by Dagny Roth

Created on: February 17, 2009

A Reflection on What Life has Taught Me

The universe teaches us that life has consequences. Whether you believe in Karma, Purpose or simply the Golden Rule; we live in a world that is in a constant state of sharing energies. The flux of give and take that strives to set a balance to all things. Have you had a rough year? Perhaps you've had a good year? What can we learn from what we have been given?

I thought I would compose my own personal list of life lessons I have learned so far. I do this not for the intent of selfish verbosity or absorption. It is possibly more a release and a hope to inspire anyone struggling through the human realm.

MY LIFE LESSONS TO DATE:

1. I have learned about HUMILITY. This lesson on pride and humility seems to show up consistently in my life so perhaps I am still figuring out this one. I am the type of person who hates handouts. I would rather starve than ask someone to feed me; would die of shame if people knew I wasn't really as capable or stable as I seemed and would pretend to have more than I do. When I was a young teenager, I would cram my big fat feet into my older sister's shoes which were a size smaller just to look cool. I would also take off my eyeglasses in school and sit squinting (in the back row because I didn't want to be geeky and sit up fron) at the chalkboard unable to read anything, again; just to look cool. That being said, I have had to lose almost everything at times in my life to be reminded I needed help. I've had to pawn things to have my electricity turned on. I've had to beg family members for loans. I recently had my house burn down and had to move my family (me, my husband and two children) in with my Mother. I've had to ask for big favors with nothing to give back. Yet with all these trials I have learned this:

-That my family is amazing, supportive and will always love me; even when I don't see myself as deserving.

-I am not the only one who has struggled and sometimes it just happens.

-I am really blessed to have a healthy and safe family.

-The more difficult my trials, the stronger I am. I am sometimes amazed at what I can get through. And hey, at least I haven't given up right?

2. Being a Parent Doesn't Mean Being Perfect. I have always been my own parents' worst critic. I overanalyzed just about every choice they ever made and berated them for every sacrifice I felt I had to make in return. I realize, two children later, Wow, it's not so easy! I think about my Mom having 5 children. How did she do that?

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