What I’ve Learned (And Am Still Learning)

As I celebrate a birthday today and reach the end of my fifth decade I couldn’t help but reflect on what I’ve learned and what I am still learning. Here is a fairly comprehensive but likely not complete list:

• Every step of the life journey prepares you for the next step. Be mindful of what you can learn each day.
• Live Gratefully!
• People First.
• Listen to what stirs in your heart and soul then have the courage to act and invite being uncomfortable.
• Family is the biggest blessing of all.
• Lifetime friends are lifetime friends and they come at different times in your life.
• A loving and supportive wife is worth more than anything else.
• Be true to who you are and what your talents are. (play to your strengths)
• You have to have hobbies and things to help you relax and refresh your mind, body and soul.
• Show Grace.
• Mistakes happen. How you respond and grow from them is what matters after the mistake is made.
• Love is a wonderful thing.
• When people turn on you it says more about them than it does about you.
• Don’t stop dreaming. Ever.
• It’s OK to say “No” for the right reasons.
• Listening is a skill and not practiced by enough people.
• Negative people don’t need to have a space in my head or be in my circle. (but I will still try and help them)
• Offer advice when needed but don’t force an opinion.
• It’s not about me.
• Moments happen every day. Embrace and act on them.
• Problems are opportunities.
• I have so many friends on social media that I have yet to meet, share a drink, a handshake, a hug and a laugh with.
• Respect everyone.
• Every person has a story and has value.
• Read.
• I will never know everything but I need to keep learning.
• Stay cool.
• My age is a number. My attitude toward that number is more important.
• I have been blessed.
• Encouragement and praise help people.
• Continue to be creative.
• What is needed is not always convenient for you.
• Forgive others. (sooner than later)
• Try it.
• Own what you need to own.
• Try to be better every day.
• It’s not a failure if you learn and grow from it.
• Relationships first and foremost.
• Honesty is really the best policy.
• At the end of the day God is not only good but He is greater than all that is going on around me and He is faithful. And that is enough for me.

Thank You for reading and being a part of my life, my journey and bringing a smile to my day.

Be Blessed!