It has happened again: another trip around the sun; another candle on the cake. I’ve learned a lot while sailing this ocean of time and space and thought to begin a list, in no particular order, of lessons learned. I simply stopped at 55, though I was pleased to see that I could have gone on. Some people who read this list will know which ones they have taught me. Some of the teachers are no longer living. And some of the lessons have made themselves known in other ways entirely: trial and error; happenstance; circumstance; and the mystery, the wonder, that is God.

55 Lessons

1. Always unplug the mixer before sticking your fingers in the beaters.
2. Lefty-loosey Righty-tighty.
3. Hand sanitizer takes off permanent marker on non porous surfaces.
4. True friends are thrilled when you are most your authentic self.
5. There is always room for one more at the table.  The space and the food will stretch.
6. “I am large and I contain multitudes.” —Whitman
7. There are people who want to hear your stories.
8. Poetry and music breathe when I cannot.
9. Mostly, it’s okay to eat the last slice of pie right from the dish.
10. Laughter helps; so too do naps, hugs, quiet, distance, and perspective.
11. Truth covers all colours—not just black and white.
12. The one thing God does not know is how to let go.
13. There is no welcome like when among the autumn sigh of trees.
14. Mashed potatoes and applesauce are both best a little bit lumpy.
15. There is nothing like being in the company of Love.
16. Simple pleasures are the longest lasting.
17. Your people Get you, Welcome you, and  blood-related or not, it’s okay to call them family.
18. I am wonderfully made, as-is.
19. Speak well and people will listen—be mindful of that gift and treat it with care.
20. The right people think you are the bees knees…and will tell you otherwise in ways you can hear and understand.
21. My humanity is a freeing, humbling, gift, and not a burden to bear.
22. You are going to make mistakes. Get past it.
23. You are seriously underway but by no means fully formed.
24. Wishing someone their greatest freedom is an act of love.
25. Love is the most difficult beautiful honour I know.
26. Simple small acts of welcome mean more than can be imagined.
27. Maintain a healthy respect for things that go boom.
28. Homemade salad dressing tastes better.
29. Books are worthy friends.
30. ‘Mess’ is a subjective measure. So too ‘proper.’
31. One is never too old to juggle or yo-yo.
32. Sharpen your kitchen knives regularly.
33. Cox Orange pippin apples are amazing.
34. Trust your instinct about what you need and who you hang with.
35. Sharing peaceable, easy, quiet with someone is a gift.
36. It pays to have a small pouch of helpful bits in your bag—twisties, bandaids, a rubber band or two, a bit of duct tape, a small flashlight.
37. Go ahead and compliment a stranger.
38. Romans 8:35,38-39.
39. Word:Language ; Air:Balloon.
40. Yes, choose the funky glasses.
41. God is endlessly enticing.
42. It’s best to stick with only one form of flannel while sleeping. Sheets, duvet cover, or pyjamas. Otherwise, electric Velcro.
43. Crossword puzzles put order to a scattered mind.
44. Let others benefit from the gifts you cultivate.
45. Travel with an extra pen…or three.  You never know.
46. Loosen your grip…walk a bit more relaxed, a bit more open, a bit more yourself… The air is fresher. 
47. Feel.
48. Write. Write, Write, Write.  It’s one way I know what I think and feel and I am a better person for others when I do.
49. Loose eggs, tighter oatmeal, and peanut butter on one side of the sandwich only.
50. Hard will happen and will not break you.
51. Beautiful will happen and will not last.
52. The sun will set on the day, no matter how it went.
53. The sun will rise and it’s anyone’s guess what shape the new day will take…
54. Believing both of those things is part of the adventure.
55. In the end, it’s a love story.