Some lessons learned lately

I knew this would happen.

I haven't written in a couple weeks. Not that there's not a ton I'd like to say. But I just can't. So I guess I am putting the filter on. Better late than never.

Writing is very personal for me. I have a tough time sharing my writing because it's very personal. I say what  I think and if I write it down it will definitely piss someone off. And since I don't know exactly where I'm headed with this blog I will just talk about some of the things I've learned over the past few weeks.

1. Life is short. Enjoy what you have and who you have it with. As I try to teach my 9 year old son not to pitch a fit b/c his dad wants him to eat one more peice of meat at dinner, and teach my 6 year old daughter that it's not the end of the world that her brother made fun of her, I am reminded how many times I make a big deal out of nothing in my own life. What a waste of precious time.

2. People are fickle. They aren't always going to live up to who you want them to be. Try to love them anyway. It's hard, I know - my expectations always exceed reality.

3. People are judgemental. Even the ones who complain about others who pass judgement. It's human nature. It's not pretty, but if you can keep from doing it I think that you've conquered one of life's huge challenges. It's not a nice thing to do, but if you call someone else out on it, please take a look at yourself as well.

4. Being a little judgemental is not a bad thing, at least not all the time. I judge my kids all the time. I judge whether or not I'm raising them right. I judge whether or not they poop on a regular basis. I judge whether or not they make the right decisions for themselves. A world without any kind of judgement, what would that look like? I'm not sure I understand it. Which leads me to the next one...

5. There's a lot of stuff I don't understand, and that's ok. I am trying to figure it out myself as I go, just like you. So if you come to me for advice, all that's going to get you is a "suggested opinion." I don't have all the answers. But I do have a lot of experience and logic that I didn't have 15 years ago, and I am just now seeing how far I've come. I hope to keep progressing.

6. People who say they have all the answers and think they know everything NEVER ACTUALLY DO. Their ignorance in thinking they're the one who has it all figured out will really hold them back. They may never figure that out, and it's not your job to help them do it. Experience may be the only key to unlocking that door. Sometimes that door stays shut forever. Not my problem.

7. One of the most important things I can do to keep maturing and growing is to learn from my mistakes and keep my eyes open, hopefully so I can learn from your mistakes too. I'm not above that, not a bit. So I pay attention.

8. Love is the most important thing in this world. If we did everything through that prism, we'd all be OK. It's really hard, so I will forgive you if you can't.

So that's it. I'm sure I've learned a lot more; I could go on and on. But that's enough for now.