LESSONS of MIDLIFE

When I was twenty one, I felt I had reached the pinnacle of adulthood. Nothing could get better than this, and that I knew all there was to know about life. Thirty seemed positively ancient, and surely the aches and pains of old age would hit me then. How quickly thirty came, and the thought of being in my forties seemed like an awful prospect, and so so far away. Reaching my forties started a whole new chapter in my life. A good one. I would never go back to my twenties; I have learned far too much to ever want to go back.

My forty-fifth year was a rollercoaster ride. The ups and downs of daily life seemed to keep my life in constant turmoil. There were however, many lessons learned. I have gleaned all these gems of wisdom and made it my point from this time forward to use them everyday.

Treat others the way you want to be treated...whether it's your gardner, or your child's teacher...or the grumpy employee at the DMV.

Be the type of friend you wish you had

When you feel the urge to criticize.....

BITE YOUR TONGUE.....
HARD!

Compliment freely

Give praise where it's due

Never seek revenge....it will NEVER have the result you want

Listen to advice.....it may be what you need to hear

Give, and give, and give....and when you cant give anymore

Give some more

Reach out...and if someone takes your hand....pull them up

Never take anything, or anyone.....for granted....

They might not be here tomorrow

It's never too late to try something new, or make a new friend

Smile.......A LOT

Laugh......A LOT

Don't let pride keep you from asking for help......or from accepting it

If you have guilt.....forgive yourself......everyone makes mistakes

Say you're sorry.....and mean it

Shame should never keep you from asking for forgiveness

Don't give up on anyone.....even if it seems hopeless

Nothing in your life occurs by chance or happenstance....everything happens for a reason....even if we don't understand at the time.

Be thankful for the ones who love you.......

Take joy in the simple things of life......

Love your children for who they are...not what you think they should be

Go with the flow when your plans unexpectedly change

Be a shoulder to cry on

Listen to others, instead of just talking about your own problems

Remember there is always someone with a bigger problem than yours

MAKE time

Dream BIG!!

Learn to laugh at yourself

Be humble

Never change who you are just to please someone else

Cherish your friendships...good friends are precious

And most important

LOVE YOURSELF