That life is neither black nor white, that not everything is right or wrong, that all people are both good and bad, that life goes on with or without you and it is a precious commodity.

That money is neutral, possessions are fleeting, and dogs are loyal while cats are fickle.

At some point I started to laugh at people who identify themselves by their possessions. They think they "own" a house or a boat or a car when in fact material things are only on loan. Die and someone else will own them.

When you least expect it shit happens. Shit is good - it makes you appreciate the good things and builds character.