36 Lessons after 36 Years
Another trip around the sun. The year of being 35 was filled with peaks and valleys. The valleys were low, making the peaks that much sweeter. Continuing with my birthday tradition, I want to share 36 things worth remembering.
Death is part of life. Don’t let it scare you, but make sure you’re spending your time on what matters and with the right people (or pets)
Limit anything with sugar to special occasions
Keep reading books for both pleasure and learning
Recognize what you have control over and focus on that.
Sleep eight hours each night
Walk at least one mile each day
Lift and carry heavy things
Time is your most precious asset. Don’t let others dictate how you spend it
Ask yourself: Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said by me? Does this need to be said by me right now? If the answer to all three is yes, then share.
Make your home a sanctuary
Accept yourself for who you are, but don’t mistake acceptance for complacency.
Birdwatching really does sneak up on you
Sell or donate what you no longer need or use
The right tool makes the job easier and more successful
Be of service, not a servant (aka don’t be an order taker, but be a problem solver)
Turn off the TV
Invest in classes/courses to keep your growth alive
Try to separate facts from feelings - address each separately. This is especially helpful at work
No one is thinking of you as much as you think about yourself.
Know the difference between your principles and your opinions. Stick to your principles. Be open to changing your opinions
Empathy is hard, but a worthwhile endeavor
It never hurts to ask
For the most part, nothing good happens after 11:00 PM or before 7:00 AM
You don’t have to finish a book because you started it.
People will help you and support you if you ask
It’s impossible to be happy all the time. Feel your feelings and where appropriate, share your feelings (see #18)
Resting is not being lazy. Listen to your body (and mind) and know the difference
Doing things out of obligation breeds resentment. Don’t do things that you don’t want to do out of obligation - and don’t ask others to do them either
People have to want to change.
Aspire to be aspirational - you never know who you might inspire
Do something that makes you feel good/confident at least once per month
Go down rabbit holes - you never know what Wonderland you’ll find
Labels are for others to define you - don’t use them to define yourself (if you don’t want to)
Learn to spot people who live their values versus people who say the right words but whose actions don’t align. Then, stay away from them. People are not projects (see #29)
Be tolerant of others, but strict with yourself - Marcus Aurelius
Know when the bare minimum effort will do and when you need to give something 100%
Thanks for being here for another year! Cheers to health, wealth, and wisdom!