I've Learned...

One of the things I've enjoyed most about learning to run are all the life lessons that go along with it. Among many things, I've learned about can't vs won't, I've learned that the easier something looks the harder it usually is, I've learned that you should buy running sneakers one size larger than your shoe size (who knew?), I've learned that you shouldn't eat garlic at lunch and then run after work and then this morning while Susan was punishing us with her crazy !*@#$% 40-minute treadmill drill, I learned perhaps the most important one of all.

This little gem came as a result of deliberately getting on the treadmill beside her in order to push myself, and even though I still fell behind the pack, I managed to do the 40 minutes leaving me completely exhausted but with one very important lesson: success isn't about being THE best, it's about being YOUR best. Go figure. And furthemore, if you want to be your best, stand with the best. That's why I run with the girls I do. (And because they let me.)

So on that note, I thought I'd share a few other life lessons I've learned along the way. I had originally presented this back in 2001 at a staff retreat and had completely forgotten about it until a colleague recently sent it to me. (Please note that anything with an "*" isn't an original and in most cases I don't know the author, but I've included it because I agree!)

Feel free to add your own life lessons in the comment section...

I’ve learned…


I’ve learned that learning and living mean the same thing.

I’ve learned you cannot put a price on contentment.

I’ve learned that you’re never too old to set a new goal; even if you think there’s no possible physical way you can achieve it.

*I’ve learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.

* I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle three things: A rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. (Unknown)

I’ve learned that a good opportunity is not necessarily the right opportunity.

I’ve learned that stress is relative.

I’ve learned a strong work ethic from my parents.

*I’ve learned that the harder you try and get ahead of someone else, the farther behind you fall.

I’ve learned that when someone gets on my nerves, it’s usually because they’re highlighting a quality I don’t like about myself.

* I’ve learned that if you talk more than you listen, people stop hearing what you have to say.

I’ve learned that we often let go of an opportunity, not because we’re afraid we might fail,
but because we’re afraid we might succeed. The status quo is a comforting thing.

I've learned that fear is the root of our anger and that our ego is the root of our fear.

I’ve learned that you can grow leaps and bounds when you feel the fear and do it anyway.

I’ve learned that if you’re the kind of person who likes to gossip,
you can always come sit by me. :)

I’ve learned that I would rather live in a small home than a big house.

*I’ve learned that being happy or unhappy starts with the realization that it’s a choice, and then making it everyday.

*I’ve learned that if you blame others for your own unhappiness, you will always be unhappy.

I’ve learned that people who choose to live their life as a victim have not figured out that the past does not determine the future.

I’ve learned that you can go a year without watching a soap and still know what’s happening.

I've learned that sarcasm is a cowardly way to make a point.

* I’ve learned that “why me” is not an acceptable question and should be replaced with “what’s next.” (Oprah)

I’ve learned that I have no tolerance for people who abuse three things: waiters, animals and nice shoes.

I’ve learned that sometimes you need to let go and trust that the current will take you to where you need to be. Has a current ever taken a river anywhere but toward the ocean?

I’ve learned that if you stop trying to find the answer, it will usually come to you. I’ve learned that when you stop needing something, you will usually get it and I’ve learned that when you stop looking for something, you will usually find it.

I’ve learned that it’s been in the hardest times that I have learned the most profound lessons.

I’ve learned that although you may not always get what you want, you usually get what you need.

I’ve learned that tequila does not mix well with beer, wine and guacamole. Definitely learned that one the hard way.

I’ve learned that I don’t understand people who instinctively always put their own convenience before that of another. I’ve also learned that it would probably do me good to do just that more often.

* I’ve learned that your life is an accurate reflection of how much you give.

*I’ve learned that whenever you decide something with an open heart, you usually make the right decision.

* I’ve learned that doing the right things is often more important than doing things right.

I’ve learned that it’s impossible to stay out of the Cadbury chocolate drawer at work.

* I’ve learned that life is not about what happens to you but how you handle what happens to you.

I’ve learned that those who maintain their grace and composure in times of adversity are the truest leaders.

I’ve learned that although you can’t judge a book by its cover, it’s usually enough to pull off a C on a book report.

* I’ve learned that in life no one is perfect and that nobody would invite you to dinner if you were anyway.

I’ve learned that the tone of your voice determines what others hear…not your words.

I’ve learned that your behaviour is how you want others to know you.
People can only believe what you show them. (Oprah)

I’ve learned that just because something is interesting and important to me does not mean that it’s interesting and important to someone else.

*I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I’ve learned that just because I know these things does not mean I deliver on them. But I’ve also learned that life is about the effort, not necessarily the result.

And if you need proof, take up running.