Some Things I've Learned During 61 Years of Life

Today I'm 61.  I can't believe it!  Surely, I'm just 21.  That's how I feel most days.  I think I've learned a thing or two in the 40 years that I don't feel have passed.  Just by living, I learned things.  I don't mean book learning; I mean learning about life.  Here is a list of some of those things I've learned. 

No two people agree completely on two things--how to raise children and how to spend money.

Being nice and respectful and smiling helps life go smoother when interacting with other people, no matter who they are.

There is always someone prettier than you and someone uglier; someone smarter and someone not as smart; someone richer and someone poorer; and so on in everything in life.  Accept yourself as you are.  (Note:  This is a continuous learning thing.)

Friends are important.  Among other things, they encourage you and make you feel good.  You can never have too many of them.

Being beautiful on the outside is nice; being beautiful on the inside is better.

Don't borrow from friends or family unless it is absolutely necessary.  That includes money or a cup of sugar.  Make your own way and be independent.

Do the best you can in whatever you do, be it a little task around the house or a big project at work.

Enjoy today; save for tomorrow. 

That saying, "don't let the sun go down on your anger," is true.  It eats at you, and you have a hard time sleeping. 

If you can't say anything good, don't say anything all.  (Note:  This is very hard to do.) 

If you are afraid to do something and think you can't do it, just pretend that you can and usually you really can.  If not, at least you tried.

Don't save that special dress or shirt for an important occasion that may happen.  Wear it now.  That goes for everything, like using your nice dishes and wearing your expensive perfume.

There are always things you did or didn't do that you regret.  Try to do better and go on with your life.  You can't change the past, but you can do your best in the future.

There comes a time in your life that you shouldn't blame your parents for the way they raised you.  Get over it, and be responsible for yourself.

Being friends with your grown children is a good thing.  Concentrate on treating them as adults and with respect.  It's worth the effort.

Laugh as much as you can.  You'll feel better, and you'll forget your problems for a short time.

One can ever give or get too many hugs.

The following phrases and words are not said enough--please, thank you, you're welcome, I love you, and I believe in Jesus Christ.

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Those who wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.  Isaiah 40:31