b2:

Some of these answers might sound cliche, but what the heck (in no particular order).

-The afterlife does in fact exist.
-What's most important is that we grow in love.
-None of us has all of the answers and none of us is infallible, despite what some people claim.
-We don't have to be overly concerned about unfriendly spirit influences even though they exist, because it is up to us when it comes to what kind of people we want to be.
-That Jesus Christ the man did live, and he plays a key part in the divine plan, but not in a fundamentalist way.
-That many supposed physical problems such as back pain can be taken care of if we deal with the psychological issues of our life rather than popping pills and under going surgery.
-That an absolutely wonderful and eternal future awaits us.
-That spiritual growth isn't about negating our sense of self, it is about becoming a soul who lives so completely according to love that he/she doesn't need to feel as if others are seperate.
-That there are friendly spirit beings we can make contact with.
-That love and fear don't go together.
-That I am very fortunate.

in 40 odd years ive learned life is still very hard and depressing

In an effort to be a retiever in this reality as well as others I would like to respond to Iank -
I think that sometimes we tend to forget that it is not only in the "astral" where thoughts manifest themselves. Here is the physical it is as true as anywhere. There have been many times in my 48 odd years that I have found life hard and depressing, and who could argue? There are still other times when I am quite optimistic and enjoy life immensely. What has changed? Usually nothing but my outlook, my perspective. This is not an easy frame of mind to maintain but well worth the effort. And (bonus) this carries over into my non-physical life as well as I am sure it will when I am no longer physical. Keep your chin up -it will force you to look up.
This is one of the many things I have learned through my trials and errors and would like to add to the list.