December 17 Lesson learned. What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward? (Author: Tara Weaver)

This might sound obvious, but I apparently needed reminding this year: I am actually not in control of the universe.  Even though I worked hard and planned carefully, life definitely showed me who’s boss.

I planned to spend Fall and Winter working every day in my office, going out in the evenings with the other members of my cohort, and commuting back home to Hamburg on the weekends.  But instead the universe decided that I should skip all of that and sit in bed for several weeks in Bremen, get to know the German health care system, and then spend a significant amount of time in physical therapy.

Of course I had many moments where I moaned and groaned about my bad luck, but really, where does that get you?  I chose instead to just roll with the punches, which involved lots of improvising (once even attending one of my seminars via Skype) and focusing on the positive.  And guess what?  I managed to do okay, even with my plans turned upside down.

I imagine that the beginning of 2011 will require the same of me.  Instead of getting started on my training for the Hannover Half-Marathon, I’ll most certainly need to instead focus on sports that are equally challenging, but gentler on my knee.  Learning how to swim properly again is no. 3 on my Life List, so maybe this is just the motivator I need!

This whole experience has shown me that I really am capable of making the best out of whatever life decides to dish up.  Definitely not a bad lesson, I think.  What have you learned about yourself this year?

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This post is part of Reverb 10, a process of reflecting and manifesting during the entire month of December.