I've Learned...

I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.

~~~~~Winston Churchill

There will always be lessons in life to learn.  Some we learn on the first try, others apparently we're forced to be taught again and again.  One day, perhaps those lessons will stand us in good stead.  Yeah, I'm waiting...

I read this post over at USNI, and thought it spoke well of this Marine and his life lessons since becoming a Marine and the ensuing eleven years.  Well worth a read.  Who knows, it may bring to mind some of the lessons you've learned throughout your own life.

 BLUF:   Esquire Magazine’s monthly column ‘What I’ve Learned’ is an excellently composed editorial on the meaning of life from the perspective of some of the world’s most intriguing statesmen, artists, and philosophers.  I am neither statesman, nor artist, nor philosopher (and if you ask any woman who has ever dated me, hardly intriguing) but I am a Marine who just left active duty service.  After 11 years since having first raised my right hand, and in the spirit of Esquire’s eminent feature, I spent the first day of my terminal leave reflecting…on what it is I’ve learned.

On Life. (in general)

Life’s much easier when you read wonderful books and stare at inconceivable art and listen to transcendent music and watch inspiring movies.  When you allow the great authors and poets and filmmakers and musicians and artists to help sort things out for you, life becomes easier, I think.  Perhaps this is because you realize you are not the first person that has ever felt that he had no clue what’s going on, or what’s to come.  You realize you are not alone.  And you say to yourself humble things like, “how small I am.”  And you become stronger.
But even with the nod of the greats, it’s important we each tell our own story in our own way.  It’s therapy, for one.  But it also preserves the memory.  I never want to forget any of the Marines I ever walked alongside.  They are my heroes.

Carry on...

(note:  Case in point for lessons learned.  Didya notice that BLUF up there?  I asked what it meant, and was told it represents; Bottom Line Up Front.  So, just in case you didn't know, now ya do.)

I hope you click the link to continue reading what serving as a Marine teaches our young men and women.  Those kinds of lessons can't be unlearned.  You know what they say bout Marines, don't ya?

Once a Marine, always a Marine.
Semper Fi


And so it goes......