I've Learned that if someone says something unkind about me,
I must live so that no one will believe it.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that silent company is often
more healing than words of advice.
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.
I've learned that life sometimes gives you
a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life
with a catchers mitt on both hands.
You need to be able to throw something back.
I've learned that wherever I go,
the worlds worst drivers have followed me there.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness,
I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly
but just don't know how to show it.
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.
I've learned... that I still have a LOT to learn.
Anonymous

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 I care,
some people just don't care back.

I've learned-
that it takes years to build up trust,
and 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 fifteen minutes.
After that, you'd better know something.

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

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

Anonymous

I've learned. . .

. . . that you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

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

I've learned-
that you can keep going
long after 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,
the passion fades and there had better be something else 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 money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned-
that my best friend and I can do anything
or nothing and have the best time.

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 sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned-
that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

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 what types of 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 youhave to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned-
that no matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned-
that our 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 you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life forever.

I've learned-
that two people can look at the exact
same thing and see something totally different.

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

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

I've learned-
that credentials on the wall
do not make you a decent human being.

~ Source Unknown ~

I've learned that the best classroom in the world is simply to sit at
the feet of an elderly man or woman and listen.

I've learned that to ignore the facts does not change them.

I've learned that I can always pray for someone,
even when I don't have the strength or resources to do anything else for him.

I've learned that when you harbor bitterness, happiness docks elsewhere.

I've learned that when you hold a grudge against someone for a real
or
imagined offense, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned that I can forgive, even when my enemy isn't asking for pardon.

I've learned that the Lord didn't do everything in one day,
so it must be all right for me to accept that I can't either.

I've learned that I often can't choose how I feel,
but I can always choose what I do about my feelings.

I've learned that life is tough but that God's strength is sufficient.

I've learned that no matter how serious your life requires you to be,
everyone needs a friend with whom to kick back and act goofy.

I've learned that love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned that money can't buy class or happiness or peace.

I've learned that when you're in love, you can't hide it -- even if you try.

I've learned that a smile is the easiest and least expensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned that just one person saying "You've made my day!" makes my day.

I've learned that loving is more fundamental to happiness than being loved.

~ Author Unknown ~

Things We Can Learn from a Dog

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When itâs in your best interest, always practice obedience.
Let others know when theyâve invaded your territory.
Take naps and always stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something youâre not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you are criticized, donât buy into the guilt thing and pout.
Run right back and make friends.

Author Unknown
from Chicken Soup for the Pet Loverâs Soul
Copyright1998 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Marty Becker and Carol Kline

If I Had My Life to Live Over

I'd dare to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax. I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have been this trip.
I would take fewer things seriously.
I would take more chances.
I would take more trips.
I would climb more mountains and swim more rivers.
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles
but I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly
and sanely hour after hour, day after day.
Oh, I've had my moments
and if I had it to do over again,
I'd have more of them.
In fact, I'd try to have nothing else.
Just moments. one after another, instead of living
so many years ahead of each day.

I've been one of those people who never go anywhere
without a thermometer, a hot water bottle,
a raincoat and a parachute.

If I had my life to live over,
I would start barefoot earlier in the spring
And stay that way later in the fall.
If I had it to do again,
I would travel lighter next time.
I would go to more dances.
I would ride more merry-go-rounds.
I would pick more daisies.

By Nadine Stair (age 85)
from Condensed Chicken Soup for the Soul
Copyright 1996 by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen & Patty Hansen