What I've Learned So Far - by Tracy

I never thought of myself as a person who had a lot of challenges in my life. I knew people who had challenges, big, life altering challenges. Mine seemed easy by comparison. Now, as a forty year old, I look back upon my life and challenges I’ve faced, especially in the last ten years, and realize that I’ve had my share of life altering experiences.

Don’t get me wrong. I still believe that my life has been fairly easy compared to most. It’s just that now I see a bigger picture - a life time of collected experiences, good and bad, and I see how those experiences have influenced my actions, shaped my beliefs, refined my spirit. And I am profoundly grateful for each and every one of those experiences as well as for the people who have gone through them with me.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve made a point of trying to find something I can learn from every challenge I face. I’m not sure how this began or who taught it to me, but I definitely felt the guidance of the Holy Ghost every time. Sometimes, the lessons were learned easily and it was obvious what was to be gained. Other times, it was a mighty struggle find some tiny piece of wisdom or understanding, gained through pain, tears, and much prayer.

I’ve not been very good at writing down the lessons I’ve learned and I’m sure that I’ve forgotten many of them. But, many have stayed with me, becoming a part of who I am and how I live. Since the last two years have been some of the most life altering years of my life, I feel that I need to record the things I’ve learned before I forget them. Keep in mind, I’m still in the process of trying to sort through things, but these are some of the thoughts so far -

Grief is horrible, but don’t avoid it.

Don’t be afraid to ask others for the help you surely need.

My Savior loves me and understands completely every thought and feeling I have.

My Heavenly Father is always mindful of me.

Never doubt that Heavenly Father will bless you with the righteous desires of your heart in His own time, in His own way.

Miracles do happen, but they can cause anxiety before the joy comes.

NEVER take those you love for granted because you can’t be certain how much time you’ll have with them.

Cancer sucks!

Hard decisions are easier to make if you don’t have to make them alone.

Taking care of someone’s physical needs can bring some of the sweetest, most tender and loving moments you’ll ever have. Remember that when you’re feeling scared or burdened.

You can learn a lot by watching your children serve others.

Reach out to others and connect with them. It’s good for you and for them.

Guilt makes life very difficult to live happily.

I am OK. But even if I don’t feel OK right now, I will, at some point, be OK.

Sometimes it takes losing a loved one to fully realize what a profound impact they’ve had on your life.

Children bring a special kind of sweetness to life that make any sacrifice you make for them completely worthwhile.

If I have a wonderful experience and I don’t have anyone with me to share it with, in that moment, the experience is no less wonderful to me.

So, that’s what I’ve learned so far.