We never stop learning

No matter your age, it is important to continue to learn, whether by book or by experience. Actually, some of the best things are learned by experience—and not always in a good way. Here are a few things that have come to my mind recently.

• I’ve learned that when you remodel, everything costs twice as much and takes twice as long as you think it will.

• I’ve learned that most of the things I worry about never happen.

• I’ve learned that a patrol car behind me always makes me nervous.

• I’ve learned that Toll House chocolate chip cookies should be eaten while still warm.

• I’ve learned that you shouldn’t compare yourself to the best other can do, but to the best you can do.

• I’ve learned that you should never be too busy or in too big of a hurry to say “please” and “thank you.”

• I’ve learned that nothing of value comes without effort.

• I’ve learned that my gas tank is always on empty when I’m late for an event.

• I’ve learned that even the simplest task can be meaningful if I do it in the right spirit.

• I’ve learned that in every face-to-face encounter, regardless of how brief, we leave something behind.

• I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be a pain.

• I’ve learned that I shouldn’t go grocery shopping when I’m hungry.

• I’ve learned that one of the sweetest smells I know is my husband’s clean-shaven face.

• I’ve learned that nothing really bad happens when you tear those little “do not remove” tags from pillows.

• I’ve learned that animals can sometimes warm your heart better than people can.

• I’ve learned that eating chocolate won’t solve your problems, but it doesn’t hurt anything either.

• I’ve learned that comfortable shoes are a must.

• I’ve learned that nothing is more fun than a job you enjoy.

• I’ve learned that my children’s birthdays make me feel older than my own birthday does.

• I’ve learned that total pleasure is a good book, a recliner, and a cat curled up beside you.

• I’ve learned that people are about as happy as they decide to be.

• I’ve learned that singing “Amazing Grace” can lift my spirits for hours.

• I’ve learned that there’s nothing you can’t teach yourself by watching a YouTube video.

• I’ve learned that there are two things essential to a happy marriage: separate checking accounts and separate bathrooms.

• I’ve learned that you never get rewarded for the things you intended to do.

• I’ve learned that the simple things are often the most satisfying.

• I’ve learned that it’s just as important to forget a wrong as it is to remember a kindness.

• I’ve learned that to love and be loved is the greatest joy on earth.