What's your best life lesson so far?

[The Muse]

It seems like since I hit my 30's, I'm more in tune with what life is teaching me. I've also become more interested in learning from others whose life experiences are different from mine.

I think my most life changing lesson so far is that life really is what you make of it. I used to always think that there was something better out there than what I had. I thought that if I moved, changed jobs, went out more, had waited to marry, etc., my life would be better. But since I started looking for happiness in what I've already got (and possibly less than what I've got), I've found that I'm completely happy and content. I used to scoff at those "make lemonade out of lemons" people, but they've had it right all along.

Last year, it rained on our entire vacation. In the past I'd have been angry about it and planned another trip to make up for it. Instead, I decided to enjoy walking around in the rain with DH, drinking coffee and taking goofy pictures. I had the most fun of any vacation and made some of my most cherished memories that week.

So, what's your best life lesson so far?

[Edna_E]

Enjoyment does not have to cost anything. Actually, I learned that very early in life, but I have always considered it to be valuable knowledge. In college I could enjoy walking with womeone or swinging on a swingset in a park. 30 years later I can enjoy watching a storm across the desert or sharing a good joke. These things matter to me.

[Dobby]

I've learned that life is too short to:

a) Put up with toxic people

b) Worry about the little things, like how chubby my arms look. It's hot, I'll wear a tank top if I feel like it!

[Pianolady]

You can choose to be happy, and drama is over-rated....oh, that's two! LOL

[Jellybeanz]

Some good thoughts above, I agree with all, including the tank tops. LOL I'm 43 and I just started letting myself wear them around the house this summer. Why? Because I have a really big birthmark on my arm/hand ( portwine) and I was always too self conscious. True I still go with something that has a half sleeve at least when I go out ( to avoid the stares) but.... yea, I just finally figured out I had a right to wear them around the house if I wanted too. Silly I know.. but anyway.

Okay.. my major life lesson to date : ... :-) I have really embraced the fact that I am accountable for myself. This includes how I react to things, regardless of who did what. Even in my marriage/family, I was always stressing over who did what, and guilty of blaming "them" because they screwed up my world. Well they may screw up, but I'm still accountable for my reaction to it.

This also includes more lately my financial picture. It had gotten to the point I was near a breakdown because my husband and I aren't on the same page ( he's definately NOT frugal! lol) and I have to let it be. I can't change him, I've tried talking, he doesn't want to talk about it, so I have to stay true to myself. To this end, I make sure I earn income and handle it wisely. It's me being accountable for ME.

So in a nutshell.. I've learned how important it is to "know thyself" .. to be aware, to take proactive steps instead of saying poor me, life is unfair to me. I did that for the longest, it never worked! lol

I can't just stop at that though.. through learning the lesson above, I have learned ( I truly think this) more about compassion , non judement , and letting others be who they are too. Putting the two aspects of learning HOW to be self aware and accountable to myself I feel have caused a greater sense of empowerment and peace and appreciation for what is , as it is NOW. Sure I still have my days.. but this lesson is a part of journey. I'm sure I've got a lot more learning to do before it's all said and done.

[Momof3girls]

For me, it has been that I am who I am. Flaws, good qualities and all and I can be that person and not worry about what others think.

[lovestolaugh]

1.) Envy nobody... ever.

2.) No one is thinking about me, they are too busy thinking about themselves!

3.) True happiness lasts only 5 minutes. Any longer and your fooling yourself. Contentment can last a lifetime.

4.) Being polite only takes seconds but the smile it put's on someone's face can last an eternity!

5.) Laughter truly is the best medicine.

6.) I would rather be lonely than bored!

[prftstrngr]

Never forget to tell someone you love them ALL the time.... even though they know you do.....you never know when they may be gone from your life and you wont ever get to tell them again.

[mombottoo]

I am one of those "when life hands you lemons, make lemonade" people . I learned early that I couldn't control other people, but I could control my responses to other people...sometimes it is easier said than done though.

[Marie78]

All of the above . I just turned 30 this year and I spent most of my 29th year soul searching: I lost both grandparents a year apart on my dad's side recently and it jarred me (still does a year later).

I want to love and be loved and forget the B.S. that makes up most of our days. So much of my worrying is over things I can't control...I am trying to let go of past: hang ups, hurt, poor body image, etc.... I 'm eating healthier, losing weight, and looking for more natural/organic products to eat, slather on myself, and surround myself with.

I want to be around to see my great great grandchildren or at least some great grandchildren . Losing my grandparents has taught me to love and laugh with the people in my life right now, and make memories that will last a life time for everyone who was there with me .

[Cricket1]

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here, we might as well dance." I think one's frame of mind is everything.

[cheapskate 49]

Happiness isn't at the end of a journey(a new job,new house etc)happiness is the journey-live in the moment,enjoy the sunset,a smile from the neighbour,a good book,a great cup of tea,if you can find the joy in the little things then you have a happy life

[MomToTwoBoys]

I think mine would be:

You don't have the same body at 21 as you do at 30, so take care of it. The older you get, the more work you have to put into making yourself look and feel good. With that being said, it's time to hit the gym in early September. Christmas dress, here I come!

[dpence]

I've started to learn not to take myself so serious.It's ok to make mistakes and even admit I made them.

[IamBlessed]

I guess the #1 thing that I have learned as I grow older is that you have to cherish each moment for what it is. Time speeds by fast enough so appreciate every little bit.