"What I've Learned" from age 6 to 92

I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries 
when we sing "Silent Night."  Age 6

I've learned that you can't hide a piece of broccoli 
in a glass of milk. Age 7

I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, 
they stop what they are doing and wave back.  Age 9

I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it,
Mom makes me clean it up.  Age 13

I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, 
you should try cheering someone else up.  Age 14

I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, 
I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me.  Age 15

I've learned that silent company is often more healing 
than words of advice. Age 24

I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of 
life's great pleasures. Age 26

I've learned that wherever I go, the worlds worst drivers 
have followed me there.  Age 29

I've learned... that if someone says something unkind 
about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.  Age 39

I've learned that there are people who love you dearly but 
just don't know how to show it.  Age 41

I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply 
sending a little card.  Age 44

I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, 
the greater his need to cast blame on others.  Age 46

I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. 
 Age 47

I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits
 for hours. Age 49

I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side 
away from the phone.  Age 50

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he 
 handles these three things:  a rainy day, lost luggage, 
and tangled Christmas tree lights. Age 52

I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a 
medicine cabinet full of pills.  Age 52

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with 
your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.  Age 53

I've learned that making a living is not the same thing 
as making a life. Age 58

I've learned that if you want to do something positive 
for your children, try to improve your marriage.  Age 61

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. 
 Age 62

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a
 catchers mitts on both hands.  You need to be able to
throw something back.  Age 64

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. 
But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, 
meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, 
happiness will find you.  Age 65

I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, 
I usually make the right decision.  Age 66

I've learned that everyone can use a prayer.  Age 72

I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. 
 And to tell the truth, I've seen several.  Age 73

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
  Age 82

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a
friendly pat on the back.  Age 85

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.  Age 92

------------------------------------------------------



 Lessons In Life
 ---------------

 I've learned - That you cannot make someone love you.
 All you can do is be someone who can be loved.
 The rest is up to them.

 I've learned - That no matter how much you care,
 some people just don't care back.

 I've learned - That it takes years to build up trust,
 but only seconds to destroy it.

 I've learned - That it's not what you have in your life,
 but who you have in your life that counts.

 I've learned - That you can get by on charm for about 15 minutes.
 After that, you'd better know something.

 I've learned - That you shouldn't compare yourself to the best
 others can do, but to the best you can do.

 I've learned - That it's not what happens to us that's important.
 It's what we do about it.

 I've learned -That you can do something in an instant
 that will give you heartache for life.

 I've learned - That no matter how thin you slice it,
 there are always two sides.

 I've learned -That it's taking me a long time to become
 the person I want to be.

 I've learned - That it may be easier to react than
 to plan ahead, but it's much less effective.

 I've learned - That you should always leave loved ones
 with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

 I've learned - That you can keep going long after you
 think you can't.

 I've learned - That we are responsible for what we do,
 no matter how we feel

 I've learned - That either you control your attitude or
 it controls you.

 I've learned - That regardless of how hot and steamy
 a relationship is at first, passion fades and there had
 better be something stronger to take its place.

 I've learned - That heroes are the people who do what
 has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless
 of the consequences.

 I've learned - That learning to forgive takes practice.

 I've learned - That there are people who love you dearly,
 but just don't know how to show it.

 I've learned - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

 I've learned - That sometimes the people you expect to kick
 you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

 I've learned - That just because someone doesn't love
 you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love
 you with all they have.

 I've learned - That maturity has more to do with the
 experiences you've had and what you've learned from them
 and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

 I've learned - That no matter how good a friend is,
 they're going to hurt you every once in a while and
 you must forgive them for that.

 I've learned - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven
 by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

 I've learned - That no matter how badly your heart is broken
 the worlddoesn't stop for your grief.

 I've learned - That background and circumstances may have
 influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

 I've learned - That just because two people argue, it
 doesn't mean they don't love each other, and just because
 they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

 I've learned - That we don't have to change friends if
 we understand that friends change.

 I've learned - That your life can be changed in a matter
 of seconds by people who don't even know you.

 I've learned - That even when you think you have no more
 to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find
 the strength to help.

 I've learned - That the paradigm we live in is not all
 that is offered to us.

 I've learned - That credentials on the wall do not make
 you a decent human being.  Send this to all your friends
 and those you care about.  No promise that you'll become
 wealthy if you do, and no curse that you'll have bad luck
 if you don't.  It's just a good idea.