I’ve learned I can do something that only takes a moment that will give me heartache for years.

I’ve learned being the person I want to be is not automatic and is a lot of work.

I’ve learned to try always part from those I care about with loving words.  It may be the last time I see them.

I’ve learned that I can keep going long after I don’t think I can.

I’ve learned that I am responsible for whatever I do and must bear the consequences.

I’ve learned that either I control my attitude and thoughts or they control me.

I’ve learned that the heroes I look up to most are people who live ordinary, everyday lives very well.

I’ve learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score and it will not make me happy.

I’ve learned that just because a person is a family member does not mean I have to allow them in my life.    

I’ve learned that one of the great gifts in life is having a best friend.

I’ve learned that people will surprise me.  Sometimes the ones I thought would help during a bad time don’t and the ones I thought would kick me when I was down will help me.

I’ve learned that is OK to be angry when I feel anger, but that does not give me the right to be mean or cruel.

I’ve learned that true friendship can continue to grow, even over long distance, with just a little care and attention.  Same is true for love.

I’ve learned that someone can love me even though they don’t want to be with me.

I’ve learned that I can love someone even when I don’t want to be with them.

I’ve learned that maturity is mostly about learning from life experiences and has little to do with the number of birthdays I have had.

I’ve learned the hardest person to be forgiven by is my self.

I’ve learned that no matter how much pain I am in or how deeply my grief may be, the world does not stop for me.

I’ve learned that my childhood may influence who I am, but I am responsible for who I allow myself to be.

I’ve learned that I can’t directly change other people, no matter how much I try or want to.  All I can do is be a good example and hope they might want to follow.

I’ve learned that telling someone’s secret to another in confidence is not keeping the first person’s secret.  

I learned that I can see something that other people see and see it totally differently.

I’ve learned that my life can be changed for the better or worse in a matter of moments.

I’ve learned that I can not make someone love me.  

I’ve learned that trust that took years to build can be destroyed in seconds.

I’ve learned that comparing my self too much to others is a good way to forget who I am.

I’ve learned it is not what happens to me that is most important.  It’s what I do with it that matters.

I’ve learned that forgiving others is more for me than them.

I’ve learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I have learned in a divorce friends choose sides.

I’ve learned smart people do stupid things but that does not make them stupid.

I’ve have learned that falling in love is easy and staying in love is hard.

I’ve learned that there are few things more important than being honest with myself.

Above adapted, amended and interpreted from several lists
found on the Internet along with my own additions.

For all that has happened in my life, good or bad, I am grateful for each honed and shaped me into the man I am today.  I like who I am.  I am happy and glad to be alive.  I am very grateful! 

 “Move On” – Author Unknown

The past is the past for a reason
That is where it is supposed to stay
But some cannot let it go
In their head it eats away

Until all their focus becomes
The person that they used to be
The mistakes they made in their life
Oh if only they could see

That you cannot change what happened
No matter how hard you try
No matter how much you think about it
No matter how much you cry

What happens in your lifetime
Happens for reasons unknown
So you have to let the cards unfold
Let your story be shown

Don’t get wrapped up in the negative
Be happy with what you have been given
Live for today not tomorrow
Get up, get out and start living

Cos the past is the past for a reason
It’s been and now it is gone
So stop trying to think of ways to fix it
It’s done, it’s unchangeable, move on.