I'm not talking about meeting your DH or SO, or having kids - those are huge. What small thing have you done, read, seen etc. that has chaged your life for the better?

For me, two things come to mind right away although I know there are many others. Reading the book Simple Abundance and finding Flylady five years ago changed my life in small ways that had a huge inpact. I look at "stuff" with a whole new perspective now and can let go of things I used to cling to.

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Cecilia

"We must love them both--those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject. For both have labored in the search for truth, and both have helped us in the finding of it."
Saint Thomas Aquinas

This is going to be a powerful thread. What a perfect time of year to have it!

One small thing I can think of right now~
When we bought our first home three years ago, a neighbor brought over a basket with toilet paper, paper towels, fruit and homemade cinnamon rolls. It was a small thing in the day to day grind, but moving from my home state (in a big city) to the country was hard on me. To this day, I do not know which neighbor brought the basket over.

Well, this might sound a little cheesy, but this board certainly qualifies for me. I've learned to coupon, save money, stockpile, cook, complain effectively, etc. from complete strangers who share their knowledge out of the goodness of their hearts. I can't ask for more than that.

What a wonderful question!

for me (besides family, which you said we can't use ) my job has helped me grow tremendously.

I've gained self-confidence and maturity through this job - I love my job and I am very fortunate to work with wonderful people who show their appreciation.

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Bevogal

For me I would say meeting a family of different culture, they seem like they are the sweetest people and are very sincere. I am learning alot from them.

Learning to live with a little mess. I use to be a neat freak and now I figure the house will get cleaned up at some point but it doesn't need to be spotless.

Volunteering at the therapeutic horseback riding school. I help with 3-4 lessons a week as a sidewalker or leader (for the horse). It is amazing to see how far those who are handicapped come during an 8 week session. It is therapeutic for all of us. It has changed my life!

Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff... I love this book!

Singing in the Kids Theater at church. (K-5th grade)

I have learned to be a role model and a friend at the same time. Even when you think your all alone someone is there to put their little arms around. You are being watched even at the store or while picking up your kids from school. I have learned (and taught) you are never too old to be a kid. And that its OK to screw up from time to time.
But most of all I have learned that my heart is bigger then I ever thought it could be. I love all those kids (about 1000 per weekend) and love it when they come up just to say "Hi." They look at me like I am a star and thats a lot to live up to.

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TLJ ~ Where opinions are encouraged, not deleted

You laugh at me because I am different,
I laugh at you because you are all the same.

Your mind is like a parachute, it only works when it is open.

Moving to a different school to teach this year. I didn't realize how toxic my life was last year. I am with a great group of people who would do anything for me.

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AKA: Airbornearmywife

When I was in 2nd grade, I read The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. I so related to the main character and that's when i knew i wanted to be a writer.
And, this is so lame but.... when i got my driver's license. I could pass the written test with no problems but that driving test- took me three times. I finally told myself, "If I can do this, I can do anything." Up until then, I hadnt had any real challenges in terms of getting past a certain point. Didnt have to try in school, etc.
So when i had to go back to college for my degree and take 20-23 credits a semester three semesters in a row, I just thought to myself, "I got my drivers license, this will be nothing!" LOL
When I was severly overweight and had to lose, I just thought that same thought, only with an add-on "If I got my driver's license AND i finished college, I can certainly do this." It is just a big motivator for me. LMAO, lame, i know.

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Not all those that wander are lost.

Okay, mine is going to take a different angle on this...my life changed when I heard my brother-in-law make a comment about me. It was something like this: he saw a t-shirt in a shop, and it read, why use the computer, my wife already knows everything, and he said he was going to get it for my husband...well....that upset me sooo much, but i didn't say anything. I used it as constructive criticism, and am trying to change the way I am perceived, because I definately don't think I "know-it-all", and it's embarrassing that I come off that way to him.
So, something negative has helped me become , hopefully, better, and more aware of myself, and my actions. We all need tweaking sometimes, and I'm trying to tweak.

Carljc,

Had to reply. That is so admirable that you would take that spin on it. That's awesome, you could take something you found hurtful and use it to improve instead of holding grudges!! Just had to let you know that I really enjoyed your post and your view on it!

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Not all those that wander are lost.

realizing that almost everything on my personal "wish" list has been accomplished at one point or another.
Unfortunately, one of the things on the list-to have a chance to see or meet Pope John Paul II in person will never happen now since he's deceased.

I would say joining the Moms Club in 2003. Without those women, I wouldn't have half of the close friendships I have now. Some of those Moms are my closest friends-- and they have sons that are MY son's best friends!

Holly

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Forgiveness is love in its most noble form. -Anonymous

I would think retiring after 20 years as a Navy family. We've learned to slow down and become closer as a family.

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Live, Love, Laugh

1992 I walked into a pole and after that I stopped drinking.

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John 14:1
GO GATORS!!
GO BEARS!!
Check out my pictures!! Just click below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gotjenks/

A lady in church. There was just something about this lady named Jane, she had this ability to make you feel like your were special, like you really mattered. It happened every time I was around her. We moved here 5 years ago, I was new, but I had also been very hurt (LOOOOONG story) and she was just there. We never sat down and talked, she never knew I was hurting so bad, but just the way she asked, how I was, I knew she really cared. I want to be like her. Unfortunately, she died 9 months after I met her. I wish she were still here so I could figure out her secret. I want to make people feel the same way. Going back and reading over it, it doesn't make much sense. There was just something peaceful about her, even if all you said was, "Hey" you knew everything was OK.

Weird I know, but still 4 1/2 years later, I still want to be like her.

i got burned by several people in a very short timespan. looking back, i remember having a negative 1st impression of most of them, but blew it off because they "seemed" nice otherwise.

after the fallouts, i vowed to ALWAYS trust my GUT!!!

Reading the book "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and attending the seminar probably about 15 years ago. The whole thing isn't what was a big deal to me, but learning and taking to heart this: Learn your circle of control and your circle you cannot control. Focus on what you can change & influece and let the rest go.

It's so true. People waste so much time stressing, worrying and taking years off their life over things which they have no control over. Let it go and move on. Spend your time focusing on that which you can control. Otherwise, don't worry - be happy!

Lisa

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"It's not having what you want,
It's wanting what you've got"

Hearing Oprah talk about writing the five things for which she is grateful each day. I took it to heart and found that it really helped me to focus on the things that I have rather than all of the disappointments. I really feel that it helped me turn from a negative person into a positive one. It also helped me to live in the moment, because some days the perfect cup of coffee makes the list. This is so powerful that I do it each night with my four year old daughter.

I found that funny in an off the wall sort of way...

Mine was moving from Texas to Montana. 1600 miles away from my friends and family. Have definitely had some trying times, but have come through them all with skin still intact!

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Mental that one, I'm telling you. ---Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"