Things I’ve learned, or been reminded of, this summer!

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I’ve learned that for both my physical and my mental health the two most important things I need to do every single are day are take a long walk, and get a full night’s sleep!

I’ve been reminded that nothing tastes better on the planet than a warm tomato fresh out of the garden and that it’s really important to take time to enjoy those simple pleasures.

I’ve learned that some of the people I love are far stronger than I ever gave them credit for.

I’ve been reminded that when you are gone, people don’t talk about the balance in your bank account, the car you drove, or the fancy letters after your name. They remember how you made them feel, or how you smiled at them, or when you were kind.

I’ve learned that, in a crisis, some folks will cling together for support, and others will push people around them under trying to keep themselves afloat. It’s important to sort out who is who.

I’ve been reminded that life can change in seconds, and we need to stop wasting any of the precious moments we’ve been given.

I’ve learned that gossip and backstabbing and people scrambling to be the “popular kids” does not end in junior high.

I’ve been reminded that the Foleys have always been, and will always be, that loud, crazy, often inappropriate family and that’s okay, because at the end of the day, if they love you, they truly have your back, and always will!

I’ve learned that I don’t hate all beer, just the really brown, icky ones!

I’ve been reminded that life isn’t fair, and its never going to be, but its not personal, it just is.

I’ve learned that I am almost literally, the last person I know under 75 without a tattoo.

I’ve been reminded that in times of crisis, those who are truly there for you are often people you never would have expected and sadly, those who you expected may not always be there.

I’ve learned that the folks at the Bangor Police Department are extremely funny!

I’ve been reminded that mothers, even when facing their worst nightmare, are the strongest humans on the planet!

I’ve learned that Bangor can be the worst place in the world to live, or the best place in the world to live, depending on the day.

I’ve been reminded that the biggest smiles often hide the deepest pain.

I’ve learned that I love purple carrots, duck eggs and chicken fried tofu nuggets and I need to spend more time trying new and wonderful things!

I’ve been reminded that people come into your life for a reason, to teach you something, to show you something, or to introduce you to someone else. The important thing is the quality of time they were part of your life, not the quantity.

I’ve learned that my children might turn on each other and duke it out one moment, but always, always by the end of the day they will say “I’m sorry” and “I love you” to each other.

I’ve been reminded that my mom has always been and always will be my very best friend in the world.

I’ve learned that sometimes, for your own survival, you just have to stop giving a shit about certain things, and that is okay!

I’ve been reminded that everything, eventually, does get better, until it gets worse again!

I’ve been reminded that everyone around us is facing their own battles, that what they say or do may not even be about us. I’ve been reminded that simple kindness and a little patience go a long way, no matter what the situation. I’ve been reminded that its my choice whether or not I’m going to be happy, and that I need to work for it, fight for it, and never, ever give up on it.

 

Karen Foley

About Karen Foley

Karen Foley, has successfully been writing her blog for the BDN since May 2011. By successful, she means a few people read it, and she has not been sued, stalked or fired since starting it.