What is this thing called life?
What is this thing called life?
| Lessons I have learned |
| 10.04.04 (9:15 pm) |
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Well, over the last 42 years, I have learned some valuable lessons. I am sure many may disagree or think it's too obvious but I thought I'd share them with you. 1. Carpe diem, carpe nocturn: Live the day, live the night. This is my personal philosophy. I have learned that I can only change my perception of the world, not anyone else's. I used to go to a party, gathering, BBQ, whatever and try way too hard to fit in. I used to be so self conscious about myself and what I look like and try to impress others in to liking me. I have learned that harder I tried to be someone who I thought others wanted me to be, more isolated I made myself. Now, I try to live for the moment, just enjoy where I am, the food, the music, the surroundings, whatever. 2. Don't treat others as you would like to be treated. I used to try to be nice to everyone. Too nice in fact. Once I issued my credit card to a co-worker's name so she can shop with a credit card. She never paid me back on a lot of the money. I used to volunteer lending my cars, books, DVDs, CDs etc., only to see them returned less than the condition they went out. I used to volunteer to do the hardest job in a group because I wanted it get done just right. Well, I learned that all that did not give me the satisfaction I thought it would of helping others. It's good to be selfish sometimes. Matter of fact, you don't have to be nice to everyone all the time. I found that old girlfriends seems to be more interested in me if I treated them indifferently or even sometime not nice. It doesn't feel good sometimes to do that but it help me with my personal psyche. 3. You need to know what you have and what you don't and use your strength to your advantage. I used to be so envious of those men who can pick up any women they want. It's not always the looks or the money, they just seem to have a natural knack of approaching a stranger and taking them home with them. I heard stories from a few who had these talents and used to think why can't I do that? I used to be depressed about it. Well, I learned that that's not who I am. I don't have certain talents but I have some skills that others don't. I learned to use those skills to my advantage and not worry about things I was not borned to do well. 4. If I don't get it done, it won't get done. Being still a single male, I have learned that dishes, clothes and stuff don't get done by itself. I used to be lazy and just leave it until it gets pretty bad, I mean how many times can you wear the same underwear? I learned to do priotize my things to do and get them done in orderly fashion. This is a big step for me since I am world's worst procrastinator. I will put off anything I can to tomorrow. This is one lesson I learned that really helps me in real life. 5. Never stop learning. Even since I was little, I have been a very curious person. I learned to read when I was 4 and never stopped. I enjoy reading new things more so than old things. I won't be able to quote some poetry from Poe but I have pretty good perspective on world events, specially outside the US. I learned to read something before I go to sleep in my bed for at least 15 mins every day. That helps me keep up with many subjects, not in depth but width of knowledge. The benefit of this is that you can connect instantly with just about anyone you meet. Once you have something common to talk about, it's really helps breakdown the barrier. 6. Learn the both sides of the argument. I learned that to know how others are thinking I have to understand their point of view. I mean I love to discuss (read argue) about anything. Any subject will do. I hate admitting that I am wrong about something, although I do often. The best discussion is understanding both sides of the issues and able to counter any possibility the other person may bring up. It's even better if you start up the discussion with their point of view and counter it right away. No response, case close. 7. Try it, not just read about it. Pretty obvious here. Don't just read about something, experience. I hate people who oppose something yet they have never experienced it. Good example of this is when a controversial movie comes out, ie Passion of Christ, some group vehemently oppose it without even seeing the movie. That's exactly what happened to it, people started to protest the movie before even the movie was released. It took a good review from some religious leaders before the controversy died down but come on, seriouly, how can you oppose something you have never seen? Many will argue that you don't have to see/experience since they know in their heart it's the wrong thing. Like pornography, I have heard from many that says that I don't have to see it, it's just wrong because I heard it was. A typical reponse from very closed minded people. I will always try to form an opinion after I have experience it rather than before. Well, I have more but this will do for now. Will post more. - eben |
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