Things I’ve learned the hard way

There are things I’ve learned from personal experience. In other words, I’ve learned things the hard way, sometimes the really hard way.

These are just a few of the things I’ve learned the hard way, things I wasn’t taught in school:

Going to the doctors and getting a shot is never something to look forward to. Getting a shot in the hand, which is what they do when you have dislocated a finger and it needs to be put back into place, is the worst. Ice can help, so will several hours.

Speaking of which, there are dentists and then there are dentists. There is no need for lots of pain. If that is the case, find another dentist.

Do not shovel snow. There is no good reason for shoveling snow. Using a shovel will only hurt you. Buy a snowblower. Costly? Yes. But you will never regret the decision.

When buying a seat at a game, a concert or wherever, buy the best seat possible. If you get there and can’t see anything, what’s the use of even being there.

Cut back. Reduce your salt intake and your sugar intake. Too much sugar and salt in the diet has been linked to numerous ailments. Most everything in life is okay if done in moderation, including things that are good for you.

Regardless of how old you are, people close to you are going to die. But the older one gets the worse it is to look at the obituary page in the morning. Be prepared for the shock. Before that happens, nurture the relationships you have with the people you care about. Tell them how much you appreciate them while you still can. Don’t wait for them to call you. Remember that telephones work both ways.

No matter what happens, no matter the amount of evidence, there is always another side to the story. Always. Good police officers know this as do good journalists.

All things in life are temporary, good and bad. It is a cliche but as with most cliches, it became a cliche because it is so true. That cliche is this: “This too shall pass.” Even though you think the good or the bad will never pass, it will.

You’ll be scared to do things, but do them anyway. Being courageous isn’t the same as not feeling fear. To develop courage, do things even if you are afraid. Public speaking is a good example of this. The first time is terror, but in time it gets easier.

Don’t sweat the small stuff and it is all small stuff. Unless you get sick and then it’s big stuff.

Just because everyone is doing it doesn’t mean it is right. I could give many examples of this from my young days and a few examples from my older days, but there is no sense in embarrassing myself.

Words are powerful. Be careful how you use them. Whether it be a text, a memo, an email, a letter, or a newspaper column, read what you have written at least two or three times, even more if possible, before letting anyone read it. Once it is out there, there is no getting it back. This was read by me five times. If there was more time, I would read it even more.