Lessons

This is the year I learned that listening and hearing are two different things.

The year I realized how difficult it is to decide when context matters.

The year I learned there can be value in a one-way conversation, provided it’s honest enough.

 

This is the year I learned that not wanting to hurt people means swallowing a lot of truth.

Truth gives you heartburn.

This is the year I learned that solitude and loneliness are not the same.

That there are many ways of being alone.

That sometimes words feel entirely inadequate

and sometimes

if you let them

they will say things you didn’t know you knew.

 

This is the year I learned there are many ways to achieve self-reflection,

and some of them require more than one self.

This is the year I learned the self-absorption of others can be a blessing.

It’s easy to hide when no one’s looking.

The year I remembered that writing preserves the self.

The year I read my memories.

 

This is the year I redefined the word happy.

The year I learned making plans is always only the first step.

The year I rediscovered what a privilege it is to earn someone’s trust.

And what it feels like to break a promise.

 

This is the year I learned no one else can make you content.

Restlessness is a rustle you can only hear in the quiet.

You have to let yourself be still

to sense your next move.

 

This is the year I learned success has many definitions.

Expectation has many authors.