Every bit of research I’ve ever read about personal or professional happiness, motivation, engagement, culture, and healthy relationships emphasizes the importance of personal growth and development.   Yesterday someone told me that they try to learn something new everyday in a very deliberate way.  That got me thinking about “what I’ve learned” over the course of my life, and that got me thinking about some of the fun “I’ve learned” lists that seem to be everywhere on the internet. 

Over the years I’m sure we’ve all read many lists of “Things I’ve Learned” sent in many versions and formats. I have kept nearly everyone I’ve ever read… I think they are great, and I also think that I too often and too easily tend to forget the “things I’ve learned” so then I end up needing to re-learn them! Sometimes the painfulness of re-learning makes me wonder why I don’t work harder to remember and internalize the learning in the first place. Hmmn, I’ll have to ponder that… in the meantime here is another list of things someone has learned and written down. I hope you enjoy it, and if you feel inclined to share some of the things you have learned with me… I’d love to receive them and pass them along.
So below this picture is one of my collected lists.

Things I’ve Learned

I’ve learned….
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I’ve learned….
That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.

I’ve learned….
That money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve learned….
That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve learned….
That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I’ve learned….
That the Lord didn’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I’ve learned….
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I’ve learned….
That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I’ve learned….
That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned….
That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with good people.

I’ve learned….
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned….
That there’s nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I’ve learned….
That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I’ve learned….
That life is tough, but I’m tougher.

I’ve learned….
That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve learned….
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve learned….
That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.

I’ve learned….
That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I’ve learned….
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I’ve learned….
That I can choose how I feel, and I can choose what I do about it.

I’ve learned….
That when your newly born child holds your little finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life.

I’ve learned….
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

I’ve learned….
That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.

I’ve learned….
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Make it a great day, it’s your choice!

Kirk Out