Through quiet prayer I learned that either path I take will be O.K.,

And that God will always love me, he will never turn away.

One must seek in order to find, only then will you see the signs,

So search with an open heart, try to read between the lines.

I've learned to continue what I have been doing, just more authentic and true,

So I will always do what I love and forever love what I do.

I know I have what it takes but must open my eyes to see,

That "the key to happiness is how you deal with plan B" (Marilou Henner)

I learned that eventually all things do come to an end,

And that when you're lost, you must go back to where the road took the bend.

If saying good-bye seems too difficult to do,

Remember that good-bye comes from the phrase "God be with you".

I learned that eating chocolate for breakfast is really not so bad,

Food is not to be feared, diet is not a fad.

We must learn to enjoy what we have been given, moderation is the key,

Replace the second glass of wine with a cup of steaming tea.

I learned that everything I thought I knew was not necessarily true,

Situations may be similar but it depends on what you do.

Truth is a journey; one we all must travel,

So that each of life's mysteries slowly can unravel.

I have learned to appreciate what it takes to be a man,

But as a woman I still know that everything a boy does, as well a girl can.

We need to teach our children to love, laugh and live.

Acceptance and respect are the best gifts you have to give.

I learned the importance of laughter each and every day.

If you treat others well, good people come your way.

Judge with compassion, give from the heart,

Worry only about your own actions, this is where love has to start.

I learned that many decisions are completely out of our hands,

Eventually you will see the reason, though at the time it may be hard to understand.

I learned that relationships involve both work and play,

And the rewards match the effort you put forth each day.

I learned that Rock Stars are simply, people who followed their dream,

And that we are all only human, no matter what it may seem.

New friends in your life are like Angels sent from above,

they are here to teach and learn lessons about love.

Then there are old friends, worth their entire weight in gold,

They've been around forever, secrets still untold.

Life would be nothing, without them to hold your hand,

To laugh with, to cry with; they always understand.

I learned not to judge until you've walked a mile in her shoes.

Each person is unique, with each their different views.

We must accept and trust; it is not up to us to doubt.

We can't worry about the choices others make, or the consequences that come about.

You have only failed when you choose to give in.

It is between you and God weather what you do is a sin.

Being forgiven can leave one utterly speechless,

This allows them to move forward, and put behind them their weakness.

Letting go of expectation is what I will work on this year,

It will soften the feelings of guilt, anxiety and fear.

The old are wise, as they have learned to sacrifice,

But sometimes the youngest child can give the best advice.

                                                                                     jj

                        

                           What I Learned This Year

By Janaia McQuaig c2008