August's Lesson

I could say I learned how much I worry, but that's not really true, because I know I'm a worrier. 

I could say I learned that I like sweets, A LOT, but that's not really news either.

So what did I learn last month?  That's hard.

Maybe it seems hard because I don't like the word "learned" as it seems to imply that I have acquired lasting knowledge and mastered something new. If that is indeed the definition, then I don't "learn" much at all, because it seems I keep learning the same things over and over again.

Perhaps I will say I was reminded. That seems better to me. 

So what was I reminded of last month?

1. That asking for help is good thing.
I was worried (see above) about our scuba trip. Worried that I'd have trouble with my ear again, so I went to the allergist and got checked out and she provided me with some advice. It worked! No ear trouble on the trip. I asked. I received. It made things better. Perhaps I should apply this in other areas of my life?

2. That worrying about what might happen won't change the actual outcome. It only sucks joy and energy from the now.
We had a really good time diving and I was reminded of how much I love it and how capable I am. All that worrying was just a waste of time.

3. I do like coffee. 
Okay, this one has nothing to do with worrying, but I was reminded that Starbucks isn't the only coffee in town, and you don't have to burn your coffee if you don't want to. I tasted some coffee the other day at The Fresh Market. It's their "Summer Breeze" with hints of apricot and fresh cream, and it is yummy. Admittedly, I do prefer more of a cafe au latte with milk and sugar, but it's a nice variation on my morning cup of tea.

So there it is. What I was reminded of last month. (Yes, I know Kat only asked for 1, but by now you should all know that I'm not good at limiting!)


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Lessons Learned

"I wish someone had told me . . . 

that good people do bad things sometimes.

that parenting is harder than it looks.

that success rarely looks the way I envisioned it.

that aging is easier for some people than for others.

that the people who love you the most and help you the most, are also the people who can hurt you the most.

that children will drive you to distraction at some point (probably more than once!)

that every moment of peace and joy should be savored because there are no guarantees on how long those moments last or how often they show up.

that friends, real friends, are vital to healthy living.

that stuff will never fill the hole that only God was meant to fill.

that sunshine and fresh air will make almost anything better."

. . . But if someone had told me all of that, I wouldn't have believed them. Some things have to be experienced to be learned.

I have learned a lot.

linking up with Writer's Workshop