What I Learned in 2012

Like most bloggers, I'm sitting down to the computer today in an attempt to sum up the year.  I've only got a couple more days to get it out there.  No better time like the present, right?

It's been a learning year, a tough year, a fun year, a good year.  We've seen the economy take its toll on us and the rest of country.  We've welcomed new babies into the family (no not us, but my sisters have both welcomed children into the world).  We've battled health issues and learned what we really want out of life.  We've realized that a good relationship is hard to find and harder to fight to keep.  We've learned what truly makes us happy.  I have chalked this year up to a REAL learning year and I thought I would share some things that I have learned this year:

• Good love is hard to find.  So if you have it, hold onto it as tightly as you can.  Fight for it with everything you've got.  It's worth it.  We've been holding onto it for over 10 years!

• Nothing is more important than family.  They are the ones who will always be there and will show up when no one else will.  Treat them with respect, love, and kindness.  Remember to tell them you love them.  
• Money isn't everything.  A happy home and someone to love far out-weigh your monetary and social desires.  Those things are but a mirage in the desert of life.
• Be generous.  You may not have money to give, but you will be surprised at what 5 cans of food and some clothes can do for someone else.  Give back in your community.  It will make you feel better than anything else in the world.

• True friendship is hard to find.  Surround yourself by people who love you for you and not what you have or who they "think" you are. 

• Love your friends for who they are and be there for them.  It's important.
• Forgive and forget.  No one's perfect....including you.

• Laughter really is the best medicine.  If you feel like having a pity party, call your funniest friend(s) and go out for drinks or a meal.  Tell stories of days gone by and laugh until you cry.

• Exercise.  I can't stress this enough.  I am not in the best shape, but I'm better than I was a year ago.  Find a group of people who like to exercise and join them.  I have been "running" with a group for a little over a year and it is the best thing in the world.  There's nothing better than running a 5K followed by "brunch" and mimosas with some of the sweetest, funniest, women in the world.
• Give up the notion that what someone else thinks of you matters.  It doesn't and you'll be much happier in life if you don't give two shakes about what anyone else thinks.  Okay, so I didn't learn that this year, but I found it to be important to share that knowledge with others this year.  Though, I think you don't believe it until you turn 40.

That's probably not all I've learned this year, but it's a good part of it.  I'm thankful to have had opportunity to learn this year.  I feel that it's made me a better person.  Now, if 2013 would be a much better year...you know, kind of a rewarding year...I would be grateful.

What did you learn this year?

Happy Sunday!

xoxo,

Laurie

**Photo Credits:  Photos are property of Brad Mendenhall, Lesley Rosser, and me.