Things I've Learned

I've been around for a little over 21 years now, and although I know I'm not old enough to know much about anything, I have found out a lot of things about the world we live in and the people in it. Check it out and see what you think. =o)

• I've learned that no matter what, you should always try to enjoy yourself. You never know how long you'll be around.
• You should learn to forgive and to forget. Some things just aren't as bad as they seem at the time. The person you're mad at might not be here tomorrow, or even this afternoon.
• Have a light heart. Those who cannot find humor in anything are usually the ones having heart attacks at 40.
• Don't waste your time on impressing others. Do the things that make you happy.
• The Baz Lurhmann song is right. DO get to know your parents. They brought you into this world and they know a lot more about it than you think.
  • Who makes you feel better when you're sick than Mom? She's got the softest, coolest hands on your face when you have fever, the strongest hands when you need help getting around, and the warmest hands when you're freezing to death.
  • Who can teach you more than you need to know about fishing, grilling, and mowing other than Dad? I used to watch my dad filleting fish when I was little. He's an expert!
• Get to know your siblings. They will be around a lot longer than most people you know. They will stick behind you and help you make some important decisions. Getting close to them is very important. Even though you've searched everywhere for a best friend, you'll probably find that your sibling(s) beat everyone else.
• Listen to music as if it were poetry. It helps to soothe your tension and stress. Classical music helps me most, but whatever kinds suits you, listen to it everyday. Music really does destress you!
• Be kind to the Earth. Don't pollute. As I see it, we were given a whole planet and we should take as much care of it as possible. If everyone threw out only one can a day, think how junky this place would get! Join up with a team and help pick up trash alongside roads. You will feel good afterwards, I promise...and you will think twice about littering ever again.
• Learn to appreciate nature instead of watching so much television. Get out and walk in the falling leaves in autumn. Go outside and grill during summer. Go sledding in the winter. Pick wildflowers in the spring. You can find much inner peace when you get to know and love Mother Nature.
• Let everyone you love know it. Let them also know just how much you feel for them. There are many things I wish I could say to people I've lost. Now I tell everyone I love that I do and how much I do. I don't want anyone not knowing! I never know when those I love will be gone.
• If someone you love does something you do not like, don't blow up at them. Remember that you love them and that everyone makes mistakes. You are not perfect--no one is. I'm sure you've done things to upset others, but you were forgiven. Remember how it felt to see that disapproval in someone's eyes and you will not be so quick to judge others.
• Just keep in mind that life is short and sweet. Natalie Merchant said it best in her song, "Life is Sweet". Life is a miracle and we should appreciate it. Don't let money rule you. There are other things besides money that make you happy. I know that money does make things easier, but believe me, when someone dies, money was the last thing on their mind. Think about that.

  A long time ago, a friend of mine emailed something to me that I thought would help others see life as the wonderful miracle it is. Most of us take for granted what others can only dream about. It really opened my eyes to the beauty in everything! I suppose this is what prompted me to make this entire page.

  IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

  by Erma Bombeck

  I would have talked less and listened more.

  I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

  I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

  I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

  I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

  I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

  I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.

  I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.

  I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

  I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

  I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

  Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

  When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

  There would have been more "I love yous"... more "I'm sorrys"...

  But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it... live it...and never give it back.

  In memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.