What I've learned in 37 years

Not enough.

But enough to know how much I have yet to learn.

In the meantime,

--I've learned that the number of sides to any story equals the number of characters in the story, plus the truth.

--And that each person in that story will be convinced, on some level, that there's only one.

--I've learned that happiness is a state of mind. That you can't "do" happy and you certainly can't "have" happy: you can only be happy.

--And that every other emotion is likewise a state of mind...with practice, it becomes increasingly easy to discard the negative and choose to be happy.

--I've learned that I am not what I do; that any job is more about the camadarie with your colleagues than the stress or even (gasp!) the paycheque.

--And that I spend sixteen hours out of each day not at work...and so there's no good reason to bring work home with me.

--I've learned that some things in life are worth spending extra money on.

--And that you should always budget the luxuries first. Those luxuries may be redefined as your economic circumstances warrant, but everyone needs a little treat now and again.

--I've learned that family--that thing I ran from in my early twenties as if my feet were on fire and my ass was catching--is something to run to, not away from.

--And that friends--even the ones I haven't seen in years and don't see now, except on a screen--give my life additional layers of meaning and joy.

--I've learned that this world is deeply insane and that my self-given mission in life is to spread a little sanity along with compassion and civility.

Finally,

--I've learned that ability is a good thing...

...but stability is even better.