One Beliefnet reader shares the nine lessons she learned in 2009. Find out how she’s going to step into the light of a brand new year.
“Deal drama a death blow upfront. If somebody is being unfair to you, it’s no good sulking around wondering why life turned them into such a psycho. What a waste. Confront it, live and in person, so you’ll know whether you have to move on. Avoid saying things you’ll wish you’d never said.

Throw negative people overboard. They want to hurt you because they’re hurting themselves. Don’t let them. It could turn you into a negative person, too, and then your pain might lead you to hurt somebody else. Break the cycle. You’d be amazed how far a little forgiveness can go to turn an enemy into a friend.
Tell the truth. Be honest in every circumstance. Do it with compassion. If the truth hurts, speak it gently. Speak it lovingly. But speak it.”
Continue reading the inspirational journal.