I've learned.

I've learned....That it's those small daily
happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned...That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned....That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I've learned....That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I've learned....That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned...That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned...That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned....That everyone you meet
deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned...That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned....That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned...That opportunities are never lost;
someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned....That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned...That I wish I could have told those I cared about that I love them one more time before they passed away.
I've learned....That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned....That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned....That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned....That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, ut all the happiness, and growth happen while you're climbing it.
I've learned....That the less time I have to work, the more things I get done.
I've learned that Prayer is the answer to all things.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway.
The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Be good anyway.
Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway...

-Mother Teresa

Finally....

It's been almost a month since I last put something.....some thought or happening...down on my blog or anywhere for that matter.

The year 2005 is only two (2)days away for being over...for ever. What happened this year would not happen again (atleast I pray so).
As I take the time to reflect on all that has happened...and where I have come from, I so appreciate where I am now.

From graduation on May 07, 2005




to departing from Lansing and moving to Baltimore in August of this very year...


Leaving behind but not quite letting go.....



I felt the loss of friendships (on different levels)that I never expected. Leaving for Baltimore was a real eye-opener, showing me that what I believed and felt was, wasn't.

To visiting Lansing MI,in November, only to have Toni never, ever be the same again. I would never feel like I felt, think like I though...see like I saw......



I think this year holds my life's record for the most number of tears shed...over the SAME situation...over ....and over...and over...again. It's crazy.


Someone I know once said that "pictures are worth a thousand words, feelings, stories". I couldn't have said it better myself.

You know, there are many things we as humans pray not to carry on to a new year. For some, it's a bad habit...be it porn or sucking a thumb.For some it's a history and believe that all I do has seemed to fail and not prosper so far. For the some of us, it is bad friendships/relationships, destructive feelings, heartbreak, anger, disappointment, feeling of deglect, feeling unappreciated and/or unrecognized, not being able to trust or forgive....blah, blah, blah.The list could go on.

But at the same time, we hope to continue certain new found secrets to life (honesty, openess, respect for oneself and the other, communication...Love), friendships/relationsips, jobs, family ties, lifestyles, and other things that build us up and help us grow spiritually, emotionally, physically. We pray for new and greater opportunities, a chance to explore the great gift our Good Lord has entrusted us with.




That's my prayer for the year 2006. I hope to get closer to those friends that have prayed me through a storm, and also be a better friend to anyone who needs me to be there for him/her. I pray for no room for self-doubt or thoughts of inadequacy or not being good enough for anyone or any suitation. I want to be a stronger woman, and learn from everyone and every single event that occured this year, in order not to find myself in a similar mess in the future.



Finally, (not really knowing if anyone is reading this)I would like to thank God for each and everyone of you that have blessed me, prayed for me and just been there for me this year. I appreciate the few people God has enabled me to be with, and I pray God gives/grants you the deep desires of your heart (remember, as long as it's according to His will).


I love you and let's enjoy the rest of 2005 while we still can. :-D