January 2006 I wrote a blog post titled A Better View.

Now, nearly 9 years later on the eve of my 55th birthday, I’m updating and reposting it:

For the past 50+ years that I have been roaming this planet, I have learned a couple of things:
1. There are very few absolutes. When someone says the word “Always” or “Never”, I tend to dismiss them. Years ago my Mom taught me this lesson. Sort of like the sentence, “If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times, don’t exaggerate.”
2. Stay true to your values. If you wander away from them, turn around and run back to your values. Your own values is one of the few things that make you distinctly, YOU.
3. Know what your priorities are, so that when opportunities for change come up, you can decide with your head and your heart.
4. God does not leave us or forsake us. We are the ones that leave. And He always welcomes us back. This is one of the few absolutes in life.
5. Listen to your spouse and others whom you love and love you. Even if you totally disagree with what they say or what they believe, there is so much to learn from each other and there is a reason for what they are saying and believing. Listen not just for the words, but also the belief and passions behind those words.
6. Forgive. Yourself and others too.
7. And, Always be a student of Life.