NEWS FLASH: Life is a learning process!

Yes, difficult as that may be to grasp, it’s true.  If you live long enough, you learn a thing or two.  I’ve lived a while now and I’ve learned more than a few things I never really wanted to know.  

I’ve learned that life is all about change … and that it abides by no rules written down anywhere … and that as much as I claim to like change, I sometimes don’t like change very much at all.

I’ve learned that people will astound you every day, for good or ill … and that a part of what is so astounding about people is their capacity for selfishness.  It clearly knows no bounds.

I’ve learned that being a “good person” does not require me to accept any and all crap thrown my way … and that if I do NOT accept anything and everything presented to me, I run the (perfectly acceptable) risk of being labeled with the B word.

I’ve learned that there are people whose moral codes will not allow them to maintain a relationship with any except those who agree wholeheartedly with their particular philosophy of life … and that those people will cut you without so much as a backward glance.

Conversely, I’ve learned, to my great joy, that there are incredibly amazing people who possess the necessary maturity, magnanimity, and genuine regard to “take the bad with the good” and keep on trucking along beside you through life.

I’ve learned that not everyone who snuggles up to you actually cares a fig about you or your life.  Sometimes they’re just nosy.  Sometimes they’re hoping you’ve perhaps had a bad fall since the last time they checked, and their day will go much more fabulously after they ascertain that fact. 

I’ve learned that human beings have an infinite capacity and talent for justifying whatever behavior benefits them … and a singular blind spot when it comes to irony.

I’ve learned that “friend” is an entirely subjective noun and that people you had reason to think would be there forever can disappear in a heartbeat when the going gets tough … or the conversation takes a turn that challenges their neatly-arranged set of rules … or you simply decline to acquiesce to their take on life.

I’ve learned that life is far too short for people-pleasing … and far too long for the nasty taste it leaves in your mouth when you do it.

I’ve learned that the concept of “getting older” is fine in the abstract … but when it starts to manifest itself in the mirror, or in your bones, it becomes something patently unfair and sinister.

I’ve learned that the more you learn, the less you know … and the more you THINK you know, the more deluded you are. 

Because … I’ve also learned that life cannot be placed in a neat little box and labeled.  It can’t be forecast … it’ll fool you every time.  It can’t be diagrammed or mapped beforehand … and it will shock the pants off you as it unfolds. 

I’ve learned that life IS.  Life happens.  It's is a gift to be celebrated and lived to the nth degree. 

I’m glad I’ve learned this much … and more … while there’s still life to be LIVED.