There is an old saying that goes… “Another year older, another year wiser.”  I think this is true… SOMETIMES.

There have been plenty of birthdays in my past, when I turned the odometer over another notch.  But not in every case had I smartened up any.

Yet here I am.  And, thankfully… I think I am a heck of a lot wiser than I used to be.  At the very least, I’ve learned a crap-ton of lessons.

I just wish, somehow… I could have found these things out in my youth.  Of course, had I known these things earlier in life, I would be very different today.  I’d have like 4 Nobel Prizes wrapped up by this point.

Okay. Not so much.  But I would have been different.

Here are a few biggies…..

Everything in life is impermanent.

We all know this to be true, but sometimes, when you are young, it doesn’t seem real.  We won’t live forever, and neither will our parents, our dogs, or our pet hamsters.  We also won’t be sad forever, or heartbroken, angry, or happy… or anything else.  It all changes, sometimes by the moment.

Change scares me sometimes.  I think it does the same to a lot of people.  When in fact, that “constant change” is a cause for celebration.  We should rejoice in the fact that tomorrow… it all changes. In that…. we can cherish the wonderful moments, and have knowledge that the really stinky times won’t last forever.    I believe knowing this helps us find peace.

We also won’t stay young forever. I wish I had figured that out when I was younger.  Dag nab it.

Here is another big lesson.  Compassion is Key.  It is the thing that bridges all people.  It connects us all.  No matter our color, belief system, or make-up.  It is why everyone is thinking Pope Francis is so Rocking.  He lives compassion.

Sure.  We won’t always agree with everyone you meet.  Take Donald Trump, for instance.  But that doesn’t mean we can’t get along with those people. Except for maybe Donald Trump.

If we really try to express compassion towards all people…. and ALL living beings… we will know greatness.  Greatness!  In many ways.  If we have understanding and sensitivity throughout our lives, we will find peace.  We will transcend things we never thought possible.  Honest.  Well… I guess I don’t know for sure if all of this might be true.  BUT…. I’m counting on it… at least.

So.  I’ve said it before, and I will say it again.
I wish you peace.  In every facet of your life, I wish you peace.

Earlier…. I also said that everything changes.  I hope that is NOT true.  I hope that I always, always, can wish you peace.   Always.

The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.
— Bertrand Russell