What Have You Learnt?

One woman I have admired and loved her work for years is Maya Angelou. I recently came across something she said that got me thinking and ultimately inspired this week’s post.

She said, “I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.

People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

This got me thinking about what I have learnt, what others are learning and how we can benefit from each other’s learnings.

So what have I learnt?

This is a tough question but I can imagine someone being asked that question in the same way that Maya Angelou was asked. The challenge is conning down to a few key lessons and knowing why they are the ones that matter.

Life is simpler than we realise

I have learnt that we came into this world with nothing and we will leave this world with nothing. After attending a few funerals, I am reminded of not just the brevity of life but the point or pointlessness of it if you will.

Too many would trample on others to acquire whatever, yet in one moment, their breath could be asked of them and everything they ever worked for is gone in a flash.

Yes, make the most of the one life you have but live it in such a way that when that final breath is being taken, there would be no regrets.

It doesn’t cost much to be kind to others

I have learnt that we all have a choice to be kind, fair and just towards others and it doesn’t cost much to do that. There is the song that says, ‘what the world needs now is love and it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of’.

The good news is we can all put a little love into the world by loving that neighbour or workmate, loving all other road users and driving with that in mind.

We can put ourselves in other people’s shoes and treat them as we would like to be treated. We can give others the benefit of the doubt and be kind when mistakes are made and offences happen.

We can wake up everyday and remind ourselves that it doesn’t cost anything to choose to be kind, loving and generous towards others.

I can’t create a life – not even that of the tiniest of ants

I have learnt respect for others not because of what they have or their positions but simply because they are humans like me. If I can’t create a life, why should I take one for granted?

Why should I look down on others or abuse them when I can’t magically replace them? Every life is valuable, worthwhile and lovingly created; and the least I can do is see each life through the eyes of its creator.

Forgiveness is worth it

I don’t pretend to have all the answers but what I have learnt is that forgiveness is hard but worthwhile. Some people will never ask for our forgiveness but we must choose to still give it. In our own eyes or opinion, others don’t deserve to be forgiven but again we must.

No one can go through life without being offended at least once and the question is, ‘what do we do with the pain or how do we deal with the aftermath of a betrayal?’

After all we all seek forgiveness from God and from others, so why look for what we are unwilling to give? We forgive for our own peace of mind, we forgive because we have been forgiven, we forgive because no one is perfect.

Be thankful

I have learnt that although I have much to complain about, I have much more to be thankful for.

It’s my daily choice to count my many blessings, name them one by one and be surprised what God and others have done in my life. I am thankful even as I wait for many other miracles and answers that I am waiting for.

The Power of love

Most importantly, I have learnt that love is the most powerful and compelling force. Love trumps fear and brings life where there would have been death.

This week, why don’t you take a moment and share one thing you have learnt with someone else. Who knows you might just inspire someone to dream bigger or do something they never thought possible.

Thank you for reading my post. Please share this with others and have a great week.

Don’t forget to check out this week’s purposeful health post.