Ten Simple Rules

 

1. Be kind. The benefits of being kind-or at the very least courteous-far outweigh the effort you put in. Do random acts of kindness.  Compliment someone. If a retail worker or food-service worker makes a mistake, be understanding and patient. Kind people live longer than unkind people.
2. I know myself better than anyone else. Don’t let anyone else’s opinions control what you do, how you act, or what you say.  Other peoples’ opinions are suggestions-take them or leave them. Don’t make assumptions, and don’t take it personally. It’s not about you.
3. Everyone else is as worried and insecure as you are, some people just hide it better. It does not mean that they are smarter or better than you.
4. Laugh it off. If you make a mistake, fall down, or do something dumb, just laugh it off. Other people (and you) will forget it a lot faster if you just let it roll off your back. EVERYONE makes mistakes. Everyone. You aren’t alone and you aren’t the biggest idiot in the world. Give yourself a break.
5. It’s just stuff.  Sure, stuff gets broken-often times accidently by people you love-and that’s annoying, but your stuff can be replaced. You can never erase hurtful words you say to the person you love because they broke your stuff. Stuff is never, ever, as important as those you love.
6. You are probably a lot smarter than you give yourself credit for being.
7. Don’t judge. You don’t know all the facts. We all have our faults and bad habits.  As a pretty famous guy is alleged to have said, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
8. Don’t beat yourself up. Do what you can to fix your mistakes, then move on. Guilt is only good for pushing you toward making things right again. After that, it becomes, shame, and shame is a toxic substance that will eat you up inside. Same for worry.
9. Enjoy Life. Literally, stop to smell and admire the flowers. Wonder. Be curious. Go play outside. Smile at strangers. Dance in the rain. Have fun.
10. Life goes by really, really fast. Live each day so that, at the end, you’re reveling in how amazing your life was, not regretting all the things you do or didn’t do.