Life 101

My mother had a saying: The devil doesn't know more because he's the devil, the devil knows more because he is old.  And there is something true in that statement. The things we learn in life, the wisdom we gain, are from experiences had in life.  Mother was known for her morsels of sageness she had acquired from a long life and also handed down to her by her own mother.  She would insert these morsels into small, interesting narratives that would always make for a good night's tale. And, with that in mind, these are some little nuggets of wisdom I've learned from her sprinkled with some that I've learned on my own. I'm sure I've left many out, so please feel free to add to this list those that you've learned from life.

And what I've been taught and learned on my own are:

1. that slowing down has been the greatest lesson I've ever learned. But it has also been the hardest.

2. that laughter is the best medicine. The biggest cliche, yet so true.

3. that a good cry releases the sadness within you.

4. that having patience is rarely something you are born with, it is what life teaches you along the way.

5. that forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give yourself and others.

6. that life is never a guarantee.

7. that in times of crisis, everyone surrenders to something greater than themselves.

8. that we all have crosses to bear, so keep that in mind next time you feel the need to judge.

9. that almost everyone you love will eventually disappoint you or hurt you. But this is human nature and not personal. Just keep in mind that it is never about you but what they are going through at the moment.

10. that you can be a good and caring mother but can never be a savior.

11. that sometimes the greatest gift you can give your child is to have them learn the lessons themselves.

12. that no matter where you work, you will encounter the same type of nonsense and the same type of people. There are no perfect people; there is no perfect job.

13. that a happy face sometimes hides a very sad life.

14. that a smile can go a long way in your relationship to others.

15. that anger is the suit of armor of the deeply hurt.

16. that your greatest enemy is sometimes your greatest teacher.

17. that if you allow fears to rule your life, you have built a coffin for yourself.

18. that phobias are completely irrational yet the mind fails to understand that.

19. that you should take the time to become well-informed, otherwise the world will leave you behind.

20. that laughter is the best equalizer.

21. that silence sometimes speaks louder than words.

22. that all the answers you seek in life are already at your disposal. You just need to listen to you inner voice.

23. that if you are struck with an illness, you eventually learn to accept but continue to fight.

24. that a quiet person is not necessarily an uninformed person.

25. that a vocal person is not necessarily a smart person.

26. that anger is a terrible and harmful emotion that needs to be managed and reined in for it never births anything good.

27. that envy is a cancer that will eat away at your insides.

28. that depression can kill.

29. that when you loose a child, you will never know why.

30. that you are the greatest role model to your same sex child (actually, Dr. Phil said this.)

31. that drinking does not solve problems; in fact, it only magnifies them.

32. that compassion and empathy are the greatest goals and gift in life.  These alone brings you closer to all living things.

33. that humility rewards you with many good friends.

34. that evil unfortunately exists; and

35. that love always prevails.

© 2007 Rebecca Bush