If I was asked to write (it won’t happen) a self-help book or a book about Life Lessons ...
I suspect it wouldn't be a book, just a few words on a single sheet of paper.
Basically this is it:
• Play fair, be honest
• Don't lie to yourself
• Be charitable, anonymously
• You weren't born as a team, just a you
• Open your heart to love before you begin dating
• Love unconditionally
• Put limits on expressing yourself
• Rethink living in the moment, there's tomorrow
• Accept human frailty and inefficiency
• Study the past
• Develop abstract thought
• Be patient, Time dilates
• Protect the earth
• Learn practical things
• Work, expect advancement
• Understand this: Life is too short
• Have adventures, those will be your stories
• Ignore zealots, most are nuts
• If you believe in myths, accept the risks
• Have a dog as a companion
For bonus points
• Save money
• Use cash, not credit cards
• Ignore most pop culture stuff
• Don't watch TV, read books
• Avoid restaurants & bars
• If you don't use it, don't store it
• Don't shop as a recreational activity
• Don't have children
8 comments:
Bill,
Almost like the Desiderata....
Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy. [1]
ER Vet - I'd forgotten about Desiderata. Thanks, it's a terrific poem w/ quite a history.
And, another thanks for a very interesting comment.
I love that you tacked "Don't have children" on at the end.
Good list. I'd also add "Drink good scotch" and "Have afternoon sex every chance you get."
Johnson - What was I thinking, leaving out Scotch? So, excuse me and please add a bottle of Double Matured Dalwhinnie.
And why limit sex to any particular time of day? Except maybe when drinking Scotch.
All good words, Bill.,, except the part about scotch. Mine pallet does not like.
Weeder - I didn't care for for Scotoh until someone gifted me a very expensive brand. A very smooth taste, served straight with a small glass of water.
Words to live by.
Lisa - I forgot one thing ...hindsight is usually accurate.
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