So what major lesson did you learn last year?

[Yvonne Belisle]

What was the biggest lesson you learned last year?


I learned not to be so trusting.

[Sequoia]

I learned that things aren't always what they seem, and that I need to think more before acting. I learned that sometimes it's ok to be wrong, and to try to correct those things.

I learned it's okay to admit to being wrong to one's father :D And if that ain't humilifying, I don't know what is. *chuckles*

I learned that true love. . . is worth going through any fire for. And that true love also means arguing occasionally, but ending in smiles.

I learned that the people who scedule work shifts either can't add, can't subtract, can't count. . . or are just plain employed by Satan. And have never heard of telling me when they change my schedule, unless it's that day or the day before and I have something planned *laughs*

I learned to trust my own instincts, and that there should be a limit to trusting others, ESPECIALLY when your instincts are sending off warning bells.

I learned that Airplanes are way cool!!! :D vwoosh!! so fun!

I learned that seafoam is real! And that the hikes to get to it are also way cool, and incredibly fun.

I learned that misadventures are the best kind. ;)

I learned that mistakes and memories and pasts form who you are, teach you lessons you couldn't have learned otherwise, and that in the end. . . most of them are worth it. (some aren't. yuck!) Without them, I wouldn't be the person I am. And. . . I like me more day by day! ;)

I learned that making mistakes is ok! That's how you learn! (did I repete that? oops! Better luck next time ;) )

I learned that if you don't love yourself, and don't choose to be happy, then you cannot love others as deeply, or give them as much joy, as you want to.

I learned, above all, not to lie to myself. And to belive in myself.

But I think the biggest lesson I learned. . . is this is Life. Love Life, and share it with those you love. Follow your heart, follow your dreams, and remember that it takes steps to get there- you don't just wake up to them. I learned that living means embracing everything, yourself, your world, your loves and your fears.

So that's my "new years resolution" if you like *chuckles* though I already started, and intend to keep going. I am going to Live! Yah! :D

[Flar's Freyja]

I learned that sometimes when we're given what we've wanted all our lives, there's a catch.

I learned to live to live more fully in the present - in the words of Jim Morrison "the future's uncertain and the end is always near."

I learned that there are many things that no one can ever take away from me.

I learned to appreciate silly and sometimes annoying things in those I love, because these would be what I'd remember and miss the most if that person were gone.

[Djiril]

I learned to find out from the the beginning what resources are available to me and not to give up just because people are jerks.

I also learned not to test the heat of cooking oil with my finger.:meanface:

[Witchy Cowgirl]

I learned that if you get a speeding ticket and forget to pay it - you better fix it and not wait for them to send you a letter like they said they would, cause if it doesn't get paid they suspend your license and they will catch you and take you to jail. Then you end up paying the ticket, and the re-instating fee and then you gotta go to court and even though you took care of it all and have a new license the judge won't look at it cause most folks don't fix it by the first time they go to court so you gotta go again - which makes 2 days you gotta take off from work and on your second trip to court you gotta pay court cost.

It wiped out my little savings account.:(
This is one lesson I won't have to learn a second time.

[shnen]

I learned to never comprimise who you are, that sometimes things are way different then they seem, and that sometimes, the best friends, are the ones you have never met. :heartthro

I have also learned that jsut because I have no relationship with my mom, that someday I hope to have one with a daughter of mine, and that life without love is not really a life at all.

[Azure]

Lessee - self-confidence - no wait, I'm still having that one bashed into my thick skull.

Talent and ambition and drive don't assure you of anything - nothing is certain in life.

Strangely, I seem to be loveable. Who knew? *is still skeptical, but keeps also having this one banged into her head*

[ShadowStorm]

Never trust anybody. And keep your big mouth shut.

You have no idea what trouble a few misplaced words can cause.

2002 was ruined because I trusted too many people and spoke to too many people in 2001. Disaster. Many tears.

I plan to change this in 2003. Without question.

:boing:

[Radocs]

I learned that love is fleeting.

I learned that I am really the only person I can truly rely on.

I learned my favorite number is "45". Especially in the context of ".45" ;)

[Chibi-Fallon]

That forgetting your toast in the toaster, creates interesting melted toaster art. :o
That most of the things that are good for me I don’t like.

[Scarlettvixen]

I learned not to be so trusting.

Thats sad Yvonne!

I learnt that love is all encompassing, that I can love someone even though they have habits that drive me insane!

[Storm]

Hey now! Radocs, I hear you. I hear what you are saying. I hope you don't do it. Love is fleeting but sometimes it keeps coming back with a bat. I am bruised and battered and I am crawling but I ain't quiting.

[Radocs]

Originally posted by Storm
Hey now! Radocs, I hear you. I hear what you are saying. I hope you don't do it. Love is fleeting but sometimes it keeps coming back with a bat. I am bruised and battered and I am crawling but I ain't quiting.

That struck me as funny somehow, thanks. :D You don't mind if I quote that "Love is fleeting but sometimes is keeps coming back with a bat." do you?

[Drisel]

I learned to love again.
I learned that hearts can mend.
I learned I am smarter than I ever gave myself credit for being.
I learned that sometimes you just have to suck it up and move on.
I learned ALOT about the human body.
I learned how to study.
:D

[Raevyn]

I learned some people have a really twisted, mutilated idea of love and friendship.

I learned to take Godsmack's advice, "inside I stand alone".

I learned the Universe/Will has an inherent plan sometimes, and sometimes it's to teach strength by destroying.

[Stacy]

I learned how to tourn around and walk away from something that ment world to me, but would never be mine..

[AradiaSupernova]

hm...


I learned that tears are a soul cleanser.
I learned that love is stronger than the pain it can cause.
I learned the loneliness can be overcome.
I learned that pretending to be strong makes you weak.
I learned that even the strong, break.
I learned that life can surprise you.
I learned that surprises aren't always good.
I learned that surprises arent' always bad.
I learned that a strong family bond is essential.

[Storm]

Originally posted by Radocs
That struck me as funny somehow, thanks. :D You don't mind if I quote that "Love is fleeting but sometimes is keeps coming back with a bat." do you?

Nope, don't mind. Glad it was good for a laugh.

[Psyche Ague]

I learned that Love is worth the pain, the tears, and the heartache.
I learned to value every day as if it were my last.
I learned that I truly am a worthy human being...if there is such a thing. ;)
I learned that I can rely on myself more and more.
I learned that I am growing into a beautiful person, but that I still have a long way to go.
I learned that trust is essential but that it hurts...a lot.
I learned to NEVER assume anything about ANYONE - they'll always surprise you.
I learned that Life is fleeting...not Love.

I learned more about myself this year than I had ever imagined. What I've learned is intangible yet beautiful and substantial.

I learned that boxing myself in to just one category or way of thinking only brought me trouble and that an open-mind is essential for my happiness.

I learned that trouble can be very, very good...:D

I learned that trying new things is necessary for growing as a person and as a soul.

I learned that going for your dreams may end in heartache, but you'll always be glad you did it.

[MzNeko]

I learned that I LIKE being married (approaching 1st anniversary this month).
I learned the value of true friends.
I learned that my husband loves my cat almost as much as I do :D
I learned not to leave flammable things on the stove-top - just don't do it!
I learned that when taking a long-ish road trip, you should take the car in better shape, EVEN If the other one has a better sound system. :o
I also learned that Triple-A is my friend (same occasion)

[Margie]

Originally posted by Yvonne Thomas

I learned not to be so trusting.

I'd have to second that. I've learned things aren't always what they seem. I've learned that I'll do anything for my family (I knew that but only now I know the extent of that). I've learned that I love my husband more than anything on earth. I've learned what the Army is really about...LOL...the hard way. I know I've learned so much more but there just isn't even enough time in the day to remember it all!

{{{HUGS}}} Yvonne

[SimplyStrange]

I learned not to be so trusting.

Me too ;)

I learned that who I am is who I am, and if anyone finds me not worth holding onto, then they themselves are not worth holding onto. I learned that I am too strong to let a boy drag me down from my passions. I learned who my real friends are. I learned that life needs to be lived to the fullest, and people who can't understand that simply aren't worth it. I learned that the stage is more trustworthy than people. I learned that half of my friends secretly dislike me.

But then I learned that I really don't care anymore. :p

Oh and I also learned that taco soup is delicious. :D

[Thistle]

This past year was a very bad one, maybe the worst of my life. That includes the year I got cancer, the year my husband got cancer, the year my Mom died, and the year my Dad died. So...

I learned how quickly things can change.

I learned that my trust was misplaced.

I learned that the masks people wear can decieve you. This is true even for those you have known their whole lives.

I learned that when people know your vulnerabilities, they may not have the kindness or the discretion not to use them against you if they choose to.

I learned how much your children can devistate you emotionally, how much they can hurt you, and how much they can use you. Nobody can rip your beating heart out of your chest like your kids.

I learned never to use a coffee maker attached to the underside of the cabinets. My brother's shorted out and his house burned to the ground.

I learned how important family is to me.

There may be more, but I'm still processing it.

[Flar's Freyja]

Originally posted by Yvonne Thomas
What was the biggest lesson you learned last year?


I learned not to be so trusting.

I learned that finding a love that I can trust is possible.

I don't know if I can say I've learned because I'll probably repeat the same mistake, but it was again brought to my attention that I should not be so trusting of co-workers and friends. I have learned to handle being betrayed a bit better.

[Ravens_Tears]

I learned what my limits are.
I learned not to trust so much.
I learned that sometimes the only thing you can do is let go with love, because sometimes love just isn't enough.
I learned that time does not heal all wounds.. it just makes some more tolerable.

[SpikesPet5150]

The only thing I learned last year (and it's a beginning trend this year too) is that It's Not Worth It. No matter what the situation or question is.. the answer is, "It's Not Worth It."

I learned that I cannot ever hope to understand human emotion.

But I also learned that I can trust at least one person. He's... well... he's just fantastic. I finally showed the real me to someone.... and he accepted me. It's a good feeling. I wish I would have seen the real him earlier... I may have missed my chance. But either way, I have a beautiful friend out of the deal.
~Bree

[flar7]

I have learned, that no matter how you try to crush your hope
in the past, how many times you tried to get rid of it, it will linger
forever and strengthen the more you try to crush it. This is a
good thing. Even though I had given up, and was hurting greatly
due to hope.........that I was rewarded with renewed hope, and
the love that comes with it.

[SerenityMoon]

i learned that you can rebuild new bridges after old ones have collapsed...
i learned that it's impossible to stop the inevitable..
i learned to have hope and faith in people...
i learned that maybe..just maybe it isn't my fault..........

[Amethyst Rose]

I learned that home truely is where the heart is.

I learned that no matter where you are, some place else is going to seem better.

I learned that I really CAN live without television :)

[Mithrea]

I learned that people will ALWAYS stab you in the back to cover their own @$$ no matter how good of a friend you think they are and I learned that the only way to survive is to play this twisted game too.

I learned you can't help people if they are hundreds or thousands of miles away and you shouldn't even try because you will pay for it.

I learned not to care about people so much because they don't care about me.

I learned how much I can miss someone even though they hurt me.

I learned people will always think what they want no matter what the truth is.

I learned that I can do whatever I take on even if it's hard and I learned how to do it. I learned to put myself first because there are no such things as loyalty, trust, friendship, love and even common human decency.

[Sequoia]

Originally posted by SerenityMoon
i learned that you can rebuild new bridges after old ones have collapsed...

me too. . . *hugs*



i learned that maybe..just maybe it isn't my fault..........

ah. . . . ditto. . . . . *hugs again*

[Thistle]

Interesting that so many have dealt with issues of trust and/or betrayal over the past year. Anybody have any insights on that?

[SpikesPet5150]

This will be the Year of Mithrea and Bree. It's all about us, baby!
~Bree

[Mithrea]

:D

[Semele]

I have learned that the people of this community can affect me on a level I never expected. How I can share in their joys and pains as though they are my own. How, in the few minutes it has taken me to read this thread I have shed tears for the loss of one member, shed even more for the upcoming loss of another, and laughed at some of the great humerous lessons we have learned, and then shed a tear of hope and renewed love because of the words of a dear friend.

I have indeed learned a lot this year, as it has been trying. Most importantly though I learned that we are all still learning every day and that life trully does ebb and flow.

[Rubi Waters]

I'm an extreeme passifist (sp?) I will aviod conflict & confrontation at all costs. Even if it means that my pride takes a fall.

I've finally learned to stand up for myself (a little)

well this isn't actually a NEW lesson but one I've been trying to learn for years. This year though I've actually achieved it somewhat.

not with my spirituality.....no I haven't told my parents yet.
No I haven't told the people i work with. We won't even go there.

But in many other issues I have taken a stand and even if it gets into a fight I stay standing. I've begun demanding my paychecks instead of being months in debt because he(my boss) spends all the work money on his family...... (I don't always get the money...can't get what isn't there but.......at least i ask now)

I've also learned a little about opening myself up to people.....i can't make friends without being one first! This community has taught me that. Everyone here is wonderful and I feel I now have many friends and I'm working on getting some really good friends. :)

[moonmorgan]

I learned that I have control of how I feel and act, that I have to make myself be happy.

[Saphra]

I learned.....
~that dissappointing my mother makes me dissappointed in myself.
~that not everything is going to go my way.
~That what I want will not just appear, it takes work
~Sometimes your friends really arn't friends
~It hurts to be rejected, but you get over it
~Family is the most important thing ((((Earthcat, Merob, LordJoker)))))
~You don't have to like someone to love them
~Your pets die, but they live forever
~Friendship sometimes turn into more
~That Mysticwicks sometimes runs your life, but you love every minute of it....

[CloakofStars9]

i learned from my mistakes, from being in a dead end relationship with someone who wasn't worthy...i wont make that mistake again

[Mithrea]

Originally posted by Saphra
~That Mysticwicks sometimes runs your life, but you love every minute of it....

I learned this one too! :rotfl:

[Emaleth]

I learned to be true to myself.
That sometimes even the apparently worst disasters can turn out for the best.
That life is no always what you plan.
That some people just aren't able to accept you just as you are
That adult life is not as pleasant as I imagined.
That the times when I still went to school were the best for me so far.
That even though I finished college and work, don't know what I want to do with my life.

depressing:dis:

[Xander67]

I loved what Semele wrote,

One of the important lessons that I have learned is that you should always be yourself no matter what, sure there are going to be a few ppl that think that they know you and just like in real life, will type about you LOL..

I have learned that True friends are worth more than all the gold in the world, and those friends will be loyal, and will not be swayed by the lies of others...

I have learned that this place is one of the most poweful boards in cyberspace,,, I have made a few Real Life friends here, :) and I am thankfull for all of them.

[Xander67]

I also agree with what Yvonne and Raevyn said, :)

but although inside we may seem alone, on a deeper level, we are NEVER really alone, and this commnuity is proof of it :)

[Psyche Ague]

Originally posted by Thistle
Interesting that so many have dealt with issues of trust and/or betrayal over the past year. Anybody have any insights on that?
My insight? That we're all human beings. :D

[Thistle]

Yup, guilty as charged. :D

[Raevyn]

Here's another one for you - that holding on to hurt, anger, and even hate after they've served their purpose only lets negativity linger on the person who's holding on. It's not necessarily about forgiveness, but about accepting the past and letting it go so you can face the future.

[Lavender]

I learnt how to duck last year. I learnt that with some people, loyalty means nothing. I learnt how to be invisible again. I learnt that I'm just not a career minded person and office politics stinks. Ok, I knew that, but it just reinforces that fact. :)

On the other hand, it has reinforced the fact that the things I hold near and dear to me are even more important...such as my friends and family, my garden, my spiritual path. I have no regrets of the choices I made in life.

[Zaniah]

I learned:

a. I can take care of myself.
b. Well-fought and hard-won true love gets better every day with effort.

But mostly I can take care of myself. ;)

[Xander67]

Raevyn :) you said alot with that one,

:) yes, I saw that letting go and letting the godess handle things is best, she has a plan for all of us, and how can that plan manifest itself when I am constantly working against it lol
:)