Life lessons we should learn

Life is a unique experience for every single person. Everyone has their own memories, their own perspective, and their own take on the world. While much of life can only be experienced, below are a few lessons that seem to stand true in a majority of people's lives.

In Yourself

• You shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do.
• It takes a long time to become the person you want to be.
• Either you control your attitude or it controls you.
• It isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
• Your background and circumstances may have influenced who you are, but you are responsible for who you become.
• Credentials on the wall do not make a decent human being.

In Relationships

• You cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them.
• No matter how much you care, some people just don't care back.
• It takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it.
• It's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.
• True friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. The same goes for true love.
• 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.
• Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.
• You should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
• The people you care most about in life are always taken from you too soon.
• Even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

In Life

• You can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
• Heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
• Sometimes when you're angry, you have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give you the right to be cruel.
• No matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.
• You shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.
• Two people can look at the exact same thing and see completely different things.
• No matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.
• Your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
• It's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.
• You can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.

Lessons Learned from Dogs

Man's best friend may lead a simple life of food, sleep, shelter, and the occasional frolic, but if you've ever noticed, your dog is almost always happy. Give him a little attention and he basks in it for as long as possible. Time to eat? Great! Just a treat? Even better (that means more food later)! Anything and everything you do (with the possible exception of scolding) brings great joy to your dog.

It kind of makes you wonder, doesn't it? It also seems a bit unfair. Here you are, worrying about life and it's many problems while your dog is sitting right by your side, enjoying life to its fullest.

People try to teach their dogs to sit, lie down, play dead, speak, and stay, but it may be wise to turn the tables (because dogs don't know how). Learn a thing or two from your dog. The lessons your dog can teach you may bring you peace of mind and newfound joy to your life.

The Lessons

• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Spend as much time as possible with the ones you love.
• When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
• Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
• Take naps and stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you've had enough.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you're not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle him or her gently.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
• When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into guilt and pout…run right back and make friends.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.