What is life's greatest lesson for you so far?

Question

Besides of the things we already know, what's life's greatest lesson(s) that changed your whole perspective about yourself and life itself?

And also, how did it changed you?

Answer 1

I watched my mom die at age 59 and she struggled her whole life and worried about money and never really seemed happy. It made me realize that life is too short to spend it in the pursuit of wealth, because truly, all the money in the world wouldn't have cured the cancer she had.

So I am satisfied to have a job that lets me have a house, put my kids through school and drive decent, late model American cars. We go out to eat and for a few drinks on Saturday nights, and once a year we take a vacation - nothing extravagant but someplace nice in Florida for a week at the beach.

What's lifes greates lesson? Enjoy every sandwich. Warren Zevon told David Letterman that right before he died.

Answer 2

Life's greatest lesson to me so far (in my 22 years lol) has been that happiness does not exist for you unless you actively pursue it. I mean living up to things you know you are capable of and fulfilling what truly makes you feel good and not because everyone thinks you should pursue it. It has changed me in terms of how I live day to day. I've learn a lot about what I am capable, like patience (sometimes lol), writing poetry, creativity, outspoken, strong will....

The more I do, the more I learn about what I am capable of and the less regrets I have at the end of the day. I know I tried and I can feel satisfied with that.

Answer 3

An incredible little book called "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. Number 2 was the one I needed most and the one that has most dramatically changed my life!

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse

Answer 4

To realize that we are not this material body, IE; Race, color, nationality, Religion, mind, intellect, senses, job, etc. We are all eternal spirit souls, part and parcel of the Supreme Soul, also known as Krishna, Allah, Jehovah, Vishnu, etc. We never die, only this mortal body dies.
This material world is not our real home, it is called Maya (illusion) and is temporary and full of misery, only one fourth of the souls come here, and the rest are enjoying blissful eternal loving relationships with our Maker named above. Those who are intelligent, take up the process of self realization (Bhakti Yoga) which gives one real peace, happiness and reality. Then at the end of life they can return to the eternal Kingdom where there is no more birth, death, old age, or disease and be eternally happy. I am so glad I have learned all this and have taken seriously to the process of getting out of this illusion.
For info. Go to harekrishnatemple.com Read Bhagavad Gita- As it is by Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada asitis.com you can read it on line.

Answer 5

That people never appreciate what they have. And when the lose it then comes anderstanding and appreciation. But most of the times, its too late. I've learned it in my previous relationships, and trying not to make the same mistake in current.
Also, live today's day! Live in present! Live the moment! Thats one I know, but its so hard for me to follow. I live most of the times in future. Imagining how things would be. But you cannot control EVERYTHING, and things are gonna go the way you dont want them to go, and there comes dissapointment. So live present, and cherish the moment!!

Answer 6

To be true to myself.

A great example is when I decided to leave my first husband. I knew I could stay with him for years to come, but I envisioned myself 5-10 years down the road, kicking myself in the *ss for not getting out sooner. I knew a deserved a chance at happiness, and while it broke my heart to admit to a failed marriage, but I knew it was the right thing to do for me.

It made me trust myself more.

Answer 7

Learning to love God completely, love colleague as Self, and love as Christ Jesus, Truth, loves.

Some good modern authors:

"Climb the Highest Mountain," Mark Prophet,
"Watch Your Dreams" and "Men in White Apparel," Ann Ree Colton,
"Light Is a Living Spirit," O. M. Aivanhov,
"The Reincarnation of Edgar Cayce?", Free and Wilcock, http://www.divinecosmos.com
"Extraordinary Knowing," Dr. Elizabeth Mayer,
"Knowing Adam," Martha Beck.

cordially,

j.

Answer 8

Besides falling in love...

The discovery of DNA seems to point to the existence of God!
Notice how each cell knows only its own job, yet a whole "You" can be re-created from any one. It's like this discovery shows how we can contain something and not be able to understand or express it, which was the big question about the nature of God and His apparent invisibility to us. We are part of Him. He looks after us all, just the way you care for each and every cell in your own body with the greatest care.

Doesn't mean He wasn't there all along, but the discovery of DNA is kind of like finding His fingerprint!

Answer 9

Make the most generous assumption of a person.

I'm not going to write "don't make assumptions of people" because you can't help but do it, it's human nature. Making generous assumptions means you give them the benefit of the doubt. It makes being respectful to everyone more natural and a lot easier.

Answer 10

That we don't really need 95% of the things that we have been programmed to think we need.

It has freed me from out of control materialism and the pursuit of wealth and more consumer goodies and it has freed up my time and energy to be more health concious for me and for the planet.

The great irony is that I have more disposable income while working less. (but don't tell anyone, people think I'm poor)