I've learned_
that you can do something in an instant
that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned_
that it's taking me a long time
to become the person I want to be.

I've learned_
that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.
It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned_
that you can keep going long after you can't.

I've learned_
that we are responsible for what we do,
no matter how we feel.

I've learned_
that either you control your attitude
or it controls you.

I've learned_
that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first,
the passion fades
and there had better be something else to take its place.

I've learned_
that heroes are the people who do what has to be done
when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I've learned_
that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned_
that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned_
that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be
the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned_
that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't
give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned_
that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same
goes for true love.

I've learned_
that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to
doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned_
that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had
and what you've learned from them
and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned_
that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but
people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you
to trust people again.
Families aren't biological.

I've learned_
that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in
a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned_
that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned_
that no matter how badly your heart is broken
the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned_
that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are,
but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned_
that just because two people argue,
it doesn't mean they don't love each other.
And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned_
that we don't have to change friends
if we understand that friends change.

I've learned_
that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret.
It could change your life forever.

I've learned_
that two people can look at the exact same thing
and see something totally different.

I've learned_
that your life can be changed in a matter of hours
by people who don't even know you.

I've learned_
that even when you think you have no more to give,
when a friend cries out to you,
you will find the strength to help.

I've learned_
that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned_
that the people you care about most in life
are taken from you too soon.

Send this to all the people YOU BELIEVE IN.

I did.

(adapted from an e-mail from Bruce)