not the easiest thing to do but I tried my best and today I believe it was an invaluable lesson that I learned and adapted into my lifestyle. Something as simple as forgiving someone or something just takes a whole lot of stress off of life.  You don't necessarily have to LIKE the person or thing and know that it won't always be the same, things are never the exact same, but know, that there's always a chance that it will be better.  Some people that I've forgiven won't ever forgive me, but I can honestly say that my life is soooo much better now because the ones that forgave me back make it worth the while, even if its only 1 out of 10.  I know that I tried and I know that I've just been able to conquer another roadblock life set out for me.  I hope you enjoy the list and maybe you won't live by all the lessons, but trust me, even one can make a difference!  Also, if you like this sort of stuff, the Prophet is a really good book to read.  It is a part of my collection of books and I like to take it out every once in awhile, reminds me there is a purpose to living and helps me enjoy life. : )

xoxo,

Anna

Regina Brett's 45 life lessons and 5 to grow on

by Regina Brett

Sunday May 28, 2006, 10:13 AM

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.

It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

To reach this Plain Dealer columnist:

rbrett@plaind.com, 216-999-6328

here's a link to the original article as well http://www.cleveland.com/brett/blog/index.ssf/2006/05/regina_bretts_45_life_lessons.html