Fifty-Seven Truths I've Learned in my Fifty-Seven Years, part 2

Last week I celebrated my 57th birthday and began a blog series about fifty-seven truths I've learned in my fifty-seven years. I hope you go back and catch up on truths one through fifteen.

I was born in 1955, square in the middle of the boomer generation, ten years after World War II ended, and at a time when our nation was prosperous and looking toward a bright future. I graduated high school in 1973, the year Roe vs. Wade overturned the ban on abortion, the Watergate scandal was coming to light, and the World Trade Center (NYC Twin Towers) open to the the public.

The photos are my hospital bill from when I was born. My mother gave them to me when I became an adult. The total cost of the birth and hospital stay for both my mother and me was $115.50. The photo below is the back of the bill which details how the hospital accounts for the cost.

Here's another installment of the 57 truths I've learned in my 57 years:

1. There will be sorrow in your life. However: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

2. It’s best to forgive, no matter how long it takes or how difficult it is. Forgive.

3. The truth is always the easiest and best “excuse.”

4. Eat a good breakfast, with some protein, every day. Your body will thank you.

5. Take time to enjoy nature. Breathe in the fragrances, listen to the sounds, it will soothe your spirit.

6. Read something every day, it will expand your world.

7. Be generous with compliments, you just might make someone’s day.

8. You may not be able to change your circumstances, but you can change your attitude—and sometimes that makes all the difference in the world.

9. Remember, you can never make the same mistake twice because the second time you make it, it’s not a mistake—it’s a choice.

10. Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, and the other’s gold. Yup, I remember that tune from my days as a Brownie.

11. Offer a sincere apology, and then don’t ruin it with an excuse.

12. It’s always best to err on the side of compassion. You don’t know what someone else is going through.

13. Nurture your dreams, and do all you can to make them come true. Don’t be sidetracked by naysayers.

14. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Find out what you need to do, and learn how to do it.

15. A smile really is your best accessory.

I hope you stop back on Thursday for the next portion of my list.