An Extention of ...

In light of Annie's spirit of listing things that we've learned, here are just a few things I've learned along the way:

I really have grown to learn that things didn't really happen for a reason. Instead, a reason was created from things that happened.

I've learned that destiny/fate/luck/chance/God will only take you so far. The rest, well, they've left up to you to decide.

Be content with things that did happen, but be even more content with the things that didn't happen.

I've learned that if you don't give yourself value and don't value yourself for who you are and who you've decided to become, no one can and most won't even try.

I've learned that when it comes to making choices, I just hope that you will choose the one that means most to you for the rest of your life. If you are lucky, and if you work hard enough, maybe those choices might mean something to someone, too.

I've learned that in the end, I don't want a job that pays millions. I want a job that allows me to mean something to people. I want to live in a place that makes me feel alive, like my stay there is worthwhile.

No matter what -- NO MATTER WHAT -- your true friends and family will always be there for you, even when your world turns upside-downj, even when you're at your worst.

I've also learned that if we allow ourselves to notice, we always amaze ourselves and exceed our own self-expectations.

I've learned that a smile or a friendly gesture can go a long way.

Sometimes, food REALLY makes a difference. When you get down, or grumpy, or worked up, eat something.

I've learned that it's important to get physically fit not just because it makes you look better, but it also makes you smarter. There are people who are mentally smart, but physically stupid. In order to maximize your mental capacity, one must balance out physical capacities as well.

It's corny, but I've come to conclude that sunscreen is extremely beneficial.

Never lose your sense of wonder. It is what empowers you for the rest of your life.

I realize that you just need to take advantage of the time to sleep as much as you can because sleep is not something you can necessarily make up. And of course, the older you get, the less time you have to enjoy sleeping.

Life isn't a race, I've found. There's no "ahead" or "behind". In the end, you've just got to be ready for your journey in order to truly appreciate the experience. In the end, it's just a path with you and you.

Don't regret the conscious choices you've made. There's no right door or wrong door, just simply when one door slams in your face, the other one obviously looks a hella lot better.

Fall standing. Fall in love standing. Trip and fall standing. Make a mistake and fall standing. Learn from your fall. Never forget who you are and who you want to be. Never lose your soul.

But of course, in order to fall in love standing, you've got to just fall in love head over heels a few times first. Then, you'll understand why you have to fall in love standing in your later years. Without falling head over heels, you won't understand and appreciate the need to fall in love standing, I think.

Less is more. Buy less. So that the things you do buy will be quality. Have less. So that the things you do have will be appreciated.
... I know I have more, but it's kinda waaaay past my bed time. I'll add more later.