I've Learned....I Know.. So I Do...

I've learned many things in my life. I take all my lessons as stepping stones to a greater and more productive life.  I accept the fact that I am not perfect ,and that not everyone will love appreciate or approve of who or what I am. I look in the mirror daily and I make a promise to give myself the same unconditional love and support I give so freely to others.

I have stopped moving through life as a buyer, hungry for my next fix, a new dress, another pair of shoes or looks of approval and admiration from family, friends or even strangers who pass by. I have discovered that it is truly in giving that I receive, and that the joy and abundance I seek grows out of what I am constantly giving. I also recognize the importance of creating and contributing rather than obtaining and accumulating.

I give thanks for the simple things that I've been blessed with, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about.  I've learned to avoid toxic people and conversations and work to not discuss old issues and situations with family and friends.  I have stopped engaging in self-destructive behaviors, including participating in relationships that are dysfunctional. I am eating a balanced diet, drinking more water and exercising. Since I have learned that fatigue drains the spirit and creates doubt and fear, I give myself permission to rest. I know food is fuel for my body and laughter is fuel for my spirit so I make it a point to create time for play.

I know how to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving, and when to walk away. I know that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say, intentionally or unintentionally, and that everyone will not always come through... I have also learned and accepted that it's not always about me.  In life, I have stopped lashing out and pointing fingers or looking to place blame for things that were done to me or weren't done for me. I am learning to keep my ego in check and to acknowledge and redirect my destructive emotions it brings forth - anger, jealousy and resentment. I've learned that my EGO is really Easing God Out and that is not my goal in life.

I can now say "I was wrong" and I can forgive people for their own human deficiencies. I've learned to build bridges instead of walls and about the important healing power of love as it is expressed through a kind word, a warm smile or a friendly gesture. At the same time, I have eliminated any relationships that are hurtful or fail to uplift and edify me and others.

I have learned to look at people as they really are and not as I would want them to be, and I am careful not to project my neediness or insecurities onto my relationships with others. I have learned that I will not be more beautiful, more intelligent, more lovable or important because of a man on my arm or the child that bears my name. I have learned that just as people grow and change, so does love and relationships. I have also learned that not everyone can always love you the way you would want them to.  I have learned what it means to love. So I've stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes.  I have discovered that the greatest and most fulfilling love I have ever known is self love and if I didn't love myself for who I am no one else could love me and I couldn't love the God that created me.

I know that life isn't always fair and I don't always get what I think I deserve, and I have stopped personalizing every loss or disappointment. I've learned to accept that sometimes bad things happen to good people and that these things are not a slight from God or a purposeful stab against me, but merely the way life goes.

I know that FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real and I've learned to step right into and through my fears, because to give into fear is to give away the right to live life on the terms that God has already set upon me. I know that to counteract my fears I must have faith. I've learned to trust in God's plan and go after what I want and not to squander my life living under a cloud of indecision or feelings of approaching doom and gloom that may never come.



I have learned to make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting and to stay open to every wonderful opportunity and exciting possibility put before me. I even take moments to look at the trees and bumblebees outside my window to remind myself what beauty there is in simplicity.

Finally I have learned that when God is for you and you keep Him first and by your side you can do anything and live your life fully without reservation or regrets.  I know a little about the Power of Prayer. I know in some of my darkest, most painful and frightening hours, I have prayed, not for the answers to my prayers or for material things, but for God to help me find the strength, confidence and courage to persevere and face each day and to do what I must do to honor Him through helping others.

I, without a doubt, know I am an expression of the almighty. The spirit of God resides within me and moves through me and I share that spirit daily with others. I have learned to open my heart and speak to that spirit and I know it always heals and empowers me.  God has never failed me and never will.

I've learned it all, I know it all has a purpose, So I do what needs to be done to live the life that is most productive for me.  Yep, I have learned and my life couldn't be any better after every lesson.

What have you learned? How do you share your lessons with others? Our lives are living testimonies to others.  Share your lessons and recognize your lessons help others in their classroom of life.

I've Learned.... I Know... So I Do!

Racquel
Be Blessed, Be Encouraged & Be a Blessing!