So often I feel like the apostle Peter… soaking wet and close to drowning. 🙂
But, like Peter, I have been blessed to learn a lot through my apparent failings. I can’t say for sure whether I have learned more than I have failed, but I can say with certainty that I don’t regret getting wet along the way. This past year has been one of the sweetest successes and the most challenging heartache, but I wouldn’t trade or change ANY of it for all the world. Each experience has made an indelible impression on my spirit and I believe that each has been a part of my purpose for being alive.
I hope that some of what I learned this year, by living life all-in, may be of value to you as well. Perhaps it can help you to stay above water a little longer than I did. 🙂 Here are some of the highlights of what I have been learning:
- God will show us what is possible in our lives, it’s up to us to believe and to receive.
- If it was bad at the time, find a way to make it good now.
- If it was good at the time, find a way to let it still be good now.
- Assumptions have the power to hurt everyone involved
- Drama and tension doesn’t occur between people, only within them.
- Love is always worth it, whatever IT is.
- There are no problems that can’t be solved, no solutions that can’t be found.
- It takes strength:
- to admit when you’re wrong
- to re-examine your beliefs about reality
- to forgive others
- to listen deeply
- If something that someone else says or does upsets me, it says more about me than it does them.
- The amount of love & compassion that I can extend to others is limited by only one thing… the love & compassion that I extend to myself.
Perhaps the greatest lesson, though, is this:
Despite my obvious weaknesses, I have not failed in anything. I have only had learning experiences that refine my character and allow me to grow into the full expression of who I truly am.
Thank you for being a part of my 2009. I hope that the lessons that I am learning might also help you to live life “all-in” and receive what is possible for your life in the year ahead.
What have you learned this past year?
Joseph, I like to say “failing big is the quickest way to success”. I’ve had to learn over the years to that the only way we fail is to be afraid to try. You are a bright in the world. Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading more in 2010.
Warm regards,
Janna Rust
For some of the more light-hearted lessons I've learned in 2009, check out: https://josephranseth.com/blog/518/13-funny-less… 🙂
Beautifully written….I've learned a lot this year….though mainly nothing too painful. I look forward to more growth in 2010 and have so many wonderful people I've met this year, including yourself, that will accompany me on my journey.
These are wonderful lessons for 2009. I can totally relate to them and I truly thank you for sharing. I read both the humorous version and this one and I have to say…my favorite is the humorous one. I too have decided to share my life's lessons~in a “shoot from the hip” sort of way. I will do this by publishing my next book “Life Lessons for Today's 'Youth' ~ How I Spent 20 Years With My Head Up My A**…Now You Don't Have To.” You Can keep up with the release and sample chapters at… http://20yearswithheadupmyass.wordpress.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.
These are wonderful lessons for 2009. I can totally relate to them and I truly thank you for sharing. I read both the humorous version and this one and I have to say…my favorite is the humorous one. I too have decided to share my life's lessons~in a “shoot from the hip” sort of way. I will do this by publishing my next book “Life Lessons for Today's 'Youth' ~ How I Spent 20 Years With My Head Up My A**…Now You Don't Have To.” You Can keep up with the release and sample chapters at… http://20yearswithheadupmyass.wordpress.com. I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.