What I learned in '09.

I don't believe in resolutions. Maybe that's because I always break them. What I do believe in is learning. Isn't that what life is all about, anyway? Every year - every day - we learn things about ourselves and our environment that will change the way we think and relate to others. So, while I don't claim to know it all, here are a few things I learned - some of them the hard way - in 2009. 

1. Anxiety isn't something you have to live with. 

2. Having a big heart is both a blessing and a curse, but it's nothing to be ashamed of.

3. You can change relationships by loving people well. 

4. Life is too short to spend around negative people.

 

5. Having a broken horn does not calm the occasional bout of road rage.

 

6. You can't fix everyone's problems, no matter how hard you try. And sometimes, you really shouldn't try. And that's okay.

7. I learned the severity of eating disorders...and so much more about them than I could put in this post.

8. I learned that even the most perceptive can be naiive when it comes to those they love.

 

9. I am learning to "not sweat the small things" in my marriage. With a little luck, I'll have it down by our 50th anniversary.

 

10. I learned that it's okay to let go of some friendships. It's more important to focus on flourishing relationships than those doomed to die.

 

11. I learned that sharing blood doesn't necessarily mean "family" or "love."

 

12. I saw God do so many miracles around me in 2009. I was constantly reminded how BIG He is and how powerful prayer is.

 

13. I learned that nothing rivals the love of women (without children) and their pets. Nothing. Hence the term "fur child." 

 

14. I am learning to appreciate today for today, and that tomorrow will come in its own time.

 

15. I have learned to appreciate my age, not run from it. Perhaps I'll feel differently at 30.

16. I am learning to be confident in my self worth, and not let it depend on degrees, titles or involvements.

 

17. I have learned that God blessed me with a generous heart. But if it weren't for my husband's financial skills, I'd give all of our money away. We balance each other this way.

 

18. I learned that an apology can heal wounds you didn't even know you had. The ones that scabbed over in your heart so long ago..

 

19. I learned that a few gray hairs isn't the end of the world. 

20. I learned that there is nothing stronger than the love between two true *laotong.* 

21. I learned that I'm less conservative than I thought I was.