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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!

x 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.

x 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! It doesn't matter if you're cleaning toilets for a living; if you're working towards something that brings you true happiness in your spare time, the rest will fall perfectly into place. Trust that. BELIEVE that!

x You Will Never Regret Traveling - 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.

x 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

P.S. If you'd like to win a copy of my favourite book of 2009, Textbook Romance, don't forget to enter here! (Hint: If you like things that are superb, and in particular, book-like, you will be positively ELATED over this giveaway!) 

(Image thanks to JCT(Loves)Streisand and Rita Crane Photography.)