Lessons Learned

I learned that whenever I opened up my heart and made a decision based on love and hope, I almost always made the right decision, even when the result was a painful one.
I learned that one of the greatest challenges to our selves brings with it the greatest benefit to our lives and those we hold dear: looking at our actions, owning them, holding ourselves accountable and responsible at every turn and at every choice made.
I learned that an individual's character hinges on their ability to accept this very responsibility for their actions.
I learned that patience is truly a virtue and to one which I'm not naturally inclined.
I learned that the only people who are scared to "loose themselves" are those who don't know who they are to begin with.
I learned that Crack does, indeed, make me happy.
I learned that anger and resentment breed bitterness that changes every aspect of who we are and how we live.
I learned that everything is a choice.
I learned that I suck at poetry, though am a supreme rhymer.
I learned that in love, there is no room for pride...and where there is room for pride, it is not love.
I learned that the amount of respect you show others is a direct extension of how much you respect yourself.
I learned that walking on a crack in Crack won't break anyone's back but my own.
I learned that ending a conversation with "we agree to disagree" is quite possibly the best way to end a conversation with family.
I learned that forgiveness of an action does not equate absolution of that action.
I learned that when living honestly, you can live more in one day than most others do in one life time.
I learned that I am an optimist.
I learned that to be of sound mind and body are the most profound of blessings and it is these we most often take for granted.
I learned that starting from a position of fear, defensiveness and self-pity is just another excuse for one's paralysis.
I learned that if you really want it, you may have to spend the rest of this life fighting for it...and that's perfectly acceptable.
I learned that I have the most amazing parents in the world and they keep surprising me at every moment.
I learned that at the outset, no one needs to earn my trust because I give it freely; but when it's lost, it's lost entirely.
I learned that except for my facing God, absolutely everything in my life is up for change, if you can convince me.
I learned that when you shake someone's hand, you need to take off your glove if you're wearing it, stand up if you're sitting down, and take off your sunglasses if you're wearing them.
I learned that life goes on - usually stronger and bigger and warmer - no matter the trauma to our hearts.
I learned that evolution and dissent posed by one against themselves is a sign of a healthy mind.
I learned that f*cking things up once in a while is good for you because it teaches you, in no uncertain terms, of where you don't want to be and therefore where you need to go.
I learned that the perfect shade of red nail polish doesn't exist.

And...I learned that kindness is the currency of human interaction and no one likes a cheap bastard.