Monday 10 February 2014

What I Have Learned.




Having spent my life since the 20th of December either on crutches or in a hospital bed, I have had a great deal of time to think and consider. There is nothing more than the thought that you just might not make it to make you realise what is and what is not important.

I am aware that I have done a blog like this before, but trust me there are changes in here from my reflections.
I've learned - That you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them. How wonderful to know that you are indeed loved. 
I've learned - that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back. We have to accept this is the case. 
I've learned - that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. So put your brain into action before your mouth. 
I've learned - that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts. 
I've learned - that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something. 
I've learned - that it's not what happens to people that's important. It's what they do about it. When down, get back up. 
I've learned - that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. 
I've learned - that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. Oh how important this one is. 
I've learned - that either you control your attitude or it controls you.  
I've learned - that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place. 
I've learned - that learning to forgive takes practice. But how important it is. 
I've learned - that money is a lousy way of keeping score. 
I've learned - that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel. 
I've learned - that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love. 
I've learned - 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 years you've lived. 
I've learned - that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed you.
I've learned - that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. 
I've learned - that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself. 
I've learned - that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief. 
l've learned - that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other and just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do. 
I've learned - that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions. 
I've learned - that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever. 
I've learned - that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process. 
I've learned - that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you. 
I've learned - 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. 
I've learned - that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains.
 Even the worst experiences in live have lessons to teach.

Todays artwork is a pen and ink drawing I did recently and a very good friend bought it for his dear wife.  It is "The House of John Knox" situated in the heart of Edinburgh.

5 comments:

  1. What a lovely and profound reflection Ralph.

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  2. Sorry to hear you have been so ill Ralph, hope you are on the mend now.
    Loving your wonderful drawing. Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  3. So glad that you are back to blogging, Ralph. I am so sorry you were injured and had to spend so much time in the hospital. What an ordeal you've been through. Continued positive thoughts going up for your recovery. I guess we will continue to learn lessons throughout our lives ....and thank goodness we are here to learn them. :)

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  4. So good to see your post today, coincidentally I was just thinking about missing your posts yesterday! Thanks for sharing all these valuable lessons learned, each one of them is so true. I was in a similar situation recently n learned half of these, I realize that such situations should be most welcome in life for we come out as a winner and wiser.

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  5. It's so nice to see you're back to blogging Ralph. I've rarely commented on your blog but have always enjoyed your posts. This one has some very wise insights.

    I hope you are feeling better very soon.

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