![\"Gratitude\"](\"https:\/\/fromabirdseyeview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/Gratitude.jpg\")
<\/a>This month I celebrated a milestone birthday. I am not unhappy about celebrating another birthday. In fact, this past year has given me reason to be especially grateful that I\u2019m adding a candle to my birthday cake. And not just because it was the Costco All-American chocolate cake or because I got to spend it with my brothers and their wives. \u00a0In the past ten months my best friend passed away suddenly, an old friend succumbed to cancer, three acquaintances died, a close friend\u2019s grandson was killed in an auto accident and another\u2019s husband was diagnosed with ALS. Two more friends’ husbands were told they have Alzheimer\u2019s. I don\u2019t even want to discuss the people who have had the ubiquitous Senior Citizen joint replacements.<\/p>\nAt one point I thought “Enough!” I don’t need any more signals that I should appreciate each day and every person in my life. I get it. But all of these events got me to thinking about what else – if anything – I\u2019ve learned along life\u2019s highway. I reflected on those philosophies or words of wisdom that have stuck with me. Some I learned as a young woman, some with gray in my hair. There are lessons I learned that are serious and some…well, not so much. Here’s what I came up with – “Life Lessons” if you will – in no particular order:<\/p>\n
<\/a>Do-Gooders<\/p><\/div>\n
People who repeatedly tell you how wonderful they are – aren\u2019t.<\/b> My first job out of college I worked as the head of marketing and advertising for an upscale condominium developer. One of my first clients told me incessantly about her Christian faith and how devout she was. She then proceeded to deal with everyone in an underhanded manner six ways to Sunday (when, presumably, she was on her way to church). It was a good lesson to learn early in life – beware of self-promoters.<\/p>\n
Duct Tape and WD-40 are the answers to all home repairs. <\/b>I read this at least 30 years ago and thought it was a joke. Turns out it was pretty good advice. If it sticks, grinds or squeaks, spray it with WD-40. If it\u2019s cracked, split or fractured, slap some duct tape on it and you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n
You choose<\/i> your destiny.<\/b> Many years ago I read Wayne Dyer\u2019s Book, \u201cThe Sky\u2019s The Limit\u201d wherein he states that we have a choice in how we approach our lives, and that choosing to be happy is, in the long run, far easier than wallowing in misery. He\u2019s right.<\/p>\n
Perspective is key.<\/b> I love Robert Fulghum’s philosophy on this: \u00a0\u201cLife is lumpy. And a lump in the oatmeal, a lump in the throat, and a lump in a breast are not the same lump. One should learn the difference.\u201d Wise words.<\/p>\n I need more light and magnification each year<\/p><\/div>\n A woman\u2019s best friends after age 50 are tweezers and a high-powered magnification mirror. <\/b>\u2018Nuff said.<\/p>\n Enjoy the process. <\/b>Twenty years ago I was putting together a big conference at work, hosting more than 1,000 people. \u00a0It was months in the making and I was stressed out to say the least. \u00a0The event planner finally looked me in the eye and said, “You’d better enjoy the process because the actual event is only 8 hours.” \u00a0It was good advice that has ended up having broad application for life in general. \u00a0Since then I’ve tried to enjoy the journey. \u00a0Except during a root canal.<\/p>\n When given the choice between being right and being kind, choose to be kind. <\/b>This was another great lesson from Wayne Dyer that I heard just last year. \u00a0I wish I’d heard it 30 years ago.<\/p>\n Let it Go.<\/b> Long before Disney turned this phrase into an annoying song, it was a great philosophy for dealing with anger or frustration. It has taken me too long\u00a0to learn this lesson, but I now think twice before getting mad and saying something I might regret. And I\u2019ve learned that after writing a snarky email if I wait a day to hit \u201csend\u201d it results in 99% of them getting trashed. My Irish ancestors would be proud of my temper control!<\/p>\n That\u2019s it. I\u2019m sure I\u2019ve learned more than this, but my memory isn\u2019t what it used to be. I\u2019d love to hear what your \u201cLife Lessons\u201d are unless it’s “Buy low, sell high”. \u00a0I’m apparently incapable of learning that.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Suzanne Sparrow\u00a0Watson This month I celebrated a milestone birthday. I am not unhappy about celebrating another birthday. In fact, this past year has given me reason to be especially grateful that I\u2019m adding a candle to my birthday cake. … read more<\/a>