Avocados are all the rage this summer, and rightfully so. From avocado toast, to avocado smoothies, to even an avocado chocolate cake recipe, people have only been finding more and more ways to put this yummy little green fruit to work. It is rich in fiber, has anti-aging properties, boosts the immune system, benefits skin and hair and lowers cholesterol. Sure, there is some fat in them, but it’s the "good kind." AKA, an avocado is not equivalent to a small fry from McDonalds. But it is a lot tastier.

However, in my opinion, avocados are so much more than that-- they are an inspiration to us all. You can learn a lot from the little weird foods, if only you take a closer look.

1. You can’t judge a book (avocado) by its cover (skin).

I’ll just come right out and say it… avocados are ugly. They look like massive grainy blackish-brownish turds, sometimes with a greenish tint. But, only once you’ve gotten past that first very thin layer of skin do you find the delicious, creamy heaven within it. Don’t be so judgmental! If you get caught up on the not-as-awesome outside, you’d never get to enjoy and appreciate all the goodness on the inside.

2. It isn’t okay to be too soft (of an avocado)…

A soft avocado that is squishy is likely gross on the inside because people and other avocados have been pushing it around so much. That bumpy outer skin looks tough and acts tough, but it’s terrible at protecting the inside, leaving it bruised, gross and not edible. So grow a pair (of avocados) and stand up for yourself.

3. But it also isn’t okay to be too hard (of an avocado).

Hard avocados, the ones that have not ripened yet, are gross. Nobody likes them. They can’t be cooked with. They can’t be consumed. Sure, people might buy a hard avocado because they admire the potential it shows, but they never enjoy it unless it has softened up a little bit! In other words, stand up for yourselves, but don’t forget to look after other people too. A little kindness, support and love never hurt no one.

4. AvocaDO, not AvocaDON’T.

Just avocaDO it. Seriously! It’s called an avocaDO for a reason. That book you’ve been meaning to write? Do it. That girl you’ve been meaning to call? DO it. That trip you’ve been meaning to take? DO IT. That dream you’ve been wanting to follow? FREAKING. DO. IT. If you avocaDON’T do something, you’ll probably regret it.

5. Enjoy life (your avocado) in the moment.

Unfortunately, this glorious fruit doesn’t have much of a shelf life. Once you cut into an avocado, you only have so much time to consume it before it starts to turn brown and gross. If you cut into one and then put off eating it until another time, then all you have is an empty stomach and a sad, dead and useless avocado. So eat it and enjoy it while you can.

6. Be green (like an avocado).

You hurt no one by trying to reduce your carbon footprint to whatever level you are comfortable with-- you benefit everyone by it though. Take shorter showers. Bike or carpool when you can. Try out Meatless Mondays. Voice your environmental concerns, etc. There is so much you can do nowadays to live life a little greener, so there is no excuse to try.

7. When life gives you lemons (or limes), put them in your guacamole.

The best guacamole has so much more than just avocado in it, so when life starts throwing crap at you that is less perfect than one, dump it all in a bowl, mash it up and serve with corn chips to drown your sorrows out with. Some tomatoes, cilantro and hot sauce will only make your avocado (and your life) better.

8. Always, always share (your avocados) with others.

Did you know an avocado plant can’t survive unless there is another one nearby to help pollinate it? This tree values close relationships with others, and is always giving a little to get a little from his friends. Which is why the avocado is the Aztec symbol of love and fertility. If it has the chance of brightening their day, then brighten it. Unless they are terrified of avocados. In that case, share something else with them… But also never trust them again because who doesn’t like an avocado?

9. Make (like an avocado and make) lives better.

Use the avocado as an example, and make the lives of other around you a little better and brighter while you can. That’s basically all an avocado ever really wanted to do in the first place anyway.

10. You (and avocados) can always take a little heat, or a lot, actually.

Did you know that avocado oil is a thing? And it’s great to cook with because it can stand higher temperatures than most oils can? Because all that is true. If a little brownish-greenish fruit can take it, so can you. I believe in you.

11. There is a use for absolutely everything. (And every part of an avocado).

Yes. You can use that nasty skin. You can eat the delicious green part. And you can even find a use for that stupid seed. You just gotta get a little creative. Don’t let a single part of that fruit or your life go to waste… instead, make it count. Thanks, you avocaDORKS.