CBS This Morning presents Note to Self: Tyler Perry

I've made it no secret that I subscribe to Tyler Perry's newsletter. The most recent letter from Tyler talks about his participation in the CBS This Morning segment called Note to Self. Perry says it changed his life and urges others to write a letter to their younger selves. His is a piece that is loving, introspective,and encouraging yet powerful. Before seeing his, I saw this exercise as experienced by reality TV star and entrepreneur, Evelyn Lozada. Her letter to her 7-year-old self was moving as well. It seems that writing a letter to one's younger self is a tool by which one can bring about healing of past injuries and hurts. It also appears to be painful but in a manner that soothes the old sore places and promotes healing. Only you can decide if it is a tool that you are willing to use to repair the dilapidated areas of your life. Why not? As long as you are still alive, you have the power to change your life. And, of course, you're so worth it!

I finally learned...

Sometimes things happen to cause us to reflect on various aspects of our lives and we realize that the good times, the bad times and even the so-so times contained lessons that might have been bold and slapped us upside the head or were subtle and almost missed.  I'm sure I've probably missed some lessons and forgotten others.  The list below contains the ones that came to mind yesterday.  It's rather long but I think it's worth the read.

What valuable lessons have you learned?  Feel free to share yours.  You just might bless someone with your words of wisdom.

Peace and blessings,
Sunida

I finally learned that...

~ Sincerity doesn't always accompany a smile, applause, a pat on the back or a handshake.

~ Karma is only a bitch if you are.

~ Net worth is not nearly as valuable as good character and positive self-worth.

~ If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I should be beholding me.

~ I don't need to tell you how you did me wrong.  You did it, so you know.

~ You can't help someone who is unwilling to cooperate or compromise to get what he or
   she needs.

~ If I tell you the truth and you don't believe me, that's not my problem.

~ My worth is not dependent upon your opinion of me.

~ Laughter soothes the soul temporarily.  Love heals it permanently.

~ I can only be accountable for my actions or lack thereof.

~ I don't have to like you to treat you with dignity and respect.

~ It's better to use words that build up, strengthen, and uplift instead of those that tear  
   down, rip apart, and destroy.

~ Your harsh judgment of me is always trumped by God's grace and mercy for me.

~  I don't know everything but what I do know can't be compromised, dismissed, or taken away.

~  Just because someone said it doesn't mean it's true.

~  I should be okay with what I see in the mirror but I can still improve.

~  Revenge should be left to God.  He's much better at it.

~  What you construe as crazy could actually be your inability to comprehend.

~  My desire and attempt to help you will always fail if you don't try to help yourself.

~  It doesn't matter if you like me nearly as much as whether I like me.

~  I should just accept the compliment and say thank you.

~  People's expectations of me rarely jive with my potential or actual ability.  The latter
    is more important.

~ The energy I wasted hating you would have been better spent and more powerful if
    I used it to love me or someone worthy.

~ Negativity drains.  Positivity boosts.

~  Still, quiet moments are invaluable because they allow you to recharge.  Enjoy your
    own company sometimes.

~ Following the crowd often leads you down the wrong path.
~ Friends who do unkind things behind your back are enemies in disguise.

~  You can speak your mind without being nasty, rude, or obnoxious.

~  Your actions and what you refuse or fail to do are more telling than anything you say.

~  Your dislike of me is a bigger problem for you than it is for me.

~  Those in pain tend to hurt others.  Perhaps misery really does love company.

~  I can be done with you without being mad at you.

~  An explanation, no matter how detailed, bears no guarantee that the listener will truly
   hear, understand, or empathize.

~ While I can control my actions, I can only observer and counter yours.

~  Just because you don't know what I'm talking about doesn't mean that I don't know what
   I'm talking about or that I'm not speaking the truth.

~ Even small accomplishments should be celebrated.  They are the stepping stones to the
   big ones.

~  Apologizing when warranted is not a sign of weakness.  It's a sign of strength and
   maturity.

~  Learning to compromise is an invaluable lesson.

~  Giving birth does not make one a mother.  How well you treat the child does.

~  Wealth is not a measure of what you have but how you use what you have.

~  Pretense falls apart eventually.

~  Having the means to help someone in need but not the heart, courage, or inclination to  
   do so is useless and egregious.

~ Truth is a matter of perspective and is often disputed.  Ask for the factual evidence
   instead.

~  Participating in the conception of a child does not make one a father nor does it make one a man.

~  We all have something to give.  Time, compassion, knowledge, and talents are just as
    important and helpful as money.

~ Friends are the people who stick around when it's inconvenient or uncomfortable.

~  Being selfish or self-absorbed is easy but so is extending oneself.

~  I'd rather stand on sound truth than fall from a collapsed lie any day.

Copyright © 2013  Sunida E. York   All rights reserved.

Check Yo' Self Thursdays with Poetic Genesis

Thursday is on the way. If you're looking for something to do, head over to Poetic Genesis' blog for "Check Yo' Self Thursdays". Genesis is a superbly creative and introspective writer. She's taking a look at herself to find out if she can improve on anything. Readers are invited to join her and check themselves as well.

Even if you do not decide to accept the challenge and post a message, you can sit on the sidelines and read what others have to contribute. You just might find a topic that you would have written about. Well, that is if you needed to check yourself on something. If you're perfect, then it doesn't apply to you. Yeah, I'm laughing at that one, too. Okay... it's only Tuesday, so that gives you plenty of time to think of your subject matter so you can jump right in on Thursday and post your comments.

Stop by Genesis' blog. You'll probably find yourself wanting to stay awhile.

~~Happy Writing!~~