Life is beautiful right now. My husband and I, together, have thirty rehearsals and performances during the month of April. So we've been quite busy! Today we both have concerts. He just left, looking spiffy and handsome in his black dress clothes, and soon I'll be attiring myself the same way to head out the door.
Four things I have continued to keep up on this month: my quest for truth (reading, praying, studying the Bible, discussions), a few little creative art projects, musical journeys (learning music, listening to music, growing as a music teacher, etc.), and some personal writing. As you have probably figured out by now from this blog, I like trying to explain things by using lists. My lists are not the sort that I feel encompass every single area of the current topic, because I use lists to help my mind understand a topic, not to search out and define the ends of it. I hate putting anything into a little box. It feels so absolutely restrictive. And it makes me feel like a know-it-all. Which I don't want to be.
One list I have been continuing for a few months is my Life Lessons list which I mentioned in my last blog entry. This list is going to be never-ending, of course, but I thought it would be interesting to at least record my findings so far. My first place for wisdom is the Word of God. After that, the wisdom of the ages, and that of the mentors around me. Yet it's been interesting to compile the wisdom that I believe I have learned from experience (or at least seen!) so far in my short life. As far as criteria for a Lesson to be put on the list: it must be true for almost every single circumstance I am in (not every Lesson is true for every circumstance, I'm sure, but it must apply to the vast majority), and the Lesson must be something that I believe would be true for others in normal circumstances, not just myself only.
That being said, I don't want this to become a list of rules that seems to tell everyone else what to do. So don't take it that way : ) These are just bits of knowledge that I have come across personally and found to be helpful in living my life. Some Lessons are very practical, some are spiritual, others emotional or relational... they cover the whole span of my existence! Following my own advice, I want to be "humbly confident" that I am exploring the life I have been given and searching for truth and wisdom in all things.
And please, if you have some Life Lessons that you would like to share, let me know!
When you practice the Art of Happy Moments, also called Little Joys of Life, also called Gratefulness, then existence is much sweeter.
A community of people who support you and whom you also can support in their endeavors is essential to being well-balanced and happy.
A community of people who support you and whom you also can support in their endeavors is essential to being well-balanced and happy.
There are seasons of people who come and go in your life. It is okay to call them friends during that season.
Some people will stay in your life much longer than a season. They are forever friends. Cherish them.
Being yourself is important, but it's very important to also discern which parts of yourself are flawed.
A discussion is impossible with someone who just wants to argue or tell you how stupid you are.
If you want something badly enough then you will have to work for it.
Don't be a music snob (publicly, at least). Nobody likes you better for it.
No matter how "different" you are, there is always someone similar to you in the world.
Don't take life for granted.
Don't take love for granted.
Don't do stupid things when you're young just because you think it won't have an affect on your later life.
The vast majority of people are content to be average but that doesn't mean you have to be.
Don't beat yourself up continuously for making mistakes. Learn from them, ask forgiveness, and move on.
Reading books and talking to people are two of the best ways to educate yourself.
If you become sick, there is a reason. Find that reason so you can apply the remedy.
Money is not worth as much as you think it is, both literally and figuratively.
Use the money you do have wisely.
Every single thing you do, say, think, hear, and see matters.
There is always someone who is better at something than you are. So don't be prideful.
What you eat matters. Be careful about what you allow into your body. Eat more vegetables and fruit every day.
You'll never be great if you are content to stay the way you are now.
You probably don't need fifty separate outfits of clothes for each season. Maybe you don't even need thirty. Who knows?
Practice lucid dreaming. It makes sleep a lot more fun. Then write down your dreams.
If you call a place home, even a temporary home, keep live plants. It does wonders for the atmosphere.
People will tell you that they know what is right and not right. The foundation of right and wrong is knowable, so know where to go for the real answers.
It's okay to not like something that everyone else likes.
Think twice before saying a thought. Think three times before saying it if you are talking with someone you don't like.
Climb trees whenever you get the chance.
Don't make excuses.
Only do things that are worthwhile.
Get out into nature way more than you do now.
If you are afraid of something, figure out why so that you can understand or conquer that fear.
Seek advice from people older and wiser than you are. Emphasis on older. That's why it's important to have mentors.
Either be honest in what you say or keep your mouth shut. Don't lie.
Go barefoot whenever you can. Or at least go without shoes. Feel what and where you are walking.
Use the library as the amazing free resource it is.
Draw, paint, dance, sing, and make music even if you think have no talent for it. Express yourself through the arts. Expression is one of the gifts of life!
Try to look at things from a different perspective.
Treat children like the real people they are.
98% of movies aren't worth seeing in the theater.
99% of movies aren't worth seeing at all. Unless you're a film critic : )
Expect the unexpected to happen. Interruptions of your planned schedule are a part of your life, not a detraction from it.
Giving your friends unexpected joys also brings you joy.
When someone accuses you of wrongdoing, think very carefully about your response.
Do what you love. Sometimes money will follow. Sometimes it won't.
Send hand-written letters and hand-made things to those you love, because a little bit of you is put into what you make.
Try new things.
Sit and stare out the window occasionally.
Find enjoyment in all kinds of weather. That way, no matter what the weather, you'll always find something to like about it!
Care for and about others, but don't worry over them; that doesn't do anyone any good.
Most people would love a listening ear. Is it really so much to ask that you give a little of your time to their stories?
Stories are what life is all about. The Universe is one great Story.
If you are lonely, DO something about it.
Never compromise your morals in an attempt to make someone notice you.
Be humbly confident in all that you set out to accomplish while always keeping an open ear to those who would give you good advice.
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