What I’ve learned

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. James Morman
  • 22nd Operation Group superintendent
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  After nearly 30 years in the Air Force and 47 years of walking this Earth, I have learned many lessons along the way. I thought this would be a perfect time to share them.

Here are my top 10 lessons that I've learned.

1. Everything in moderation. Live a balanced life. Your day should be split in to 4's. God, family, yourself, and work. The order of the last 2 will change from time to time but always keep your faith and family first.

2. Tell the truth. Why is this so hard for some of us to do? You'll find life in general will be easier for everyone around you and yourself if you tell the truth. No one likes or respects a liar, except another liar. Remember, it takes years to build up trust and only seconds to destroy it.

3. Count your blessings, not your troubles. Wouldn't it be great if we were thankful for what we had and not what we wanted? You'll find once you do this, the blessings far outnumber the troubles; also it will reduce your gray hair and wrinkles.

4. Mind your manners. Say please and thank you. Simple, but I'm amazed by how many of us have forgotten how to be nice or have a total lack of common courtesies. Just remember what your parents taught you.

5. Always pay yourself first. Put aside a portion of your check each month for a rainy day or retirement. Also, figure out the difference between what you want and what you need. Your needs should always outweigh your wants and then plan accordingly. Once you start to save, don't dip into this fund. If you do dip into this fund, you'll find it twice as hard to start over again.

6. Come to work, ready to work every day. Once at work, work. Give out but don't give up. You don't get paid for sitting around or throwing up your hands in the air in defeat. Hard work and perseverance are the prices we must pay for success. I've learned, you can keep going long after you think you can't.

7. Don't put off bad news. Bad news isn't like fine wine, it doesn't get better with age. Own up to your mistakes, don't put them off on someone else.

8. Help your fellow man. Believe in something larger than yourself, find a charity or cause that tugs at your heartstrings and give it your time, money, or both. Bob Hope said, "If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble."

9. Smile. Even though you are having a bad day, you'll find most people will smile back. At times this will be the hardest thing to do, but these will be the times a smile will be needed the most. I believe that people make their own good or bad days.

10. Warm cookies and cold milk are good. It's the simple things in life that are the best. Need I say more?