I've learned.....

Ya'll can all breathe a sigh of relief.  This week's pity party breakdown is over.  For those of you who read my less than uplifting posts, God bless you.  For those that didn't, consider yourself blessed.

 I woke up this morning knowing there would be good days ahead.  There have been so many lessons I have learned over the past year.  Lessons about myself, lessons about life, lessons about people. 

I have learned I don't have to be perfect.  (Whew, what  a relief!)  I have learned that in times of trouble, you learn who your real friends are.  I have learned that you can't go back.  That once the deed is done, it's done.

I have learned that losing my "best friend" is more painful than the loss of my marriage.  I have learned that each and everyone of us is screwed up in one way or another.  I have learned that I won't change who I am for anyone.  (Did you know you can be TOO honest?  Love TOO much? - I think that's nonsense.  TOO much love?  Hhhmmmppp!  Tell that to people who are starving for it.)

 I've learned that I am loveable.  I've learned how to love.  I''ve learned how I want to be loved.  I've learned other things also that I'll keep private.  (I also learned there is such a thing as TMI - too much information.)

I've learned that life deals each of us crap.  Its up to us how to handle it.

I've learned I'm a terrific dancer, a great pool player, and a hell of a lot of fun!

I've learned that people value my opinion.  I've learned that I'm respected as a business woman.  I've learned that I'm a great listener.  I've learned that I am a devoted confidante. 

I've learned that my parents love me as much as I love my children.  And they will be there for me when I need them. 

I've learned that most of the friends that have fallen by the wayside over the years did so because of my husband.  They saw the emotional abuse and just couldn't stand to see it anymore.  Those friends have come back into my life - like pennies from heaven.  All of these years I thought it was me that kept people at bay.  I've learned it wasn't me.

I've learned how to rewire an electric cord the dog chewed.  I've learned how to repair a gate latch.  I've learned how to unclog the toilet.  I've learned how to Gorilla glue most everything that's broken. 

I've learned to be tough as soon as he and his lawyer enter the room.  I've learned to fight back.  I've learned I am worth something.

The greatest thing I have learned though is that deep down, we all want the same thing:  to be loved and cared for.  May I carry that lesson with me for the rest of my life.

My IQ has risen by at least 50 points over the past year with all of the stuff I've learned.