Every year at this time, I reflect on the year thats ending and try to take
something positive away from all that I've learned, even the bad experiences
have a lesson to be learned in them. I've learned a lot of things this year,
and I usually make mental notes of most of them. There isn't enough time in the
day for any of us to read it all, but here are some of the highlights.
I learned that...
... people are not always what they seem to be. A person can seem together,
appear to be a leader, and seem to have a heart of a humanitarian, but
underneath they can be harboring resentment and anger towards the world. They
can have a nasty spirit, and not even know it. I learned that some of these
people will be sugar sweet to your face, and then talk about you like you're a
dog to others. These people will never be fulfilled or happy in their lives.
... there are still really good people left in the world. People that truly
want to help others, without expecting anything in return. They are everywhere,
you just need to open your eyes, and look for them. Better yet, become one of
them.
... what seems like a travesty in your life, can actually turn out to be a
blessing.
... we will all continue to make mistakes in life. I have learned to forgive
myself for those of the past, to learn from them, and not repeat the same ones.
I'm sure I will have enough new ones in the future to make up for it.
... no matter how much you want something in life, it might not be whats
best for you.
... no matter how many people tell me I can't do something, I know that I
can, if I want it bad enough!
... children become adults when you blink your eyes.
... once your children become teenagers, they no longer want to cuddle, talk
cute or hang out with you. Enjoy that last year before they cross that line.
... evil continues to multiply and walk the Earth. It doesn't have any
sympathy or compassion for anyone. Be prepared and be ready for anything.. but
whatever you do, don't be scared, it will make you weak.
... you still can't fix stupid!
... it is truly possible to fit 15 pair of boots in my closet.
... that no matter how much money I spend on doctor's visits, no one will
ever be able to cure my headaches, so I will be saving my money from now on, and
using it to go towards keeping me walking.
... no matter how much I want to stay young, it's not happening.
... I'm not the only one that understands being thrifty is not only smart,
it's fun!
... even though she's getting older, Lyndsay Lohan will never learn her
lesson.
... my fruit trees produce a whole heck of a lot of fruit every 3 to 4
years.. like enough to feed the neighborhood!
... even though you suspend one of the best coaches in the NFL, he will not
only come back stronger than ever, he will come back as the highest paid coach
in the league.
... no matter what.. family is family and family sticks together!!
... forgiving doesn't mean you're weak, it shows your strength.
... No matter how old you get, if you were raised in the 70s, it will never
be safe to go back in the water.
... the older I get, the more I realize, it really is the simple things in
life that make me happy.
... I can't drink liquor
... I truly love my big fluffy robe, and it loves me back.
... to never, EVER get a neck procedure done, unless you have enough
anesthesia, it's a nightmare that will live with you forever!
... Starbucks is my favorite guilty pleasure
... I have changed a lot in the last 7 years
... no matter what, I will always miss my mother
... I have the best children in the world. They are kind, smart and generous.
They never cease to amaze me in all walks of their life.
... praying all day, everyday is the way I stay sane, and it's cheaper than
therapy.
... buying more than one lottery ticket really doesn't increase your chances
of winning.
... just because someone is older than you, does not mean that they are
smarter than you. Wisdom comes from experience, and taking away from each
experience. Otherwise, you are not wise, you're just old.
... as cold as it gets in Florida, it still doesn't snow.
... you can teach an old dog new tricks, but you can't teach him to use the
bathroom outside!!
... people will disappoint you, get used to it.
... I do not like the sounds of anything thats not soothing. Silence is my
friend
... football will always be my favorite thing to do on the weekends
... exercise is not fun when you do it alone
... I will never find anyone that can cut my hair the way I want it cut.
... entertainers, politicians and athletes are extremely overpaid!
... you will never know unless you ask.
... commercials are louder than tv shows
... true friends will ALWAYS be there for you.
... there is such a thing as 2nd chances, and 3rd ones too.
... its still possible for me to impress my children
... waiting your entire life to ride the ferris wheel is stupid.
... I no longer feel safe sending my children to public school, and doubt I
will ever feel that comfort again.
... just because you are sick, doesn't mean you have to act like it.
... if you don't understand something, ask for clarification
...I will never be happy with my body
While there are a million other things I've learned this year. I will leave
you with this .. I learned that I am still growing and changing as a person.
While I'm not the person that I want to be, I am certainly not the person that I
used to be. I am proud of myself, and who I am becoming. I am content in my
life, and plan on not taking anything or anyone in my life for granted. Life is
too short, way too short. Let the little things slide, say comforting words to
those around you, and always greet people with a smile. Try to view life with a
positive attitude. Not everyone will be nice, accept it, and don't let it affect
you as a person. Remember that bad things happen to good people, and as bad as
it is, it will pass.. it always does.
I pray that each and every one of you will go after what makes you happy in
life, letting nothing stand in your way. Be the designer of your life, design it
the way you want it to be, and make it happen.
Happy New Year.. welcome in 2013!
~ Charlie
something positive away from all that I've learned, even the bad experiences
have a lesson to be learned in them. I've learned a lot of things this year,
and I usually make mental notes of most of them. There isn't enough time in the
day for any of us to read it all, but here are some of the highlights.
I learned that...
... people are not always what they seem to be. A person can seem together,
appear to be a leader, and seem to have a heart of a humanitarian, but
underneath they can be harboring resentment and anger towards the world. They
can have a nasty spirit, and not even know it. I learned that some of these
people will be sugar sweet to your face, and then talk about you like you're a
dog to others. These people will never be fulfilled or happy in their lives.
... there are still really good people left in the world. People that truly
want to help others, without expecting anything in return. They are everywhere,
you just need to open your eyes, and look for them. Better yet, become one of
them.
... what seems like a travesty in your life, can actually turn out to be a
blessing.
... we will all continue to make mistakes in life. I have learned to forgive
myself for those of the past, to learn from them, and not repeat the same ones.
I'm sure I will have enough new ones in the future to make up for it.
... no matter how much you want something in life, it might not be whats
best for you.
... no matter how many people tell me I can't do something, I know that I
can, if I want it bad enough!
... children become adults when you blink your eyes.
... once your children become teenagers, they no longer want to cuddle, talk
cute or hang out with you. Enjoy that last year before they cross that line.
... evil continues to multiply and walk the Earth. It doesn't have any
sympathy or compassion for anyone. Be prepared and be ready for anything.. but
whatever you do, don't be scared, it will make you weak.
... you still can't fix stupid!
... it is truly possible to fit 15 pair of boots in my closet.
... that no matter how much money I spend on doctor's visits, no one will
ever be able to cure my headaches, so I will be saving my money from now on, and
using it to go towards keeping me walking.
... no matter how much I want to stay young, it's not happening.
... I'm not the only one that understands being thrifty is not only smart,
it's fun!
... even though she's getting older, Lyndsay Lohan will never learn her
lesson.
... my fruit trees produce a whole heck of a lot of fruit every 3 to 4
years.. like enough to feed the neighborhood!
... even though you suspend one of the best coaches in the NFL, he will not
only come back stronger than ever, he will come back as the highest paid coach
in the league.
... no matter what.. family is family and family sticks together!!
... forgiving doesn't mean you're weak, it shows your strength.
... No matter how old you get, if you were raised in the 70s, it will never
be safe to go back in the water.
... the older I get, the more I realize, it really is the simple things in
life that make me happy.
... I can't drink liquor
... I truly love my big fluffy robe, and it loves me back.
... to never, EVER get a neck procedure done, unless you have enough
anesthesia, it's a nightmare that will live with you forever!
... Starbucks is my favorite guilty pleasure
... I have changed a lot in the last 7 years
... no matter what, I will always miss my mother
... I have the best children in the world. They are kind, smart and generous.
They never cease to amaze me in all walks of their life.
... praying all day, everyday is the way I stay sane, and it's cheaper than
therapy.
... buying more than one lottery ticket really doesn't increase your chances
of winning.
... just because someone is older than you, does not mean that they are
smarter than you. Wisdom comes from experience, and taking away from each
experience. Otherwise, you are not wise, you're just old.
... as cold as it gets in Florida, it still doesn't snow.
... you can teach an old dog new tricks, but you can't teach him to use the
bathroom outside!!
... people will disappoint you, get used to it.
... I do not like the sounds of anything thats not soothing. Silence is my
friend
... football will always be my favorite thing to do on the weekends
... exercise is not fun when you do it alone
... I will never find anyone that can cut my hair the way I want it cut.
... entertainers, politicians and athletes are extremely overpaid!
... you will never know unless you ask.
... commercials are louder than tv shows
... true friends will ALWAYS be there for you.
... there is such a thing as 2nd chances, and 3rd ones too.
... its still possible for me to impress my children
... waiting your entire life to ride the ferris wheel is stupid.
... I no longer feel safe sending my children to public school, and doubt I
will ever feel that comfort again.
... just because you are sick, doesn't mean you have to act like it.
... if you don't understand something, ask for clarification
...I will never be happy with my body
While there are a million other things I've learned this year. I will leave
you with this .. I learned that I am still growing and changing as a person.
While I'm not the person that I want to be, I am certainly not the person that I
used to be. I am proud of myself, and who I am becoming. I am content in my
life, and plan on not taking anything or anyone in my life for granted. Life is
too short, way too short. Let the little things slide, say comforting words to
those around you, and always greet people with a smile. Try to view life with a
positive attitude. Not everyone will be nice, accept it, and don't let it affect
you as a person. Remember that bad things happen to good people, and as bad as
it is, it will pass.. it always does.
I pray that each and every one of you will go after what makes you happy in
life, letting nothing stand in your way. Be the designer of your life, design it
the way you want it to be, and make it happen.
Happy New Year.. welcome in 2013!
~ Charlie