Things I've Learned...

I've learned that doing yoga three to four times a week really boosts your mood.  It's also easy to see progress when you go consistently, which boosts your confidence.

I've learned that sweating a lot not only releases toxins but makes your skin really soft.

I've learned that Charlie Horse's are truly truly awful. 

I've learned that sometimes being alone is the best remedy....and sushi.  Sushi is probably always the best remedy.

I've learned that friends really do come and go, and then sometimes they come back again when you really need them.

I've learned that things don't always happen how we thought they would or how we want them to, and then we just have to go with it.

I've learned that some friends need you to listen to them, other friends need to listen to you, and then there are those rare friends when you just listen to each other when you each need it.

I've learned that we have two choices when challenges come along: we can become angry and bitter, or we can accept them and try to learn from them.  The second one may be harder, and of course you can do the first one for a little while, but in the long run, the second option will make you better and happier.

I've learned that if we just assume that everyone around us is doing their best, that they're a little better today than they were yesterday, it's easier to love them and be nice to them.

I've learned that there are lots of people in this world who genuinely care, and there are other people who just don't.  And that's ok.  Pick your friends and know them!

I've learned that people really like to talk about themselves, and if you ask them lots of questions, you'll learn some pretty interesting things about how other people have lived and how they think and why they are the way they are.

I've learned that most religions are the same at their core, and it all begins and ends with love.... love for yourself, for others, and for whatever Higher Being(s) you believe in.

I've learned that sometimes I just want to do everything at once, that I want to just hurry up and go, that I don't want to wait around.  But sometimes, you have to move slow and take your time.  I've learned that patience is really important.  And I feel like I just keep learning this one over and over and over again.  I'm really regretting praying for patience those few times four years ago.....

I've learned that when we think God has forgotten us or given up on us, He hasn't.  He's still there with us, and He knows what we're going through.  He loves us so much.  Each of us.  No matter who we are, what religion we practice (or don't), what choices we make, what we look like, who we love or don't love, what career we choose, how many kids we have, what political party we belong to, how we think....  He still LOVES us, really REALLY loves us.  And He always will.

I've learned that LOVE is the most important thing in the world.  The two greatest commandments are to LOVE God and to LOVE your neighbor as yourself.  It's almost three commandments....to LOVE yourself.  That's what I wish for everybody....LOVE.