Blog challenge · Daily Post Writing Challenge · Mi Vida Loca · nonfiction · postaday

Things I’ve Learned This Past Year

JackieP

The Daily Post Weekly writing challenge is to write a list;

For this week’s challenge, I invite you to breathe new life into the established genre of the end-of-year countdown list. Sure, you’re welcome to share your top-20 books, songs, or obscure craft beers of the year. But you could also try something a bit different.

 

My grandmother once told me that I should learn one new thing a day. I think that was wise advice and I have always tried to keep her words in mind. Learning new things keeps me young and I hope, sharp minded.

There are different kinds of learning though. You can learn new facts about a subject, new ideas, new words, all kinds of new things. As long as I’m learning, I’m happy.

This past year was not an easy  year for me. It was a learning year, though. I found out more about myself, my life, my choices, my wants and my needs. So for this writing challenge I am going to list all the things I’ve learned this year.

  • I’ve learned that life can be a bitch. I all ready knew that one, but it was reinforced this past year with a vengeance.
  • I’ve learned that I am much stronger than I thought I was.
  • I’ve learned that I am much weaker than I knew.
  • I’ve learned that you can trust some people. Believe me that is a hard one for me to learn, but yes, I can trust some people and they won’t turn around and stab me in the back.
  • I’ve learned I can be trusted with secrets.
  • I’ve learned I can be a really good friend. I know this sounds strange, but sometimes I wasn’t sure about myself. Now I am.
  • I’ve learned that change doesn’t scare me. I kind of knew that about myself anyway, but it’s nice to learn it over again.
  • change_image
  • I’ve learned patience. Or I should amend that, I AM learning patience. I always thought I was, but this past year has put it to the ultimate test. Sometimes I failed. I’m honest enough to admit that, but then I try again.
  • I’ve learned that people in constant pain are very strong people, they have to be.
  • I’ve learned that people in constant pain sometimes wish to end it, a final end. My husband has hinted at it a few times, that scares me, but now I understand a bit more why he would have those thoughts. One day he might follow through with those thoughts and put it into action.
  • I’ve learned that my depression is trying to take hold once more.
  • I’ve learned to fight that depression, every single day.
  • I’ve learned that trying to work with government bureaucracy is an ongoing test of my patience and temper.
  • I’ve learned that my mother and I can become friends. We still hit a rough patch now and then, but it’s getting less and less that we do. More and more we are learning to appreciate each other and laugh with each other.
  • I’ve learned that I love writing even more than I thought.

  • www.fromoldbooks.org
    http://www.fromoldbooks.org
  • I’ve learned that the people on WordPress on the whole are a wonderful, loving, nurturing group of people. Sure, you might find the odd asshat, or an attention whore, but this community is strong and vital and I am so glad I’m here with you all.
  • I’ve learned that blogging is the best therapy I’ve found.
  • I’ve learned that I still have the capacity to love, I thought I lost that along the way.
  • I’ve learned that I need to give myself a break now and then.
  • I’ve learned that some life choices were very hard to make, but I’m glad I did make the choices I made.
  • I’ve learned that my bad knee hates weather that is -25c.
  • I’ve learned how to walk with a cane, not be ashamed of it, and to find other uses for a cane that I would never have thought about before!
  • I’ve learned how to forgive myself for not being a better housekeeper, there are more important things in life than getting rid of a layer of dust somewhere.
  • I’ve learned that I actually like writing poetry, who would have thunk it?
  • I’ve learned to keep my sense of humor, even in the most trying of times. It saved my ass a few times this past year.
  • I’ve learned that I’ve learned a hell of a lot this year!

 

There you have it. I’m sure I’ve missed something, but I believe I got the most important lessons down that I learned this year. I’m sure I’m due for some more teachings along the way next year.

 

What is the one most important lesson YOU have learned this year?

 

 

31 thoughts on “Things I’ve Learned This Past Year”

  1. That was an awesome list m’dear! I just might have to swipe that idea. 🙂 I’ve learned that the end does often justify the hellish time it takes getting there.

    Like

  2. I’ve learned that I have more friends than I knew before.

    I’ve learned when someone shows you who they really are, you need to believe it.

    I’ve learned how lonely it is to be on the outside/other side of a popular mindset.

    I’ve learned I can survive that loneliness.

    Like

    1. You’ve learned some good lessons my friend. You’ve also learned how to trust yourself a bit more. That comes with all the others. ❤

      Like

  3. Great list, minus the depression I hate hearing you suffer from. My list includes learning patience, learning I can deal with the frustrations that come with physical limitations, and that love will survive distance.

    Like

    1. I’m winning over the depression, it’s just a constant fight. But, I’m a tough old broad. LOL

      Yeah, I hear you on your life learnings. But then I knew you are a strong woman. And yes, love does survive distance. Stay strong my friend.

      Like

  4. Pingback: the good life | Musings of a Random Mind

    1. It not only throws up challenges, it bombs you with them. But, we go with the flow, learn how to adapt, and roll with the punches. Either that, or give up. I”m not much for giving up.

      Like

  7. I’ve learned to reach out more and not be so introverted. That there are good people who really care and that I am, for the most part, a tough cookie.
    I giggled when I saw you used asshat, my favorite word. 🙂

    Like

  8. A long list of learnings Jackie! And they are not easy ones. I love the fact that the list includes so many tough things and still has a positive undertone. You are a tough cookie, but a wonderful one. Hugs my friend

    Like

  9. Wow! What a productive year you had. It is great that you reconized what you learned. I know I’ve learned a lot but to make a list would take some doing. The main thing I’m trying to learn is to live in the now and to appreciate how precious each day I wake up breathing is.

    Like

    1. Thanks Kim and it’s good to ‘see’ you again! Well, I think your lesson of appreciating every day you wake up breathing is a great one. Without it the others will be moot. lol

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Just read this while eating lunch and it put me in a good mood, even though some of the subject matter is serious or intense. I agree that blogging is the best therapy! I will have to think more on the greatest lesson I’ve learned…

    Like

  12. What a wonderful list so filled with insights. You’ve learned a lot in the lifetime as well as the year. This year, I’ve learned that I can achieve my dreams even though they don’t always look like I’d imagined. Also, if I change my attitude, the situation feels different. I’ve also struggled with depression since childhood. But I win. You too. Keep at it. Yes, it’s a constant struggle. I too made a friend of my mother late, late in life. It was never easy but I was glad we had a good relationship at the end. I’m going to copy your list as a reminder. You did good here.

    Like

  13. I love your list. Sometimes I feel like we grow and learn more and more each year. Like you, I’ve learned that depression is a struggle, but I’m also learning how to manage it. There are always going to be ups and downs, I believe.

    Like

    1. Hi Topaz! Thank you. Yes, there will always be ups and downs with depression. But, if we can keep fighting it, I figure we win. Thanks for stopping in!

      Like

  14. Pingback: Countdown to Christmas for Canines | litadoolan

  15. Depression is a fight. Every. Single. Day. Every day. It’s a potentially fatal disease. There’s no cure, only treating symptoms and doing one’s best. That “best” is going to vary from day to day, and from minute to minute. Mental health is no different from physical health. If I go to the gym religiously for a week, then quit, I stop being fit. If I attend to my mental health religiously for a week, then quit… I stop being mentally fit. I have to go to the mental equivalent of a health club every single day. That’s what I’ve had to learn, and keep having to relearn when I forget.

    Like

    1. This is so true about depression. That’s why I’m an optimist now. I look for the good, not the bad. I have to. I try to stay upbeat even when I really don’t feel like it. It’s like a habit you get into. I want the good habit. Not the bad. Thanks Jerimi!

      Like

  16. Pingback: Merry Christmas! (Top 10 Humour GIFs of to Brighten Your Day) | Ramisa the Authoress

Comments are closed.