Life's little lessons

I am writing this blog about things I have learned and things that have been taught to me by special people in my life.

You can't judge a book by its cover ... everyone knows what this means.

Treat others as you want to be treated because in the end, you get what you give.

Family is the most important thing in life, regardless of disagreements they are what keeps you going. Family is forever.

Kids are great. They keep you grounded and sane while insane at the same time.

Judge others by who they are not who they are related to or who they know, etc.

Don't turn your nose up at the less fortunate than you, cause one day, you could be in the same situation as they are.

Help as much as possible even when you don't have a lot to give. If you cannot give money, then help with your time. The people that you help may one day help you.

You may not always agree with someone, but respect their opinion.

Smile and when life gives you lemons, you can make some great lemonade or as we like to make lemon shakeups.

Teach your kids the values you were taught as a kid (elders are usually right).

Some people you just can't make happy no matter how hard you try so don't try so hard because either way, they won't be happy.

There are always going to be people in life that judge you badly for some dumb reason or another and you won't be able to change their opinion so move on and ignore what negativity they give.

Always remember all the negative in your life whether in your past or present can be made a positive and the people who wronged you make you who you are today and the people you have wronged take time to make amends with them (if possible).

Here's one I don't like doing but I do it anyway and that's admit when you're wrong. I don't like admitting when I'm wrong because my family (lovingly) laughs at me but I do it anyway.

People make mistakes and some people spend their whole lives being punished for that mistake and we as society write them off but making mistakes is part of life. I am not saying do not punish them ... I am just simply saying no one is perfect and people make mistakes without realizing the consequences or without thinking before they act. Most of the time, they learn from their mistake by themselves and yes, they have to be punished but society is so judgmental on these people that it hurts more than helps (different discussion, different day).

I have learned that life is a journey and only God know what happens in the end but it's our job to make it the best we can with what we have available.

Every day is a new day and a chance to start over.

I have learned not to try to keep up with the Jones as they say, what material possessions I have mean nothing to me and can easily be gone in the blink of an eye. I do my best to live within my means and not worry about what others think. I may not drive the newest car or have the fanciest house or the newest possessions, but material possessions don't decipher who I am.

Lastly, tell everyone that's important to you that you love them and for those few people in your life that aren't the I love you type (there's usually one) show them you love them because you never know what's going to happen and one day, they may not be there.

You can reach me by e-mailing me at jnrodgers@iendeavor.com.