40 Things I’ve Learned in 40 Years, Part 2

#7 & #8 are my favorites on this list! It took me a long time to figure out #8, but I get it now and it’s freed up so much time, energy and space in my life! I also like what you said about helping others, sailing during high tide and not drilling a hole in another person’s boat–very interesting metaphor and very true!

I’ve always been told I’m very wise, and most days, I tend to agree, but as I’m only 26, there are SOME things I just don’t get yet. LOL!

I think the most important thing I’ve learned in the last few years is that I’m incredibly, immeasurably strong. I don’t say this to brag, but I say it because it’s true. I think the strength of the human spirit is absolutely amazing and most of us can endure SO MUCH MORE than we think we can!

I’ve also learned that it is OKAY to be weak, it’s better to admit that sometimes, I don’t have a clue about something or what I’m doing–admitting that is powerful and it doesn’t make necessarily make me weak.

My father always taught me to be grateful for what I had, instead of what I didn’t have and didn’t want. That’s good to remember during tough times–there’s a lot we don’t have and don’t want, you have to start wanting what you do have!

My mother always told me that even though life itself isn’t fair, I needed to be. I need to treat others with a sense of respect simply because they’re my fellow human being. I need to try and be as fair as I can be when I deal with people and situations. I may not always succeed, and I certainly don’t have to like everyone, but I need to be kind and fair. She was also really big on loyalty, the need to be loyal to those people we love and the promises we make! Very important!

Everyone in my family always believed in the power of the word and that words are often your most powerful asset. They can also be your worst enemy.

Last year, I learned that even if/when life doesn’t go the way you planned it, it’s still worth learning something from each day. It may not always be perfect, but it is always totally worth it!

Forgiveness is the greatest form of love, grace and growth we as human beings can show. It is a gift we give ourselves, and our capacity to forgive often surprises me. It’s necessary for any kind of personal success in life.

We also must show those that we love that we love them. Life is all too short and you just never know who may, or may not be, here tomorrow. I’d rather say “I love you,” 100x’s too many than to never say it at all. I am certain of the importance of “little things,” like notes and emails and quick phone calls just so say “hey, I was thinking of you,” or “thanks!” or “I love you.” One awesome thing about my life is that I know that the people I love and adore, they KNOW that I love and adore them–because I show it every day. I am proud of that, and though I may not always be liked, I am very fortunate to know that I am truly loved. That’s taken me pretty far in my life, I have to say.

I also learned that accepting yourself really is the first key to accepting others.

This year, I’m learning the lesson of true acceptance: accepting what is just as it is. Not rallying against the reality of something or trying to change something or someone to my personal liking. A lot of frustration in life, I’ve found, comes from not accepting things the way they are. I don’t mean to just sit back, be a doormat and never change anything–but just realizing that things are the way they are for a reason, and letting them be, that’s huge! I’m working on it every day.

I’ve also learned that importance of having FUN! I don’t always have to take life so seriously. I can let go and have fun, without being stupid about it. If you don’t have a little fun each day, what’s the darn point of getting up?

It’s also equally important to keep learning (like I said above). When we stop learning, I believe, we truly stop living.

Above all, I’ve learned (in my lifetime) that life is what you make it. Sometimes, it is going to suck, but that doesn’t mean you have to suck too. It really is all about attitude, and while we’re all human and deserve a space to vent occasionally, for the most part, negativity begets negativity and self-pity WILL ultimately bring you down. There’s ALWAYS, always, always someone who has it 10x’s worse than you do, really, just look around.

I think for my age, I’m doing pretty good. I am looking forward to getting older (though I’ll never be old–becauase I still that’s an attitude too!) because of how much MORE I’ll learn along the way. I’ll be so much wiser at 40, 50, 60 and beyond than I am now. Even if I have to learn some stuff the hard way, which I’ve already done, believe me, that’s okay.

Although, it’s like my grandma said a few months back “yeah, it’s great to get older and be so much wiser, only by that point, no one gives a crap that you know anything and they don’t believe you anyway!” I had to laugh, she’s probably right.

Each day of life is a gift, it beats the crap out of the alternative.

Great list, Alisa! Happy 40th to you!

Many Blessings,
-Sarah Liz

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Sometimes in order to experience a full life you need to take risks with your heart, resources or even your time but it is important to LIVE life. A ship is always safe in the harbor but that isn’t what ships were built for.

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And, a corollary to #2 is best way to make someone feel comfortable and open up is to ask questions about his/her life.

Must admit I’m still working on #8.

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I love these, can’t wait for the 3rd and 4th editions!
Andi´s last [type] ..SHiMONEi and Schoggi- a pairing made in heaven

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