In September 2009, my reply to this question was: Save, save, save.  

My reply hasn't changed.  We are our own credit card/loan company when life happens--car repairs, roof repair, water heater replacement. And, an interesting observation to share also--when it is your money that you have worked to earn, and then to save, you consider all options and take more time to make informed decisions versus the "instant" fix it decisions that are paid for with a credit card swipe or writing a check using borrowed money.  

 

My last post to this thread was Dec 31, 2008. I've learned that if feels strange to go back and read my old responses.

This years lesson, Never stop expecting the unexpected.

Dear All, I have learned why they would call Heart "woman's best friend." With her chronic illness (very severe allergies) & her behavior problem (baarking), there are challenges,, but in trying to meet them, I have grown enormously. She is always there, waggety, waggeety, waggety & licky, licky, licky, no maatter what has just happened. She happens to be spoiled rotten (like Virginia Needle Woman's dear cat), but she performs all teh services I need, helping me to negotiate interactiiins with people,to handle crowds, to demonstrate to my personal physician, Peter, how I am doooing (he said just today/yesterday that I shooouldn't even bother coming in, that I shooould just send Heart alone!), etc. And on things that are iimportatn, like waiting for me to put my EBT card securely away or such, she is a lliving doll. Yours in Him, Deborah & Heart

I believe that we should always reflect and consider what we learn-a life-long learner pushes you beyond the known and you are foreced to stretch and grow. What did I learn.... -the library is wonderful, I never complain about my property taxes, I check out as many book as I like, what a great luxury and it's all FREE!!!! -Making my holiday gifts saved us so much money and I got so many compliments of gratitude. -Watch every bill, check at every transaction at the store, review on-line statements, and watch reward programs. I'm amazed how many times I've found errors. -Left-over in an inexpensive thermos is the BEST. I get tired of sandwiches, my thermos is my new best friend. -I mended and stitched repairs on jeans, shirts, and even my slippers. How long can I make things last. -To be thanksful, always thankful-don't compare what you have with what others have, it only leads to non-productive thoughts. THanks

I'm learning a lot about self-care since I can't afford health insurance right now. Sometimes learning what NOT to do is also important - like NOT using Vick's vaporub to cure athlete's foot. It made the bottom of my feet so slick it was like teflon. That is not a good thing when you have carpeted steps. My feet went right out from under me and I bounced all the way down. Nothing broke but several things are sore. Guess you could say that was a lesson from the school of hard knocks. LOL Lesson learned.

By the way, the Vick's did work but the pain wasn't worth the cure.

Lol, sorry Ray, but your post gave me a 'visual' of you bouncing down the stairs!  My brother used to swear by swallowing a big gob of Vick's when he had a cold, ugh!  Guess that stuff must be a cure-all ;-)  Welcome to the forum!  Liz.

 

I replied to this post in 2009.  My answer has changed.  I will start by saying that I love/adore my hubby and family.  (1)  The thing I have learned this year is that if you don't take care of yourself, nobody else will.  (2) It is ok to ask for help.  (3) If the person I ask can't/won't help me, I will do it myself or  find someone who will.  If that doesn't work I will pay someone to do it.  . I don't  know if it was going thru menopause or turning 50 or taking care of 5 family members bedsides my own family of 4, (17 years) and still have 3 I am caring for, homeschooling from pre k - 12 my 2 Children or a combination of all of it. ( You know the old saying about . I have done so much, for so long with so little ....... That's all I know, and I am tired .  Right now all I want, is what I want and I want it right now.) lol.  Not to be selfish , I just need a little help and a little more time than I used to need.  More sleep would probably not hurt.

 I learned how to make my own kombucha, sauerkraut and kim chi!  

First of all, I have to say that any attempt to help someone can't be classed as pathetic. I think helping people is something only brave people do because the acceptable thing is to go on your own way and leave all else alone. This year I've just learned that I'm bashing my head against a brick wall trying to fit into other people's trends they've set. I keep trying to keep up, but because I have to 'learn' their rules it's hard to keep at it. I've learned that I'm powerful enough to start my own trends. Because I'll know exactly what the game is, and know all the rules to play it, I won't get so frustrated because it will be a trend I've set myself.

I have learned this year not to take your health for granted and to slow down and enjoy who and what is around you cause they or it could be gone in the blink of an eye.