I've learned--
that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when
you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned--
that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry,
but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned--
that true friendship continues to grow, even over
the longest distance.  The same goes for true love.

I've learned--
that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to
doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned--
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences
you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with
how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned--
that your family won't always be there for you.  It may seem funny,
but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you
and teach you to trust people again.  Families aren't biological.

I've learned--
that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you
every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned--
that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned--
that no matter how bad your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned--
that our background and circumstances may have influenced
who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned--
that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean
they don't love each other.  And just because they don't
argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned--
that we don't have to change friends if
we understand that friends change.

I've learned--
that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life forever.

I've learned--
that two people can look at the exact same thing
and see something totally different.

I've learned--
that your life can be changed in a matter of hours
by people who don't even know you.

I've learned--
that even when you think you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I've learned--
that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

 The need to make wise choices encompasses every area of our lives.  Since we have time for only a limited amount of stuff, we need to choose wisely what stuff we're going to allow to take up that time.  Since we have only a limited amount of time to spend with friends or to engage in leisure activities, we need to choose our friends and our activities wisely.

Elaine St. James