Older

As I have gotten older I have realized what a know-it-all I have been. I say "have been" because I also realized that I don't know squat about a lot of things. I just turned forty...something, and as I look back I am a little bit ashamed of how I didn't like to take advice or listen to people who actually did know what they were talking about. Is that youth or being a know-it-all? Or are those two intertwined? It was a point of pride for me to be able to figure things out on my own when I was younger. I felt that by asking for advice or seeking help made me immature and that people would think me weak and unprepared for life. How insecure and wrong I was. To ask for help doesn't make you weak, it makes you wise. There have been so many times throughout my life that I have needed help and couldn't bring myself to ask for help. If I had, it would have saved me a lot of heartache I am sure.  One of my friends has a saying "A closed mouth, is a hungry mouth." Meaning: if you don't say anything about what you need, people won't know to help you. Pride is good in some instances, but not when help is needed. And sometimes you might even think you know what you need, until someone who can be objective, tells you different. Are you willing to listen to them? Take their advice without your pride being hurt? Getting older helps with this! When you get old, pride goes out the door. Seriously, I still have a shred of pride left, I just use it wisely. Learning to listen and take or not to take advice or listen to a much deserved lecture was hard for me, I won't lie to you.  But it has helped me so much listening and weighing their advice against what I already know, then taking what I need from both. Being a Know-it-all is cool,  and I am still one, just more secure in what I know and willing to listen to others. Getting older is kind of nice, that much I do know. 
Peace and Love, but mostly Peace