24 Lessons From '24

As I write this, it is December 27 of 2024. We're closing in on the close of one year and the opening of another; and what a trip around the sun 2024 was for so many of us, right?

For me, I am very lucky that 2024 seemed to pass as quickly as it did; because I am dealing with more of the emotional baggage and guilt that I've been carrying with me since at least the Summer of 2023.

Nevertheless, as painful as some of these lessons were, they were important ones for growth (yes, at age 40, there's room for growth).

1. No, not EVERYONE loves you the same as you love them.

"Not everyone is going to be your cheerleader." And, sometimes, that's THEIR loss.

2. YOU love your music and that's GREAT. Not everyone feels the same way...

You're wearing headphones as you walk for a REASON. KEEP your music to YOURSELF and do NOT pick your evening walks to serenade potential passerby (you already know that you can't hear with your headphones on).

3. Mind your surroundings.

4. Enjoy the silence.

Turn off the music once in a great while on your walks. Walk. Reflect. Pray. Be aware enough of friends around you to have a real conversation without the initial embarrassment of being scared into jumping nearly 10 feet into the air.

5. It's never too late to pick up a new fitness routine (and "Thanks, MX4.")

Thank you for new friends and new ways to take care of my body.

6. Take care of your precious, God-given temple.

7. Find the peace and joy in even the most uncomfortable circumstances.

The living situation. The financial situation. The friendship/relationship/family situation. The spiritual/worship situation. Maybe even all FOUR SIMULTANEOUSLY! It's not always comfortable on the surface; and, sometimes, you need to see deeper than the "physical" world to find peace, comfort, and joy.

8. Sometimes, a heart is worth fighting for.

...and, if you haven't fought for YOURS in a while, pick up your armor and defend YOUR heart before trying to take up the mantle of protecting someone else's.

9. The "Chase" (Hunt/Pursuit/Stalk) suggests GREATER distance; not closer...

...and, especially when we're talking about your specific person, "The Stalk..." (for something there) is DEFINITELY the wrong terminology.

10. ...Sometimes, the deepest expression of love and respect IS to finally walk away; or at least allow THEM to do so.

...This IS probably the most painful lesson of all of these; and you DON'T want the situation to escalate to this point.

11. Watch your language

...It's deeper than "no swearing." Watch what you say about others. Mind what is said in anger.

12. Be quick to apologize.

13. "Apologies" are for YOUR offenses, not those of others.

14. An "apology" is the beginning of the matter; a sincere and valid attempt at CORRECTION (especially for multiple offenses) is involved too.

15. Not every "friend" can be trusted with the nitty-gritty nonsense.

...Especially if what you're sharing involves someone ELSE. A dispute. A misunderstanding. The identity of your Specific Person (to anyone but the party who DESERVES to know.

16. Budget

Don't spend more than you can afford. And don't spend too much around company who drains your energy; or enough time with friends that you have nothing left for family; or enough time at work that you can't be present at home...

17. Express HONESTLY.

Your intentions. Your boundaries. Your deepest feelings. EXPRESS them to those you trust (and, in the case of your boundaries, those who NEED to hear them).

18. Be Kind

...Especially when FIRST expressing your boundaries to someone who NEEDS to hear them, be kind and patient.

19. Be Kind to YOURSELF too

Self-Deprecating "humor" is ONLY funny in the smallest of doses. I mean, ANY "comedian" with only one schtick can get just obnoxious to listen to after a while. Keep the negative self-talk (even with the mirth behind the words) to a minimum. If you won't say it about others, or don't want them to say it to you, tone it down when discussing yourself.

20. Be Present For Others.

21. Read the Room.

22. Seek to UNDERSTAND

23. Support Others

...Even if sitting in silence; just so they know that someone is in their corner.

24. Treat Others the Way That You Want To Be Treated.

You're never too old to need reminded of the Golden Rule (right, Mr. 40-Year-Old Writer?)

and one final lesson to bring into...

25. Be YOU...

Be honest. Be sincere. Be genuine. Apologize when you're wrong and strive for correction. Be humble when you need to. Be present when needed. Be a silent observer and supporter when necessary.

BE the type of person you want to ATTRACT...

Happy New Year, everybody; I appreciate you all.

Let's make THIS our year...