I've learned...

That if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.

That even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

That silent company is often more healing than words of advice.

That life sometimes gives you a second chance.

That you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

That whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision.

That there are people who love you dearly but just don't know how to show it.

That every day you should reach out and touch someone.

That you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to you.

That no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.

That it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

That it's not what you have learned in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

That you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.

That you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do but to the best you can do.

That it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it.

That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

That no matter how thin you slice it, there are always two sides.

That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

That it's a lot easier to react then it is to think.

That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

That you can keep going long after you think you can.

That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

That learning to forgive takes practice.

That there are people who love you dearly, but just do not know how to show it.

That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you are down will be the ones to help you get back up.

That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you have celebrated.

That no matter how good a friend is, they are going to hurt you every once in awhile and you must forgive them for that.

That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

Andy Rooney