A cardinal in my backyard on Saturday, 1/14/06

Every year on my birthday, I like to think about what I’ve learned over the past year, to see if that old saying “Older and Wiser” is true. I try to learn lessons and allow events to better shape my character, and hopefully out of all of it I’m a little better of a person, and I like myself a little more for who I am and what I stand for. My list isn’t all-inclusive, but these are probably the most significant things that have moved me and got me thinking in a years time. Here are my deep thoughts from last year, of course all of those things still apply.

I’ve learned that being the best friend I know how to be has to be good enough. I can try to be better, but I have to try on my own terms – not someone elses. If someone doesn’t like the kind of friend I am, they can opt out. I can’t handle the pressure I put on myself for disappointing other people. I try. Damn hard. I’m not perfect – no one is.

I’ve learned not to expect anything from anyone. I will never, ever be disappointed – and I be delighted more often than not. Two thumbs up in that situation, every single time. Guaranteed.

I do enjoy doing things for other people, as much as I hate to admit it. I realized that I spend most of my days doing things for other people, in hopes that they can have the same kind of happiness I have.

I was disappointed to find out this year that I am NOT in control. Dammit. I have to let go, and trust God more.

I’ve learned that nothing was ever resolved by sitting around doing nothing and accepting things as they are. You can promote change by taking action, and being one hell of a determined person. I’m not talking about politics or world events, I’m talking about personal lives and events.

I actually have an interest in learning – and I thought I’d given that up when I graduated high school. I surprised myself with that one, teaching myself how to do things, researching so that I could learn and it would stick. No one is too old to learn something new.

In a nutshell, this past year was a lot about lessons learned through relationships with people. My family, friends, and people I’ve met through the internet.

I can’t wait to see what I learn over this next year!