I’ve accumulated a list over the past few years of my life that I think is important to follow. I’ve been alive for almost 21 years and I believe that if we follow certain rules, then we will live a happier, fuller life. I’ve decided to share the current list I have in hopes that someone will read it and also either start their own list or follow mine and add to it throughout the years.

An easy list to live by:

1. Always keep a sharpie with you.

I have weirdly found myself in multiple situations where I wished I had a sharpie with me. I don't know why this became a common thing, but now I carry one with me wherever I go. Just in case.

2. It’s okay to do nothing for a day.

Nobody knows this rule better than me. Some days I wake up, especially after a very busy week, and I just need to take a day off. If I don't have to work that day, I stay home, maybe watch some T.V. or read a book, and I just relax. We all need to take days where we do nothing important, and instead just hang out and relax.

3. Take lots of walks.

I love taking walks. It's never a bad time to take a walk: night or day, rain or shine. Walks are a great way to de-stress, calm yourself, and even get a little exercise. If it's a nice day outside, I can't help but want to take a walk, even if it's just around my neighborhood.

4. Hang out in parks.

You're never too old to swing. Parks are a great place to be reminded that there's a child still inside of all of us.

5. Tell people what’s on your mind.

It's really easy to keep things to ourselves, but this can lead to our thoughts eating us alive. If you have something you need to tell someone, just tell them. It'll most likely lead to a better outcome than if you had kept it to yourself. Now this rule is probably my hardest one to follow, but I try my best to let people know if I have a problem.

6. There’s always room for dessert.

I don't care how full you are, if you want dessert, get dessert. Enjoy as much of it as you can.

7. If someone is important to you, let them know.

This rule is similar to number five, but applies more to the good things on your mind. If you care about someone, whether that's a family member, friend, or partner, make sure to remind them consistently how much you care about them. Don't make them have to guess or question your relationship. If you care about someone, let them know.

8. If you see a long line of people outside of a restaurant, join them.

If there is a long line outside of a restaurant, then the food must be good. Stand outside and wait with everyone else. It'll probably be worth it, and it's a great experience.

9. Every good letter has a P.S.

I love to write letters to people, and I wish more people still used this form of communication. I think it's a fun way to talk to people, especially if you don't live in the same city as them. Whenever I write a letter, I always add a P.S. Sometimes it has nothing to do with the letter itself, and sometimes it really is just an afterthought, but either way it's always there. In my opinion, it's the best part of a letter.

10. Always stop at lemonade stands.

If you see little kids trying to sell lemonade, stop and buy from them. It'll only take a dollar out of your bank account, but it'll make those kids' day. I keep a couple dollars during the summer in my car just for that purpose.

Now this list isn’t completed. I’ll continue to grow up and experience life, adding things to this list as I learn them. Nothing here is too hard to follow, but each one makes me smile. I encourage everyone to make their own life list that they can follow and feel proud of. My list is just a bunch of little things, but I believe they can add up to make something great.