getting older and maybe a little wiser

wiser is relative.  when I was young I thought I knew all there was to know and no one could tell me otherwise.  that's the prerogative of youth.  now looking back, there was a ton of stuff I didn't know out there or even existed.  there was even more that I didn't know I was capable of.  bravery that came from some dark recess, the true meaning of courage and a personality that is being well received amongst my peers.

you know people usually do this kind of reflection in the new year, but really it's more important (I think) to do it when you get older.  you can look back at yourself and see where you've been and what you've become.

so here are some of the things that I've learned over the last year-

don't take yourself too seriously.
things might be bad now, but just think of the experience you'll gain if you live through it.
worrying about it doesn't make it better (or worse).
know your audience.
saying your sorry doesn't mean blaming the victim or make you a weaker person.
even best friends argue from time to time.
courage comes from your gut and confidence is in your head.
the difference between your casual acquaintances and your good friends is how much your let them share your burdens.

there's probably a ton more, but these are the ones that stick out in my mind over the last year.  I might have known some of these things before, but didn't really have any examples or have had to live through the circumstances that lead you to this place.

I'm glad that I've had this year.  I look forward to many more.  and more experiences to live and tell the story.