Life is full of lessons.  We all learn our lessons at different times depending on what fate throws our way.  Wisdom is in each of us regardless of our age and each of us has a unique take on how life should be lived.  Here are a few of life's lessons I've learned along the way and would like to share in the hopes of helping others.  This in no way covers everything as life has many lessons and no one person can know everything, but it's a start. 

To me the most important lesson is to remember to be happy with the life you have.  We are only given one life, so why spend it wishing you were someone else or had more stuff that you can't take with you when you die anyway?  Don't get me wrong, it's nice to have dreams and goals, but when you spend all your time wishing your life away, someday you wake up and realize that life really has passed you by.  Worst of all there is no going back, so remember to enjoy your life to the fullest no matter how long, short or trying it may be. 

The next two lessons can tie in together, but that doesn't mean that you learn them at the same time.  One is to not waste so much time and energy worrying about how others think of you, while the other is to always do your best in everything you do.  When you put your best foot forward you find that you are happier with the results even if it's not exactly how you envisioned it because you know you tried your best.  Not only is that all any of us can do throughout life, but also no matter what you do there will always be somebody who doesn't like how something was handled or that thinks you should have done something differently.  Don't let this negative energy steal your sense of accomplishment.  As long as you are trying your best each and everyday day, it's the best that anyone can be expected to do, so worrying about how others see you is pointless.  Each of us has the right to feel valued and appreciated, find this strength from within.  No one else can do it for you and you will find you are a happier, more fulfilled and peaceful individual. 

These next two are no easier to learn than any of the others, but they tend to happen during times of struggle or sadness and to me were rather shocking to learn.  One is no matter how well you think you may know a person; you never really know them, no matter who they are in your life.  The other is death and divorce to often bring out the worst in individuals.  Maybe it's because emotions are running so high or maybe it's because a terrible hurt has happened and they don't know how else to act.  Either way, in my experience anyways, if you think someone is incapable of doing something or would never act a certain way, then chances are they can and will depending on their emotional maturity at the time.  Another lesson that ties into this, but also fits nicely into other areas of life is anything that can happen will.  If you think it will never happen to you, then you're wrong.  Life has a funny way of throwing stuff at us that we never thought we would have to deal with and then all of a sudden we find ourselves right in the middle of it.  Remember no one is immune to life's lessons and they always happen for a reason. 

Another important lesson is to always treat others how you would like to be treated.  You never know when you might find yourself in that person's shoes, so remember to be kind.  Also it's much more fulfilling when you give without expectations of receiving.  You'll find that like attracts like.  When you freely give kindness or help others, suddenly your life is full of surprising and wonderful things that you never imagined possible. 

I know I said to not worry about what other people are saying or thinking and I meant it.  But there is a fine line here that needs to be recognized.  A lot of unique and truly great ideas have come from listening to other people's points of view.  These ideas can come from anyone or anywhere, the trick is to recognize these ideas when they come along.  If people are just criticizing your work to make themselves feel better it's probably a good idea to ignore their remarks.  But if someone is trying to show you another way of looking at something, don't be afraid to consider their point of view regardless of their age or status.  Nothing is lost by considering another's point of view and you might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome. 

Last but not least, try to remember that God will never give us more than we can handle. 
Even if at the time it seems insurmountable, remember this to shall pass.  You will become a stronger individual for hanging in there and who knows, you may end up helping someone else with your new found wisdom.  There is always a solution to every situation and life has a unique way of providing exactly what we need when we need it most, so be patient and keep your eyes, ears and hearts open.

This is just a few of the lesson's I've learned along the way.  In writing this I hope to help others who are having a tough time.  Sometimes we focus so much on getting to the end of something we forget that a lesson needs to be learned before we can get there.  Although these lessons are not always fun, they are very important in helping each of us to evolve into the wonderful people we are meant to become.  Remember you are never alone and this to shall pass.  In the words of a memorable little spider named Charlotte, chin up :-)