My 10 Pearls of Wisdom

by Kathi
(Boise, ID, USA)

I'm in my mid 50s and my life did not go as I planned it in my early 20s. But that's OK, because sometimes what you don't plan for is so much better! Here are some of the things I've learned in my lifetime...

1. It's never too late to make a change, whether you're talking ending a relationship, changing careers, starting a new relationship, moving across the country, or just becoming someone new and better. Change is inevitable and embracing change makes life go a whole lot easier.

2. Don't be afraid to take risks. Whoever said, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained..." was dead on. Growth can only come from taking a risk... flying into the great unknown.

3. Failure and disappointment are part of life. Very few of us are fortunate enough to have everything go exactly as we want. After all, we're only human. The important thing is what you do with failure... learn from it and grow or wallow in self pity and "what might have beens". There is definitely something to be learned from every misstep in life.

4. Be true to yourself... learn to figure out what is right for you and go for it wholeheartedly. No one else can tell you what is right for you; only you will know in your heart of hearts.

5. Don't be afraid to let others in. Life isn't worth living without the human connection. Let down your guard, be open about your thoughts and emotions and others will automatically connect with you... whether as friends, family, lovers, parents or something else. Love is out there for each of us, if we can only accept it.

6. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Hold a dream of the life you want and take steps everyday toward that dream, no matter how old you are or how high the barriers seem to be. You can have what you want. You deserve what you desire.

7. Be grateful. At the same time, don't forget to be grateful for everything you have had or have now. No matter how bleak life might seem, there is always something to be grateful for. Do you have a roof over your head? Children who love you? A job, even if it isn't the job of your dreams? A dog who worships the ground you walk on? Food to eat? Your health? Is the sun shining? Are flowers blooming? Is snow glistening on the branches of the trees in your front yard? Express your gratitude every day and more good things will come your way.

8. You can't get today back, so live life in the moment. We only have one life and once a day is gone, it's gone forever. So don't squander it by always looking for better times in the future. Sure, it's important to dream, but you can't lose sight of the here and now either. Be mindful of the opportunities that come your way every single day.

9. Fight for your relationships. Relationships can be messy. We're all human and we can all be hard to live with at times. We all make mistakes. We all say and do things that hurt, often without even realizing it. But if you have a meaningful relationship with someone, whether it's romantic or just friendship or family, put time into it. Learn to accept those you care for, with all their foibles. Expect the same acceptance from them. Communicate and work through the tough times -- it'll be worth it!

10. Pursue your passion!

Thanks for the opportunity to share this. Makes me realize I do know a thing or two... ;)