In three weeks, your girl 1969 will turn 39. Did you hear that? Thirty-nine years old.
In my 39 years, I have learned lots of lessons. Some were easy to learn and crystal clear from the onset. Others I learned by getting my azz kicked, being dragged through the mud or getting stomped on. Either way, I learned them and guess which ones I remember the most? Yup, the ones that hurt.
Unfortunately, you have to go through painful experiences to gain the wisdom and strength you need to move your life forward. There is no growth without overcoming obstacles. That’s what life is all about.
A friend of mine has been helping his younger sister plan her wedding to a man that she loves. The family is not thrilled with her selection for a mate. He is a ne’er do well. Goes from job to job. Not always supportive, etc. They have all tried to talk to her but she loves him. Their wedding was scheduled for this weekend. Seems that they had an argument last night and her fiancee pushed her and she flipped over her couch. She immediately called the police and had him arrested. Wedding canceled.
God throws pebbles and when you ignore them….he will eventually throw a ROCK. Amen?
Sometimes, we question why things happen when we know that there are always warning signs. Arguably, we probably ignore them or don’t pay attention.
As I get older, I am learning to focus on stuff that I question. When I feel it in my gut that it’s wrong…I am doing a better job at cutting ties, walking away or focusing my energies in a different area.
39. Not really old. But too old for DRAMA.

15 comments
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June 10, 2008 at 1:40 pm
onefromphilly
The good thing about getting older is it sharpens the ability, and willingness to cut through the BULL.
The other good thing about getting older is you get to live longer.
June 10, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Pepper
AMEN!
and no hoodie required miss sixty, you have taught me lots! shooot, you want summn?
June 10, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Coco
Thank you for those words 1969 b/c it helped me solidify my decision to not take a certain job. I am full-time jobless but my spirit/instincts told me it definitely was not the position for me.
June 10, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Odyssey
I totally agree with everything you wrote and especially the following statement.
“As I get older, I am learning to focus on stuff that I question. When I feel it in my gut that it’s wrong…I am doing a better job at cutting ties, walking away or focusing my energies in a different area.”
You will be one of those women who looks 50 at 79.
June 10, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Nerd Girl
Amen.
June 10, 2008 at 3:20 pm
erica b.
Amen! I’m right behind you… I’ll be 38 in September. It’s so much easier now to not stress in trying to be a people-pleaser.
June 10, 2008 at 3:41 pm
BK
AMEN.. and that birthday is fastly approaching isn’t it.. I got you ma.. I’m learning that myself..
it’s great to have big sisters like you!
June 10, 2008 at 4:30 pm
That Girl Tam
I am NOT mad…gurl you are WORKIN it @ 39! And you’re right, the lessons best learned are the ones that hurt you the most.
I still have a few more years to reach 39…and I’m looking forward to it because that just means I’ve survived LIFE a little while longer!
June 10, 2008 at 7:28 pm
jameil
that makes me just want to say to myself: focus, FOCUS!! i’m pushing 26 in august and i’d like to start w/the wisdom NOW! i think i’ve got a nice lead off, just gotta keep it going.
June 10, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Proactiff
it’s evident that you are already an old (no pun intended) pro in this lifelong PROcess. at almost 35, i like learning the non lesson lessons. the stuff that ivy’s bloom from. like knowing a whisper can be as effective as a shout; or knowing that A-line compliments better than a pencil skirt in some cases; where i can find spanx. that kind’a stuff. you are one that i admire and i’m glad you are still around to see another year of life. here’s to (your) long life.
June 11, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Miz JJ
I just hit the big 3-0 myself. I think as you get older you learn to not care as much what people think and become truer to yourself. I am enjoying that.
June 11, 2008 at 2:04 pm
SunnyJ
Wise words indeed! I hope you have a wonderful birthday!
June 11, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Bev
Greetings rom Manchester, England. You have a way to go yet in a little over three weeks I’ll be 48. Im happy because I’ve achieved most of my goals. I have a house, the car and a job I love. I just need to learn patience and to keep my big mouth shut. Apart from that I’m perfect!!!
June 11, 2008 at 8:23 pm
robyn
You said it SO very well….. I have always been a “well it’s different with …..(____fill in the blank____) “whether it be people, men I was dating,situations…. whatever….I I just never wanted to believe the bad was THAT bad.
Denial is not a river in Egypt.
These days I believe it if a trusted source says it’s so for the most part! LOL
I have gained the MOST knowledge by being kicked in the head because I am the one who you tell “don’t touch the stove dummy” and I would say “well….it might not be THAT hot…lemme see… OH *S&#^#!!!!!… I burned myself!”
I have a girlfriend who is like that. Stubborn. Can’t tell her JACK and guess what…sooner than she knows it, life is gonna “kick her in the head… AND THE ARSE”….but I guess I can’t talk! LOL (but I wish she would listen to me and her other friends…..)
Yup… that be me. I have learned and I have paid and you never know the sunshine’s value until you see the rain, but I am turning 38 in a month and some and I too feel that the older I have become… the ABSOLUTELY less tolerance for bs I have.
Great post!
June 15, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Lady Roots
Sistren 1969,
I followed Sistren Pepper over here for a visit.
As a woman old enough to be your Mother, I can only say how I wish I had learned some of Life’s lessons as well as you have at such a tender age as yours. I guess it was my willingness to endure the showers of pebbles until that boulder finally landed that prolonged my learning curve.
Your writing style is refreshing. I’ll be back to read more.
Bless Up,
Lady Roots