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A Lesson Learned: 2009 ♥
in I Want... Inspiration!, I Want... Life!, I Want... Change!9 Nov 2009 | 10 Comments
Hot chips are devilishly delicious when they're piping hot from the oven or McDonald's, but when they're frozen? Not so much. Despite your best efforts, bobby pins will almost ALWAYS get abducted by some mysterious black hole. (Rumour has it that it's the same one that likes to pinch your socks, too!) And placing your hand on the stove top? Never a particularly safe, intelligent or pleasant way to test if it is, in fact, warming up. (Not that I've ever tried this or anything... *cough*.)
It's these sorts of clever morsels of insight that we learn fairly early on in life, but what about the fresh flurry (ha! Say that one six times in succession!) of lessons that every new year exposes us to? Whether it's that mixing six different types of alcohol together within the one night is a bonafide recipe for a hangover the next morning, at some point, we've all been hit with the almighty wisdom stick. So here are some of the most important things that I've learned in 2009... and I'd love to hear yours!
If Somebody Helps You, It's Important To Say THANK-YOU!
And I'm not just talking about manners here, although, they're very important. (But they're kind of a given, yes?) Or when a person lets you in front of them in a queue at the supermarket. (Although, that's extremely kind!)
No, what I'm referring to is those extra special deeds of kindness that somebody may bestow upon you, such as lending you a piece of clothing or introducing you to someone incredible. Those sorts of acts are the ones that truly deserve rewarding, whether it's through a gigantic appreciative hug and a thank-you note or a bunch of flowers to tell them how unreal you think they are.
Real-Life Example: I recently missed a couple of weeks of my studies, and was worried about how much work I was behind on. Imagine my absolute delight then when I arrived back to find that one of the girls in my class had taken the time to make a copy of all of the notes that they'd received for me! It was enormously sweet, and that very afternoon I went shopping to pick her up a little memento to say thank-you. Sure, saying thank-you often suffices, but sometimes, when somebody REALLY goes that extra mile to help you out, it's important to do the same in return.
Purpose Is Everything
What makes YOU excited to be alive every single morning? If you're not sure, make it your sole mission to find out. It could be sewing pieces of clothing at night, making handmade greeting cards, writing poetry or playing an instrument... it doesn't matter what it is, or what anyone else's opinion of it is, but what does matter is that as soon as you discover exactly what is, life becomes approximately a million more times enjoyable!
You Will Never Regret Travelling
On paper, it will look expensive. In terms of enjoyment and experiences, it will be priceless. At the end of last year, I quit my job working in magazines to go to Europe. It was the best decision that I have ever made.
Worrying About What Other People Think Is Wasted Energy
I know. I'm sure you know this as well, because I had heard it roughly 2,868988 times before I finally accepted it, and goodness, what a DIFFERENCE it makes!
Another Real-Life Example: Have you ever noticed a girl in a shopping mall wearing a totally eccentric outfit? You may see a cluster of women walking past her, staring for much longer than is polite, and generally trying to make her feel uncomfortable for dressing differently. Their desired effect is that she'll immediately feel self-conscious, and quickly attempt to adjust her skirt/look away awkwardly/begin to question what she's wearing. But if she beams back at them proudly? They realise that they've lost the battle, and will quickly go on to attempt to make somebody else feel miserable. It's an odd situation to watch, but so indicative of how if you ignore other people's negative reactions, they'll realise that they're wasted on you, too.
And finally?
''How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours.'' - Dr. Wayne Dyer.
♥
What are some of the greatest tidbits of knowledge that you've mastered this year?
xoxo
(Image thanks to JCT(Loves)Streisand and Rita Crane Photography.)
Comments (10)
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14 Nov 2009, Hayley
Corrine, you are wonderful :-)
10 Nov 2009, Lisa
Fabulous blog and post!
I think the biggest thing I've learnt this year (besides all of the above) is to truly stand up and speak out for what I believe in - particularly, the quirky, not-quite-normal life I want for myself. It is easy to keep my dreams a secret from the world for fears of others' criticisms, but so much more fun to try living them out loud - and finding out your supporters were being just as secretive in their backing of you :)
--xo.
9 Nov 2009, R., http://the-creamy-middles.blogspot.com
What a fantastic post.
I have learnt also that worrying about what people think is a big fat waste of your energy.
So is having petty arguments with people.
I have learnt that facing the parts of you that you were too scared to face, makes it all less scary and life can be so amazing when you sort your baggage out.
I've learnt that true friends are there for you when you're down. It's easy to be around someone when things are going well, but when they're not is the true test of friendship.
I've learnt that there is life after university and I am very excited about that!!! Just over a week to go!!!
I've learnt that I have a strength of character I never believed in before. I will never forget this lesson as more challenges get thrown at me.
9 Nov 2009, Kez, http://www.andsoiwasthinking.wordpress.com
Wonderful post, I really enjoyed reading it. I've learnt that love finds you, not the otherway around. You most certinaly cannot force it, and when you feel that something isn't right...it really, is not right.
I'm learning to embrace situations I'm afraid of, standing up to my fears = less of them!
9 Nov 2009, Joanne, http://www.joannefaith.com
I guess one of my major life lessons (and one that I will probably need to re-learn many times over the years) is that it's OK for me to change my mind. I really, REALLY don't like being wrong, but I just need to be able to accept that sometimes I am. Much as I completely resisted the idea of going to university this year, I have learned many things that really make it a viable option for next year. Red face, much? :P
I've also learned that sometimes simple is best. Single-ingredient hair-washing regimes, plain water instead of sugary, soulless drinks, the freedom to run anywhere instead of being boxed in in an expensive gym. It's all good, baby :)
9 Nov 2009, Fiend, www.fiendfiles.blogger.com
That sort of article always makes me freak out about the end of the year. But, well, some things I've learned in 2009:
1. Good things happen when you're not expecting them: My internship, for example, was a total surprise. I'd applied for it but hadn't heard back from them, and then one day, when I was feeling really lost and bummed out, I got a call from the newspaper staff telling me I was scheduled for an interview. And so I got the job!
2. You gotta love the "It's complicated" option on your facebook dating status: My ex-boyfriend and I are in a sort of open relationship/understanding/whatever right now, and, surprisingly, it's working wonders. We see each other when we want to, we see other people if we want to (we don't want to very often, though), and we don't fight nearly half as much as we did when we were boyfriend/girlfriend.
3. Time passes: I know that sounds weird, since it's a simple thing and everybody knows it. But sometimes you have to miss an opportunity, or a loved person, to realize it. One of my childhood best friends killed herself earlier this year, after a long struggle with depression, self-harm, drinking problems and drugs. She was only 18, and it hurts so bad to realize I'll never have the chance to see her or talk to her again.
9 Nov 2009, Miss Sofia, http://www.wineintheafternoon.com
I'm totally with you on the traveling, like we say here in Mexico "Lo bailado nadie te lo puede quitar" which means that no matter what happens no one can take the experience from you. Travelling last year was one of the best things I've ever done and something I don't regret one bit.
I've had a pretty bad year. I mean, good things have happened but I'm sad to say that the bad outweighs the good this year.
I learned that sometimes, the people you trust the most will stab you on the back and leave you in your time of need. I learned that real friends come out during the worst and I couldn't be happier to have my boys around me, always being awesome. I learned that I can catch on early when a guy wants to play with my feelings and to get away from them. I also learned that I quite like to drive around, even though there are traffic jams all over the city and I really don't have anywhere to go.
9 Nov 2009, Julie, http://juliettemaxwell.com
Katie - Thank-you very much, and HEAR HEAR! It's only been within the past year that I've come to appreciate how important is to take as many as photos as possible! It reminds me of a quote from a Robin Williams film, 'One Hour Photo': ''If pictures have anything important to say to future generations, it's this: I was here. I existed. I was young, I was happy, and someone cared enough about me in this world to take my picture. The shutter is clicked. The flash goes off and they've stopped time, as if just for the blink of an eye.''
9 Nov 2009, x Corrine/Frock & Roll x, www.frockandrollonline.com
Best post ever :-D
Hrmm my life lesson this year. I'll have to think about that for a while.. I've improved my social skills and public speaking.
I've learned I *NEED* a camera and should take lots of photos. One day I'll be so thankful I did.
9 Nov 2009, Katie, http://musicamor.com/vinny/fuckhammer/blog/
