I have written down many little phrases that my parents, teachers and/or coaches have told me over and over again. These phrases are things that you should always remember as you enter the world as an adult -- rules of thumb to live by, strive for or just remember.
It is so easy to get caught up in a routine and the same way of life that everyone is sticking to. Being that person that changes the ways of the game, or in this case, life, should not care about the people's judgements around them. Remembering these little phrases will help discover that inner happiness and hidden child that has never left, even when you thought it did.
1. Make the little things count.
2. Learn how to change a tire, your oil, pump gas, and cook a meal. Learn how to do things for yourself.
3. Never cancel any plans by text message, no matter how well you know the person.
4. Never dumb things down, but never make anyone feel dumb around you.
5. Don’t say happy birthday to someone just because everyone else around you is. That’s just lame, it is their one day that they get to celebrate themselves.
6. A suntan is not bought, a suntan in earned. And then don’t complain about a sunburn, they can see it, I promise.
7. There isn’t a time limit on an apology. They are always accepted.
8. If you have made your point in a conversation/argument, stop talking.
9. Look people in the eye.
10. Make goals and write them out. Look at them everyday.
11. If you have to fight, be the first one to punch and just keep punching hard.
12. Don’t bother or call anyone between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. They don’t care about your problem.
13. Remember that your sister’s boyfriend might be your brother-in-law one day. Be picky, but be kind.
14. Sometimes a plain t-shirt and jeans are better.
15. Short and sweet is always best.
16. Travel light.
17. Sometimes you just have to suck it up now and again.
18. If you decide to finally stand up to someone, you will only have to do it once.
19. Never use the stairs to enter a pool, jump in.
20. Making a fool out of yourself it much better than watching from a distance. Show everyone those awesome dance moves.
It is kind of hard to describe what all these things mean, it is like describing everyone's own personal happiness. I do not know exactly what makes everyone smile and feel good, but I do know that these twenty things are something everyone can relate to, no matter what age and what place you are in your life. Just keep them in the back of your mind before making a decision or saying something too fast. Live dangerously. Live kindly.
