I spend every day trying to teach my children ALL the ways to be a good person and get the most out of life. But at some point, it's all a crap shoot. They're going to absorb most, or all, or none. I hope they remember the hugs and smiles. But unfortunately they'll also remember the moments I lost my brain and they started looking for the house to drop on me (think wicked witch). What I can do is give them this list, which encapsulates the most important things I want for them. So maybe one day, when life feels like it's going sideways, they'll hear my words and find a new path.
1. Brush and floss every day.
Your teeth are not only a Petri dish for bacteria. They are a signal to others about how much you care about yourself, and they're the only set you get. No do-overs.
2. Do nice things for people, often.
If you can see someone needs a break, give them one. If you see someone needs help, offer it. If there's something you have that someone else desperately wants, get it for them. Doing these things for others will make you smile even more so than the person you do it for. It feels so wonderful to give.
3. Be on the lookout for time thieves.
Time is precious. Once it's gone, you can't get it back. So be on the lookout for people and activities that steal your precious time. It could be a party that you are dying to go to on a night you need to study for a test. Or a person you spend time with who isn't right for you. Or even a friend who has a negative influence on you. They're always out there.
4. Find your passion.
There's nothing more exhilarating than feeling passionate about something. Keep searching until you find your passion. Once you find it, explore it any way you can.
5. Learn how to be alone.
We fill our lives with friends and surround ourselves with family. We find partners and spouses and have children. But the truth is, we are all on our own journey. No one will take care of you except you. So learn how to be with just yourself. It's important.
6. Take lots of pictures.
It's so amazing to look back at them. It's the closest thing to turning the clock back.
7. Don't allow fear to make decisions for you.
Our own minds can be our worst enemies. Don't deprive yourself of an experience because fear sets in. You'll be amazed at how proud you'll feel after you conquer your fear.
8. Learn how to play either tennis or golf.
These are social sports that will provide you with life altering opportunities. People you'll meet. Places you'll see. The list is endless.
9. Always know how to swim and ice skate.
You don't have to be great. But one day you'll realize these two sports are a matter of safety. You have to know how to swim and skate. You don't have to be good at it.
10. Exercise regularly.
Although many people believe I exercise a lot so I can eat whatever I want or because I have some chronic form of body dysmorphia, it's not true. I exercise so that I can remain a active part of your lives for years and years to come. Along with cardiovascular health, you'll gain balance, strength, endurance, mobility, improved bone density, self-confidence, mental acuity, improved blood circulation, and a sense of independence.
11. Eat what your body needs, then enjoy what you crave.
Don't fill yourself with junk and then have no room for the fuel and essential vitamins your body needs. Eat those first. Then indulge a little.
12. Own up to your mistakes.
We all make them. You'll move past them with grace if you look someone in the eye and admit your mistake. Pretending it didn't happen causes huge amounts of angst. Ugh, it just feels SO much worse.
13. Become friends with your "issues."
We all have them. Yours are not the same as mine, or anyone else's, but we all have things that separate us from others or make us feel weird, different, high maintenance, or cooky. Become friends with the ones that'll never change. Once you accept them, others will, too.
14. Smile.
People gravitate towards other happy people. If you walk in a room with a smile, you'll be welcomed anywhere. Smiles are like mental currency. They're contagious, generous, and food for the soul. You can make someone's day by simply smiling as you pass them. And you can improve your own mood by smiling through a hard time.
15. Take mental snapshots of amazing moments.
Life is hard. It's not fair. And sometimes it's downright unbearable. But it's also amazing. And filled with incredible moments. Recognize those moments. Take a deep breath and a mental snapshot when you're feeling like life doesn't get better than "this." Recall those snapshots when you're going through a hard time. They'll help you get through it.
1. Brush and floss every day.
Your teeth are not only a Petri dish for bacteria. They are a signal to others about how much you care about yourself, and they're the only set you get. No do-overs.
2. Do nice things for people, often.
If you can see someone needs a break, give them one. If you see someone needs help, offer it. If there's something you have that someone else desperately wants, get it for them. Doing these things for others will make you smile even more so than the person you do it for. It feels so wonderful to give.
3. Be on the lookout for time thieves.
Time is precious. Once it's gone, you can't get it back. So be on the lookout for people and activities that steal your precious time. It could be a party that you are dying to go to on a night you need to study for a test. Or a person you spend time with who isn't right for you. Or even a friend who has a negative influence on you. They're always out there.
4. Find your passion.
There's nothing more exhilarating than feeling passionate about something. Keep searching until you find your passion. Once you find it, explore it any way you can.
5. Learn how to be alone.
We fill our lives with friends and surround ourselves with family. We find partners and spouses and have children. But the truth is, we are all on our own journey. No one will take care of you except you. So learn how to be with just yourself. It's important.
6. Take lots of pictures.
It's so amazing to look back at them. It's the closest thing to turning the clock back.
7. Don't allow fear to make decisions for you.
Our own minds can be our worst enemies. Don't deprive yourself of an experience because fear sets in. You'll be amazed at how proud you'll feel after you conquer your fear.
8. Learn how to play either tennis or golf.
These are social sports that will provide you with life altering opportunities. People you'll meet. Places you'll see. The list is endless.
9. Always know how to swim and ice skate.
You don't have to be great. But one day you'll realize these two sports are a matter of safety. You have to know how to swim and skate. You don't have to be good at it.
10. Exercise regularly.
Although many people believe I exercise a lot so I can eat whatever I want or because I have some chronic form of body dysmorphia, it's not true. I exercise so that I can remain a active part of your lives for years and years to come. Along with cardiovascular health, you'll gain balance, strength, endurance, mobility, improved bone density, self-confidence, mental acuity, improved blood circulation, and a sense of independence.
11. Eat what your body needs, then enjoy what you crave.
Don't fill yourself with junk and then have no room for the fuel and essential vitamins your body needs. Eat those first. Then indulge a little.
12. Own up to your mistakes.
We all make them. You'll move past them with grace if you look someone in the eye and admit your mistake. Pretending it didn't happen causes huge amounts of angst. Ugh, it just feels SO much worse.
13. Become friends with your "issues."
We all have them. Yours are not the same as mine, or anyone else's, but we all have things that separate us from others or make us feel weird, different, high maintenance, or cooky. Become friends with the ones that'll never change. Once you accept them, others will, too.
14. Smile.
People gravitate towards other happy people. If you walk in a room with a smile, you'll be welcomed anywhere. Smiles are like mental currency. They're contagious, generous, and food for the soul. You can make someone's day by simply smiling as you pass them. And you can improve your own mood by smiling through a hard time.
15. Take mental snapshots of amazing moments.
Life is hard. It's not fair. And sometimes it's downright unbearable. But it's also amazing. And filled with incredible moments. Recognize those moments. Take a deep breath and a mental snapshot when you're feeling like life doesn't get better than "this." Recall those snapshots when you're going through a hard time. They'll help you get through it.
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