A smile is universal.

Lately I've been doing a lot of learning. Some people find learning hard while others embrace it with ease. I find myself somewhere in the middle, but ultimately enjoying it. Until recently, I hadn't realized that my education is expanding in ways I had never imagined. This is regardless of the fact that I am not currently enrolled in University. Did I really think that my lack of presence in a lecture hall at 8:00 am or my absence from a science lab at 11:30pm was going to somehow make me "stupider?" Is that even a word? The answer is yes (to the first one). I felt that my time away from a structured college atmosphere was going to set me back, but I know now that I am wrong.

It seems as if I am learning almost more outside of the classroom setting. Why then do we pay so much for a textbook, accompanied by a professional teacher who can only serve us from the hours of 8am-5pm (logistically speaking). I am finding that everyday I spend interacting with new people, new experiences, new challenges, I am learning more about the world and myself than I could have ever imagined. And it's free. Is it because I'm serving God, that the blessing of another branch of learning is introduced to me everyday? I'd like to think so.

Here are some of the things that I have learned lately. No, not every thing is positive, but they have all impacted me in a way that I can use to positively impact others and myself later.

I've learned that waking up early, doesn't always make the day longer, it may just make you more tired. I've learned that a smile goes a long ways. I've learned that the way I introduce myself to someone initially can have a lasting impression. I've learned that my work ethic, although it may not always be recognizable, should always go beyond my job description.

I've learned that trusting humans never gets any easier. I've learned that calling my Mom in the middle night because I can't sleep isn't always childish. I've learned that I'm an INFJ personality type. I've learned that people don't stick around forever, sometimes only just a moment. Maybe it's to show us a thing or two about themselves. Maybe to teach us something new about ourselves. I've learned that having hope can sometimes be detrimental. I've learned that the people who say they will never hurt you, will. I've learned that people will say they'll call, and they won't. I've learned that you need to believe, even though you've been betrayed. The betrayal may be part of His plan anyway. I've learned that if you never ask, the answer will always be no. I've learned that if you place doubt in yourself, others will place doubt in you too. I've learned that sometimes what you've been looking for is right around the corner. I've learned that your true friend, may be the one you've only known for a week.

I've learned that sometimes I'm willing to go the extra mile for people who aren't willing to take a step for me. But more importantly, I've learned it's still important to take a step. I've learned if you don't go after what it is in life that you want, it's a guarantee you will never have it. I've learned that if you don't step forward, you will always be in the same place. I don't like being in the same place for too long anyway. I've learned that a simple hug, can make both the giver and the receivers' days a lot brighter. I've learned that following my dreams is more important that following societies "rules." I've learned that looking forward is more important than looking back. I've learned that having a final destination isn't important to me anymore. I've learned that drinking 12 cups of water a day can be one of life's greatest rewards.

I've learned that God is always sitting right next to me, I just need to talk with him more. I've learned that the more I ignore him, the louder he talks.