25 Pieces of Good Advice: Lessons learned in 51 years
A few days ago, an old note that I had written on Facebook came across my timeline. I wrote the note on my 45th birthday, and in it were a few tips that I had for my children. I titled this note “Advice from a 45 year Old”. I had forgotten all about the note until I read through it again, and frankly I was surprised at the wisdom that I shared. I remember that I struggled to come up with 25 pieces of advice, but each one is heartfelt.
1. Listen to your elders. The things they say may seem stupid to you now, but in twenty years you will think back and realize that they probably knew what they were talking about.
2. Try not to stress, fight or argue over small things. It is NOT worth it, believe me.
3. DO NOT let pride ruin good relationships.
4. If you are wrong, apologize and move on. If you still think you are right, call a truce and move on. Don’t carry on with anger…anger takes up too much energy that could be used for better things.
5. Remember that cars will break down, crap is going to happen, and things WILL get better. Life is a rollercoaster. Relax and enjoy the entire ride.
6. Love those in your life and keep in contact with those that mean something to you, because you never know when they won’t be around anymore.
7. TRY. Keep trying. NEVER give up on your dreams.
8. Don’t take things personally. Everybody has “stuff” that they are dealing with and it probably has nothing to do with you.
9. Send positive thoughts to people. Be genuinely happy for other’s good fortune. What you send out, you get back.
10. Appreciate that carrot cake that your mom makes every year on your birthday (this is personal, but appreciate whatever your mom does for you).
11. Laugh. Laugh a lot.
12. Take responsibility for your own actions. If something isn’t working, change it.
13. Focus on the good points in your relationship. Appreciate what you have, because there are some people living in terrible situations. Be glad it is not you (and if it is you, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help).
14. Have fun with your siblings. They are the ones that are probably going to stick around until the end.
15. Pay your bills before you blow all of your money on fun.
16. Give faith a chance.
17. Don’t belittle others. Don’t look down on others, thinking you are better than them. Guess what? You aren’t. Everybody has a story, and you don’t know their whole story.
18. Practice tolerance.
19. “This, too, shall pass”.
20. Enjoy the outdoors. Go camping, hiking, fishing. Nature is beautiful.
21. Sit outside on a sunny afternoon. Close your eyes and just listen to the sounds around you.
22. Enjoy music. Appreciate all music.
23. Stop and smell the lilacs (I prefer lilacs over roses). 🙂
24. Don’t sleep the day away. Enjoy every moment.
25. When you get to be my age, look back with no regrets.
Just a bit more..
In the six years since I wrote this piece, many things have changed in my life…but all of this advice still stands. As a bonus, I am including an additional six suggestions (one for each year that has passed).
- Sit by a campfire. Wonderful peace comes from sitting by a campfire.
- Wear sunscreen. It may not seem important to you now, but skin cancer can sneak up on you .
- Be kind to your back (and your knees, and the rest of your body). 🙂
- Plant a garden and nurture it, whether it be flowers or vegetables. It is an amazing feeling to watch it grow.
- Find at least one good thing in each day.
