I learned -

I have really pushed my limits the last few years and figured out things about life that are mostly inexplicable, but I will try my best:

I learned that I needed to learn how to say no. I am still working on this one, but every time I struggle to say no, I realize that it is something that I usually should be saying no to. I am not talking about things that are necessarily bad, but I am just saying that if I do not say no immediately and I mostly want to say yes, but I have a moment of hesitation…that is when I know I must say no. I still struggle to make that correct decision sometimes.

I learned that anger is useless...anger only makes you realize later that it really wasn't a big deal. I also learned that you should say how you feel. This sounds paradoxical, but the truth is if you do not appreciate what is happening and in fact think it is wrong, then you had better speak up or nothing will ever change.

I learned that I like older people. The opportunity to learn from adults who have experienced much more than myself is one opportunity that I try to soak up every time I can. I learned that I have an automatic respect for adults; simply because they have made it to adulthood. That is a feat (esp. in this world) if you ask me!

I learned that happiness is a decision and it is the one you should choose every morning when you wake up. Happiness is contagious. I just love to be happy and I realized that when I wake up that way, my day is 100 times better.

I learned that I love to travel and that that love is unique to anyone else’s love for travel. Travelling is an art to me. It makes me feel invigorated and vulnerable. It gives me energy and I even love thinking about travelling.

I learned that it is okay to feel totally humiliated for beginning to fall in love with someone who did not love you back the same. I also learned that it is better to have immersed yourself in love than held back for a single second.

I learned from you that spontaneity and being flexible is an amazing attribute. I do not know what it is about getting older, but I feel like I have become worse about these two things. I try my hardest to be flexible and enjoy being spontaneous because monotony is just not who I am!

I learned that I lack integrity. I learned that I do not always do what I say I will do. One of my new year’s resolutions is to have more integrity in my life especially in the area of commitments and the environment. The trouble is life is not black and white. I wish it were.

I learned that I can be vulnerable and independent at the same time.

I learned how much the elements bring me joy. I honestly could not be happier than when I am in the water, near a fire, or enjoying the night breeze while watching the stars. The only thing that could make me happier is doing all the above in the presence of my family and friends. I love the elements.

and most of all, I have learned that I love learning. It is my very most favorite part about life.