Lessons of 2015

2015 was a great year professionally, and an OK year personally. I was most definitely a year of lessons learned.  Some are new, and some are just reinforced.

1) Time and distance does nothing to lessen the bonds you have with people who you truly love and connect with. But don't take those connections for granted...continue to nurture those bonds by whatever means necessary.

2) A quick text or note in someone's inbox can make their entire day.

3) We all affect more people than we'll ever be aware of.

4) No amount of pleading, reasoning or resources will help someone who refuses to help themselves. Once you realize this, it's time to let go and move on.

5) Separate yourself from people who only take in a relationship, but don't give back. It is not your job to prop them up.

6) The most valuable gift is time.

7) Tell people how you feel while you can. You never know when it will be the last conversation you have with someone.

8) Relationships are fantastic, but never neglect your friendships.

9) Take care of your body. It's the only you get.

10) Put money away. Those shoes you want can wait, but your electric bill can't.

And finally...

11) Work hard. Nothing is owed to you just for walking the earth.

G

Holiday Bullshit

So...I don't celebrate Christmas. People give me a hard time about it.  Those same people don't give me a hard time about not celebrating Easter, which kind of proves my point. I'm not a Christian. Why should I be forced to celebrate a Christian holiday? Because that's what our commercialized society expects me to do? It was intended for Christians to celebrate the birth of Christ, not buy loads of crap for people that will end up having to return it for something they ACTUALLY want. No one is hounding me about why i don't celebrate Hanukkah. Every year I have to justify to everyone why not only I do not want gifts, but why they won't be receiving them either. Stop giving the people you love "things". Give them your time instead.  There's no price tag on that. It will never break or wear out. It will always fit.  I get people close to me who don't understand why I hate this time of year. It's hard for them to understand, because they aren't being made to feel like an asshole for their beliefs. So the next time you run into someone who doesn't get into the "holiday spirit", check your reaction. It's no more your business to "convince" them they need to celebrate than it is theirs to convince you not to.

G