Here in the Prentice household we have often pondered the possibility that maybe we find ourselves in certain conversations, arguments, situations, and challenges, etc. just so we can gain experience and learn lessons so I will have stories to tell in my seminars and articles that I write. It's kind of a standing joke between us. But seriously, I really do take from what life is teaching me every day and share those lessons I have been learning with others around me. I consider myself a student in "The School of Hard Knocks" and some of the lessons learned there are quite painful indeed. But, as that old saying goes, no pain no gain.
 
Believe it or not, just the other day my daughter actually said to me, "For being in the communications business, Dad, you might need to work on your communications a bit." Now
understand she just didn't say this out of the blue or anything. This comment was made right after I messed up real bad. (Thank you Tasha for the gentle "whack" on the side of the head.)
 
Since then I have taken Tasha's words to heart and have worked really hard at listening more, and not opening my mouth when people do not need to hear my opinions, and listening more, and just because I think I tell people things does not mean I DID tell people things, and listening more, and seeing things from the other persons perspective, and–did I mention–listening more.
 
Better communications is just one of the skills that I am learning in "The School of Hard Knocks." I have not graduated yet, nor do I ever expect to, for I still have a lifetime of lessons to learn there. Thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts with you today. I hope that my words will challenge and inspire you to be a bit introspective today and ponder what lessons you, too, might learn from "The School of Hard Knocks."