ToT:Life Lessons

This week's topic is "Life lessons."   What are 10 or 20 (or however many) life lessons you've learned so far? A little bit of inspiration for this topic can be found here.  Wow.  I really needed to think on this for more than a couple of minutes before I started writing, but lately time has not been the biggest commodity around here.  So, I thought I would just try to "wing it."  I didn't read through the entire list of 45 life lessons in the article because I didn't want to "borrow" any from the author, not that she doesn't list some very valid life lessons, but they are ones that I could potentially put on my list...and I want to think that I can come up with my own material. Anyhow here it goes...

1. If something is weighing on your heart, or your mind, pray about it.  Pray about everything.  Even if you are angry.
2. Don't live life in the past, and try not to get caught up in the "What If" questions about the future.  Live in the present moment as much as possible.
3. Marriage starts with a promise and a ceremony, but that is only the beginning.  It takes work, trust, communication, dedication, and above all love. 
4. Protect and nurture your friendships. They are worth it. They deserve your time and attention. True friends are precious.
5. Forgive yourself.  Whatever it is-let it go and move on.
6. We always tend to lash out or hurt the ones closest to us.  Remember that the next time a loved one hurts you.  Try to understand and forgive.  Also, try not to dole out the hurt.  Family is first.
7. A lot of lessons we teach our children are "caught" not "taught" so be careful in what you say and do because little eyes and ears are always open. This little tidbit came from a book we are reading in my MOMS group.  I work on this everyday.
8. If you don't have anything nice to say, then keep your mouth shut.
9. Try to take a little bit of time every now and then to "unplug" and quiet your mind. Silence can be golden.
10. Don't compare yourself to others.
11. Education is not something to be taken for granted.  Strive to learn something new everyday.
12. Never eat after your children.  Seriously, have you seen what they are willing to touch and where their hands go? If you have a nose picker in your family, then you know what I'm talking about here.
13. Always go to the bathroom before running.  NEVER just wait and see.
14. If you live with a dog (well, my dog in particular) and she drinks about a gallon of water, leave her outside until said water has been digested or ends up on the ground in one form or another. Trust me-it's better than cleaning it up inside the house. Oh, and it's coming up-that's not a question, it's a fact.
15. A band-aid and a kiss can cure some of the biggest boo-boos.
16. Find something you love to do, and then take the time to do it.
17. Inspired by Dr. Seuss, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." We just watched "The Lorax" tonight.  I think the message was lost on the kids, but not on me. I will continue to try to teach it to them.
18. Always give thanks.
19. Remember to laugh.  Try not to take yourself too seriously. 
20. When in doubt just smile and wave. :) Oh, and do a little dance. Dancing is always good.

So there are some serious and not so serious life lessons.  Now, see check out some words of wisdom from the other ToT ladies.