by Barbara A. Clark

Created on: November 29, 2007   Last Updated: January 08, 2008

25 Things I've Learned (Some The Hard Way)

1. Love yourself. Above all, you need to love and accept yourself and if you don't know who you are, find out. Too often people interpret this as being selfish, but I know that in order to love others, loving oneself comes first. It frees up your energy when you are happy and loving to yourself for you to give your love to others.

2. Be love to all you meet. This is challenging at times and I'm not always that good at it, but life is definitely better and fulfilling when I act in love. Be the example of love as much as possible.

3. Listen. Listen. Listen. When engaging in conversation with someone, place all of your attention towards that person and make them feel as if they were the only person in the room.

4. You really are not in control, so what's the point in trying to control everything?

5. Give generously of yourself, your time and money.

6. Don't forget to play! Have fun! Laugh!

7. Act in service, without any expectation of reward or recognition.

8. Treat everyone as you would want to be treated. (The Golden Rule definitely applies!)

9. When people don't treat you right, forgive them. Forgive yourself and forgive others. Don't beat yourself up over past mistakes. Don't let pride or principles stand in your way of having meaningful relationships with others. Even if they don't forgive you, forgive them anyway. Always be the example that you want from people.

10. Happiness is never defined by the amount or quality of possessions you have. Spend time with people, not with your things. Spend time collecting friends, not things!

11. Figure out your passion and go for it, no matter how old you are or where you've been.

12. When faced with a difficult situation, ask yourself, "What would Jesus do?" Even if you're not a Christian, the answer to that question will give you guidance.

13. Listen to your inner voice, no matter how you call it (intuition, Holy Spirit, the spirit within, God, soul, etc.)

14. Focus on good things. Find and see the good in everything around you.

15. Be grateful. Find something to be grateful for everyday. The more you find, the more you'll attract that's good.

16. Make it a point to appreciate people; especially people who you have a difficulty with. Find something positive in the situation and in that person to appreciate.

17. Breathe! Find time for yourself in each day, even if it's only 2 minutes of deep breathing you do before the rest of your household is up, before work, or whenever you need that "quiet"

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