what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

i was thinking about this a LOT this week - there were several news stories and posts that got me thinking.

the biggest lesson i learned was not to judge ANYONE, ever, for any reason. you never know a person's situation, and you never know what is happening in their lives.

it is so easy, especially in a *community* like LIF, to pass judgment because we don't actually know most of the posters here IRL.

but i learned a very important lesson (you know who you are ) that things are not always what they seem - and in the end, it is always better to be kind and supportive than harsh and judgmental. you never know - someday, it could be you that needs the support!

Message edited 1/2/2009 10:12:00 AM.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

i'll have to agree with that lesson. i don't always live by it, but i'm working on it more and more.


in 2008, i learned that i'm a lot stronger and tougher than i ever gave myself credit for. i'm also learning that i deserve greatness. there is absolutely NO reason for me to settle when it comes to matters of the heart, love (in general), and respect.

i will no longer accept anyone's "B" game. if you want to be a significan person in my life, you better brign your "A" game.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

I learned to let go of the past and let bygones be bygones, Because holding on to grudges and anger to me is a waste of time,You only have one life to live and the people who made you angry or whatever,Well i guess you have these life lessons to learn from eachother and that is Forgive, Because For example: what would happen if that person who has passed on and you never got to forgive them?Well That would be a burden you wouldn't want to live with. I know people can change and if you can give that person a chance to prove it,Well you might feel good that you made that difference in that person's life and you had an influence in their life.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

I've learned that you can't take ANYTHING for granted. I am so guilty of that. But now seeing how many of my friends or their spouses are jobless, I can't help but be grateful for all that I have. Because it could be gone at any time.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

I have learned not to take your health for granted...

also...appreciate all of the wonderful things you have in your life

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

I've learned that life is short. My family, both my husband and me, have lost many people who are dear to us this year.

I've learned that there will never be a "perfect" time for anything. I'm going to try harder not to worry and just let things happen.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

I learned that no matter how much you try to plan out your life, there are little twists along the way that can change your plans.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

I knew my answer to this as soon as I read the topic title, didn't even need to think about it.

"You don't know what you've got till it's gone." I took a lot of things for granted in my life and I had a scare and almost lost everything that was important to me. I'm happy to say everything is back on track now and better than ever. I definitely have a new appreciation for my life.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

I learned that given any situation there is a solution. You just have to be willing to accept it.

I learned how very quickly things can change.

I learned that being unique and different in your life or opinions, although very hard, can be very rewarding.

Most importantly.. how truly fast a year can fly by!

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

Hmmm, good question.

The biggest lesson that I learned in 2008 is that nothing comes before family. Nothing. And it's not that I didn't know that beforehand, but I don't think I lived it. With my dad's cancer, my sister having a baby, my grandmother passing away and my hubby losing his job, my family really came before all else in 2008 and will continue to come before all else.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

That you can't help someone who doesn't want to help themselves.

I knew this already, but this pertained to a few people in my life this year. Whenever there's a problem, my first instinct is to try to help figure out a solution- but sometimes, people don't want to resolve their problems. I don't take it personally, and i didn't let it change my relationship with them, but it's made my life easier accepting that people can find their own answers and help themselves..... when they're ready.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

To not be so trusting...

To follow my instincts..

To reflect A LOT more..and learn from past mistakes.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

I learned to rely less on other people's opinions and what they 'think' of me. I learned to like myself and trust myself just a little bit more.

I'm flawed, inconsistant and completely human - so people can say what they want (and they do) - but they aren't better than me. Every snarky comment is really just made to make themselves feel better about the type of person they are.

I've also learned how lucky I am. I am blessed with so much in my life. It's really amazing when you think about it!

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

To be happy with everything that I have. My life may not be 100% the way I want it, but I am very lucky. Not just physical "things" but the fact that everyone in my family is healthy, my husband was able to find a job in MD and didn't have to move away while I finish school, etc. I realized I'm much happier when I don't look at others' lives and think "I wish I had their life". Instead think of the good things in my life.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

To never take family members that you see and talk to every single day for granted.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

That I should have sought the help of an RE (fertility specialist) sooner.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

the true meaning of "and they lived happily ever after". It doesn't mean it was perfect, but it truly is happy.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

I have learned that I am stronger mentally than I ever thought. I can really handle a number of diffrent things and think before I act.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

As I visit the cemetary every holiday season, I am reminded how fragile and short life is.

I learn/am reminded to take the time to let people in my life know how much I love them and how much I enjoy spending time with them.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

I learned that I am so much tougher mentally and emotionally than I ever expected to be. I also learned that no amount of worrying, stressing or praying will change the outcome of any situation. Worry and stress will only make it worse and prayer will get you through it, if it goes bad.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

That I dont need to be a peacemaker and that my health is more important then trying to make everyone else happy.

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

well, as for a basic life lesson (nothing with a snazzy moral, but it is the lesson for 2008)..... PAY FOR CREDIT PROTECTION.... becuase YES, it (hijacking credit info) will happen to me too

(at least all of the damage has been corrected.... and yep, I'm in a credit protection program now)

Re: what was the biggest lesson you learned in 2008?

to truly appreciate my life & health of myself & loved ones
also with my dad's illness my life was put in perspective & I've learned what things are really important & what's not
I think I've learned to be more understanding & sympathetic of people & more patient
But I still have a lot to learn...