Went to "orientation" today at my new job. Today was my "official" start date! I am, once again, a full-time employee and all that that implies! I never thought I'd see this day. My life took such a dip .. more like a nose-dive .. and I got caught up in a little bit of feeling sorry for myself and letting myself worry too much about it. I've never claimed to be an extremely religious person, but He pulled me thru all of it and I thank Him on a daily basis now ... sometimes more than once in a day. I know that there will be more "dips" in my life, but right now things are on an upswing and I'm just enjoying the ride!
Things I've learned in the past year (most of which I already knew, but had to be reminded):
1. Never take anything for granted. You never know when you won't have it anymore and then it will be too late to appreciate it.
2. If you don't pay attention, life will pass you by and you won't remember how you got here.
3. Family is important. Even when you don't always get along with them, you have to try to look past all the "stuff" that comes between you and move on. Easier said, than done, most times, but you never know when you'll truly need them to be there for you.
4. Always repay a debt. Not just bills -- But, any type of help you receive -- Be it from freinds, family or acquaintances. Letting someone know they were special to you makes all the difference in the world.
5. People -- this world -- is generally good. I know we are facing lots of adversity, but every human on this planet has a good side (some a little harder to see than others, but it's there). Give them a second chance.
6. Never give up. Even when all hope seems gone -- There's always a light at the end of the tunnel. Have faith in yourself -- believe in yourself -- and ALWAYS give yourself another chance. We are worthy of good things and good things will come to you, if you can be patient and receptive.
7. Teenagers are just big kids trying to grow up in a big world. Let them grow. Sometimes they don't do what you expect or hope -- but, did you always do the right thing when you were their age? Try to remember .. and understand.
8. Empathy is the greatest asset a person can have. You MUST learn to walk in someone else's shoes. Try not to judge or think that you know something better. We ALL have to learn -- Even when you're middle-aged.
9. There are consequences for your actions - And MOST of the time, they don't only affect you. Step away from yourself and look at your life. Are you setting the example you want others to see? Someone is ALWAYS watching.
10. Love to the fullest - Treat others with respect - And most importantly, try your DAMNDEST to make lemonade out of those lemons!!!
I'm not going to sit here and "say" that I'm going to follow all these things every day of my life, for the rest of my life -- I'm human, after all. But, I know that (to quote Scarlet herself), "Tomorrow is another day".
I sincerely hope that everyone reading this finds the happiness they are meant to have.
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Still looking ahead to the day when my mother will walk proud and tall and my dad will be back to his old self again. Manda and I are, of course, still counting the days until we get to move into our own place. I'm keeping an eye on the future and doing the best I can to live this day the best I can.
