Growing up Audhild

 Ten Things I am Certain. I have not lived a full life. In fact, I still have a lot more living left to do. But in the time, I have been on earth these are my biggest lessons. A list of what I have learned for certain so far.

1. There will be a day when we die. No one escapes death. It’s a fact, No matter how rich, smart, beautiful, poor, dumb, ugly. We all end up in the grave.

2. We all make mistakes. What I mean is not like a politician, but like a person who was having a   day. The point of those is to teach us how to be better. Use that to improve yourself.

3. You can’t trust every person who says they care. It’s harsh but it’s true. Not everyone loves you. Everyone might deserve a second chance, but no one warrants a third or fourth chance.

4. Physical pain heals in weeks. For example, bruises and broken bones. Emotional pain can take decades. This is often associated with PTSD.

5. It is Impossible for anyone else to see from your personal perspective. They can understand based on their own outlook and past, but they won’t be capable of fully getting your standpoint.

6. You need to not only love yourself, but also trust yourself. I know these things go hand in hand, but they are not the same thing. Loving yourself is looking past your faults and your mistakes. Trusting yourself is listening to that voice in your head and knowing when it’s right, and when it’s wrong.

7. Everyone is a tiny bit crazy. I absolutely agree with Michelle Hodkin when she said “everyone is a little crazy. The only difference between us and them is they hide it better”. I believe this is true. People are all crazy in their own ways. Some do show it more, others are good at covering it up.

8. Some things are not meant to be explained or understood. No one in this world will ever understand or have clarification for everything.

9. Someone who hurts you and apologizes repeatedly does not love you! My husband once explained to our children that when you say, “I’m sorry” it means “I won’t do it again”. This is something we have maintained in our house. Someone who is truly sorry for their words, actions, or the pain they inflicted, will not continue to repeat it. Unless the pain is or was deliberate.

10. Choose your own right and wrong. No, I am not saying break the laws! I am saying choose what is right and wrong for you. You must be the person who decides what is adequate and what is not tolerable. Maintain those boundaries for every person you meet. People who truly love and respect you will follow your lead.