Turning 35

Yesterday, I turned 35 years old. And I feel great!  It may have been the most reflective year of my life, though.  Raising a daughter will do that for you, I suppose.  But it's also the timing.  I'm officially middle-aged.  That thought can't land softly on any mind, I wouldn't think.

But what I've been most reflective on is, what have I learned in my life? What have a observed?  What things (or people) have impacted me? And most importantly, probably, how can I help Miss Zoe to appreciate these things as she grows up?  

The thing about life, that I've learned, anyway is, you can learn from education.  Or you can learn from experience.  Human nature leans more toward the experience learning curve.  And it can be a teacher.  But a very harsh one.  One that leaves many a scar.  But even still, if you learn from your experiences, chalk it up as a victory.  

There are a few things from my life, so far, that I have learned and hope to teach Zoe.  

• You have the power to make someone's day or break their spirit
• Never be afraid to apologize
• Forgiveness is a low cost investment in your life
• Being kind is always an option
• Lifetime isn't as long as you think
• You cannot make everyone happy
• Be your harshest critic, but also the most forgiving one
• Be the change you want to see in others
• Giving up NEVER accomplishes anything
• You have to laugh at yourself
• Have your OWN opinions
• Don't let others or circumstances define who you are
• You are where you are today because of decisions you made yesterday

To me, these are truths. And I will work SO hard to make sure I remember them, and that Zoe does, too.