Things I’ve Learned 6:08AM 20 Dec. 2005

I would like to share this with people. I had some free time this morning while I’m “on vacation” and I’m clearing out junk from my laptop. This was in there and was still prescient I think. I didn’t write it, it’s been on my laptop for at least a few years. I came across it again this morning and decided it was worth it to read again and share.

I've learned...
…that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.

…that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.

…that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

…that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

…that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do.

…that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.

…that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

…that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

…that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

…that you can keep going long after you can't.

…that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

…either you control your attitude or it controls you.

…that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take it's place.

…that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

…that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

…that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

…that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while.

…that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

…that sometimes when I'm angry, I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

…that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

…that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

…that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed it.

…that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

…that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

…that even when you think you have no more to give when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I’d also like to add one that I know I’ve had in my head for a while, but that I’ve recently come to appreciate once again.

I’ve learned that life isn’t about getting the things you want, it’s about wanting the things and people you already have.