What I Have Learned in 2010

Photo from Nikki Craft's profile page

What I learned this year in 2010:


I have learned that material wealth is not important; people are important.
I have learned that my body must be treated properly; I learned to cut down on my negative body image commentary that I used to spew out numerous times of the day. 
I have learned that I can live my life without being a "professional ____" and just be myself and do what I love. 
I have learned that taking care of yourself by getting a decent amount of sleep and taking time to relax when you can pays off in life.
I have learned that education is a huge privilege, far larger than I ever thought before. You must take full advantage when you have such an opportunity. 
I have learned that, in life, If I want to change my behavior or my thinking from being negative to more positive, all I have to do is try. 
I have learned the importance of compassion. 
I have learned to be more patient.
I have learned to allow myself to let go and be happy (sometimes!)
I have learned that the world is suffering and that I want to be a part of the end to that suffering, regardless of how small that part may be. 
I have learned that ideas of "reform" are starting to sound silly. We need an overhaul of our current system. 
I have learned that women are capable of almost anything. 
I have learned that people change and grow and it's okay for things to move on. 
I have learned that what I consume in my life affects other people in other parts of the world.
I have learned the reality of privileges in society.
I have learned that I am much more of a cat person than I thought. 
I have learned that being involved in feminism is essential in my life. It has changed my life - the way I look at the world, how i view myself, how I treat others and everything in between.
I have learned the excellence of solitary time.
I have learned to observe. 
I have learned that vanity is dull. I have no time for "individualizing" myself by painting myself up and wearing confining and restrictive clothing that further perpetuates my dependancy on consumer culture and devotion to  traditional western gender roles.
I have learned that giving our brains food by reading, doing puzzles, getting a full sleep and learning new knowledge are needed to keep us sharp and well-informed.
I have learned to be skeptical about so-called western "truths" in society. 
I have learned to laugh more often.