As this aging boomer races ever more rapidly toward another birthday, I have found myself pondering what, if anything, I have learned during my brief time upon this marvelous blue orb. Alas, I soon discovered that quite a few of the lessons I have experienced have come at a terribly high price. I have frequently learned by trial and error, or rather, many, many errors, before the lesson finally struck home. It is my wish to pass on what I have learned for you to ponder, reflect upon, agree or disagree if you desire; but, I hope, cause you to think just a little, before another year passes you by. Here are ten things I have learned along the way.
- Every life is precious. Treasure each and every minute of yours and do all that you can to protest the lives of others.
- Family is everything. Never place work, deadlines, other priorities ahead of family. Many things and a great number of people will fail or disappoint you in life, they may even be members of your family. Remember, though, that they are YOUR family. Genes mean a lot and you share some of that very same DNA with your siblings, parents and relatives.
- If children and animals love you and are drawn to you. then you most certainly are on the right track in life.
- Why did we go to the moon and then stop exploring the rest of the universe? There is so much more to learn, so many new discoveries just waiting out there to be found. Have we lost our explorer zeitgeist? We need to get going and get going now.
- War, by whatever name we call it, must always be our very last resort. (See number one above.) We must stay strong, be a deterrent to those who want to do us harm, but we have to try absolutely everything possible before putting people in harm’s way.
- Friends will come and go in your lifetime, true friends manage to stick around for the entire trip.
- Let it go. These three words are much more than a really memorable song; they should also become your mantra. Do not hold grudges. Forgive everyone. Life is too short to squander on petty rivalries or injustices. Save your angst for the really important stuff.
- The vast majority of people really want to do the right thing. Give them that chance and treat them like they are truly special. You will be surprised at how wonderful they can be. Ignore those who disappoint and who are just plain mean. They really are in the minority.
- Every single human on this planet has a talent for something. Your mission in life should be to discover your unique talent and then work every day to develop it into something truly special.
- Donate, give back and pay it forward. You will quickly discover that it really does come back to you in many different forms, shapes and opportunities. Along the way you will also meet some really terrific people, trying to do the very same thing you are doing. Quite a neat crowd to hang around with, for sure.
I have learned many other lessons, as well and I will share what I have found in future posts. As I wrote in my book, Words for my Children, it has taken me a lifetime to fully understand what I am experiencing and that path to knowledge has never been short or straight. All I know is that I plan to keep learning something new every day and I suspect that fully understanding what life is trying to tell me, will keep me mighty busy for a very long time. Enjoy your own path of discovery. The truth really is out there.