Things we learn as we grow older...

[Thevail]

With age comes wisdom.. supposedly anyway.
So what are the really useful and meaningful things you've learned as you've gotten older?


I've learned that it's not rude to say no.. and mean it. And that you don't have to be mean saying it, there are a million nice ways to say no. "Oh, that sounds like a great idea, but..."

I've learned that the Nike shoe company is right.. JUST DO IT. Problems don't age like fine wine.. they get worse with age.

I've learned to make the best decision I can at the time, with the info I have and to try not to give in to regret later. No one can do better than their best. And our best is always situational.

I've learned that "grown-ups" are a myth. You're 22 inside your head forever. A smarter, more experperienced 22, yes.. but no one thinks of themselves as "old" or "grown up".

[jamie79]

I have learned all that you say but want to add that

Its not others opinions of me and my life that matter, its my opinion that matters

I have learned that if you have your health you do have everything

I have learned to be happy with what we have not unhappy with what we dont

[lotsadebt]

I have learned to think about the diffence between a "want" and a "need". To make no big decision without first thinking about it for a few days. That will help separate the want from the need, alot of times you can make due with what you have already.

[miss_thrifty]

I've learned that u reap what u sow. that icludes my kids and descions in my life whether negative or postive.
Ive also learned alittle kindness goes a long ways.
That some things do come back to u ans some things never will.

[Thevail]

Oh yeah... and NEVER buy uncomfortable shoes. They don't "wear in".. whatever that means. Nothing makes a person look wierder than gorgeous shoes and clenched teeth.

[starsapphire]

I've learned not to give a flying fig about what others think of me.

I've learned that I am strong, sexy, and fabulous just the way I am. I have learned this from other strong, sexy, fabulous women

There is so much more, but that's what comes to mind at this moment.

Right now I'm working on living completely comfortably in my body. Not a size/weight issue. More of a staying grounded no matter what happens kind of thing.

Good thread.

[cab54]

What starsapphire said about not caring what others think anymore! So much so, that sometimes I have to remind myself what is socially acceptable, so I don't become a complete weirdo/eccentric.

I am a LOT less likely to judge someone after the first meeting with them. Or even the second or third. I realize now that we all have bad days, or days we aren't ourselves, or don't feel well, etc....

I always think, when something is stressful----'How important is this?' The bottom line is about all that means something to me now.

I don't worry (very much) about my grown kids. I am not in charge, anyway, God is, as far as I know. Besides, DH worries enough for both of us. I would rather say (on the phone, or IM) "How are you doing? Good to hear your voice!" ---than all of the grilling and worry-warting that DH does. His life, I guess.

I have come to realize that my body (and mind and spirit for that matter) are 54 years old, not 30. I get insomnia when I try to do too much at once. Weird. I can only do so much at once, or so much in a day. But I DO practice what Thevail said about 'just do it'. Just not all at once. LOL! I do actually procrastinate less, though, when I know I can split it up.

I feel a lot less GUILTY than I always did. I spent too much of my life feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. Everything was m fault somehow. No more.

[gapeach]

I've learned it's the little things that really do make my day, like a smile from a child, a simple thank you, my dogs wagging their tails when I come home, a phone call from a friend who calls just to say "hi, I was thinking about you", etc.

[Missy]

it take one piece of coral, three hotwheels cars, two GI Joes, and a handfull of nuts and bolts to stop up a toilet.

[frugalfranny]

Forgiveness: the hope that the past could have been any different.

To celebrate my past and look forward to the future.

[frugalwarrior]

I've learned
-I should have paid more attention to me
-That the weight really does come off harder the older you get.
-That some people take themselves way too seriously and I find it way too funny
-That there definately is no "do over " button
-That spouses do not age at the same rate and that is why some marriages tank
-That as you get older valuable stuff morfs into clutter behind you back.

[ladykemma2]

what everybody else said

to appreciate and take care of what i have
that furniture does not have to "match"
that i am responsible for me, no one else.

[shortstack]

I am not a third ager but have learned thus far in my life:

-Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, even though our media would disagree.
-The world does NOT revolve around me or any person for that matter.
-I do not know everything but do have the intelligence and ability to gather the knowledge I need.
-There is more then one right way to do things sometimes, my way is not always the only "right way".
-The satisfaction of a job well done can beat any tangible reward anyday.
-No one in life "owes me" anything, if I'm going to achieve, it will be through my own hard work.
-You only get one chance at life, why sit around and complain about it. Make it what you want!
-My mother was right in so many way and also wrong in a few as well.
-The older I get the more I realize how much my mother gave up for me and my sister.
-Prepare for the future but realize that worry is futile and unproductive
-God really does answer prayers in His time and He is in control. For that I am ever thankful because if I were in control my life would be a huge mess .
-God brings people in and out of our lives. Learn from them as we are supposed to and appreciate them for what they are.
-Learning can be fun!
-People trump objects. In my particular case my kids come way before the things I own. This is one I'm constantly reminded of because they tend to spill things lol
-Kids learn by watching you. Be the person you hope your kids turn into
-Never end a conversation without telling a loved one that you love them. It could be your last chance to tell them.

[ilovechocolate]

My dad always said that you can do anything that you have to do. I've learned that he was right.

I've learned that people don't pay nearly as much attention to us as we think they do.

I've learned that most of what we worry about today is forgotten by tomorrow.

I've learned that there are only a few people whose opinions I really cherish.

I've learned that the Lord will always take care of me and will always love me.

[stinkbug]

*Karma.
*You really are only as old as you feel.
*You are what you eat.
*Having good health IS something to be thankful for.
*You can't control the world....or even your little corner of it.
*The more I'm around people, the better I like my dog.
*Choose a life partner that you genuinly LIKE.
*When it comes to decorating, fashion, and gardening - the books, magazines and experts do not have to dictate YOUR tastes.
*Don't look back.
*Do the best you can, with what you have, where you are.