Most life lessons I’ve learned have come from hardship and tragedy. It seems that’s just how life works. And I certainly would not have the wisdom of forethought, the appreciation for goodness nor the ability to approach challenges with logic and reason had I not had those experiences.

I’ve learned that life isn’t fair. You can do everything right, but sometimes things go wrong.

No matter how hard you work, how educated you are or what skills you posses, you may still lose your job, they may hire someone else, you might not make enough money.

You are good enough. Don’t ever let other people’s opinion of you affect your opinion of yourself. You are the ultimate judge and you have control of your own path.

I’ve learned morally corrupt people are often in powerful positions.

This one was tough for me, and I still like to believe that people are inherently good. But I’ve witnessed all too often that those in high-ranking offices, supervisory roles, leadership positions, lie, cheat, or blame others in order to shine.

You do not have to redirect your moral compass to succeed. You can be honest, sincere, direct and lead by example.

I’ve learned no one can make you feel anything.

I hear people say all the time that ‘someone made me feel bad, guilty, ashamed…’

Only you can determine how you feel. Never let anyone make you feel anything you don’t want to feel. Take care of yourself. If you don’t, who else will?

There is a lot of judgment in this world. There is more hurt and heartache than I care to imagine. The greatest life lesson I can share is that when we treat one another with love and respect, we can overcome just about anything.