At the “dawn of the new millennium”, I reflected on what I have learned in my half-century of living. Although, not all (hopefully), the following are some of those things:

I’ve learned...
that I am not a morning person.

I’ve learned...
most people are apathetic...an individual can make a difference...many times it takes a group of hard-working individuals to accomplish a task...truly dedicated people do not take on projects for the glory or recognition, their goal is a positive outcome...you can’t trust politicians...most people would rather complain than contribute...the person who bitches the loudest usually has the least to say...most people are honest; however, it’s usually the dishonest ones you hear about.

I’ve learned...
the word “never” should be used selectively (see Bill Clinton)...you must be prepared to accept the consequences of your actions...you should “think” before you “do”...listening is harder than talking...

I’ve learned...
values (good and bad) are acquired in childhood...parents mold a child’s values, so be careful of the example you set...a child’s environment is as important as their education...peer pressure can be deadly...a lack of tolerance and understanding is the true root of much evil...

I’ve learned...
to use my seatbelt...to use my turn signal...that people who cannot talk and drive at the same time should not be allowed to have cell phones in their vehicles...to drive defensively... when some people get in their cars, they become oblivious to their surroundings.

I’ve learned...
that you have to be your own best friend...you can exist without a man (or woman)...being “alone” is not synonymous with “being lonely”...friendships are important and must be nurtured if they are to grow...don’t let petty jealousies come between you and a friend...although they have cold noses, dogs have warm hearts...I like animals more than I like most people...I wish my pets could talk.

I’ve learned...
you should discover as much from your elders as you can while they are still around and not allow the knowledge they possess to die with them...it is important to take the time to “care” about your family now, thus eliminating the overwhelming guilt that will inevitably come later... kindness, caring and responsibility are not inherited traits.

I’ve learned...
that great strides have been made in race relations; however, we have a long, long way to go...you cannot judge a person’s compassion, humanity or intellect by the color of their skin...I know more ignorant white people than I do people of color...that judging people because of their ethnic origins does not make sense...I don’t understand prejudice.

I’ve learned...
that if I learn one new thing, it has been a good day...when people stop learning, civilization dies...that I wish I could have been a contestant on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” while the questions were still easy...money isn’t everything, but it sure helps.

I’ve learned...
I am not the smartest person I know.