Easy as A, B, C
If I had a son, maybe I’d write him a letter. Might even use an “A through Z” type of format…
Allow things to affect you.
Why? Because it’ll happen regardless. So you can put up a big, exhausting fight to bury your feelings. Or not. The world around is getting more robotic. Give yourself permission to stay human.
Be an original.
Your unique “weirdness” is a superpower, as the kids say. Really take a good look around. People who are comfortable in their own skin can make some very big impacts. Don’t hide who you are. Be memorable.
Cologne – just say no.
Oh, and while you’re at it, stay away from the hard drugs. Floss your teeth. Use sunscreen. Let’s click the fast-forward button to the end of your life for a second. Wouldn’t it be nice to look back at some good choices?
Don’t be a dick.
You will make some incorrect assumptions about people. It happens. Because you’ll never really know anyone’s story. Not fully. It isn’t a journey you lived through. So, try to remember that none of us are a finished product. And give yourself that same courtesy.
Everything can change in an instant.
Your intuition is often much smarter than your brain. Really listen to your gut when it’s trying to sound the alarm.
Find more humor in your day.
Things will get heavy enough. Keep it light when you have that luxury. Hold on to the silly. Remember to have fun. And awaken your playful spirit as necessary.
Good guy vs bad guy is a story for children.
In reality, the “good people” sometimes hurt each other. The “bad ones” can have moments of kindness. So, how do we handle that? By growing up. And realizing that human beings are more than just an adjective. You’ll never have the power to define a person. And nobody will ever own that power over you.
Have love in your life.
It doesn’t need to be a person. Just love something. Anything. You can love a dog, the beach, playing tennis, a fun book, a sad song, or whatever else. Just keep love in your life. Otherwise, what’s the point?
It’s astounding how much you’ll never know.
That goes for all of us. So, avoid ego traps about knowledge. You should never feel bad for saying, “I don’t know.” Really embrace those words. They’ll be the foundation of your lifetime hunger for learning.
Just breathe.
Learn to do this in overwhelming moments. As simple as it sounds. Even if it appears to be the most basic of basics. Life will get loud. You’ll need to know how to quiet the noise and just focus on your breath for a moment.
Kiss more.
While you’re at it, laugh more. Listen more. Move more. And say “yes” to more.
Look out for the future you.
“What do I want– that piece of cake or a healthier body?”
Each day is packed with those kinds of questions. And not about food. Daily choices between immediate gratification and investing in the future you. Give some consideration to the old guy yet to come.
Money isn’t the root of all evil.
But unhealthy self-esteem is. Sure, you can make an enemy of some green pieces of paper. But why? Get to the root of it.
No such thing as a hot 90-year-old.
Don’t make this aging outer shell more important than it is. Focus on a person’s heart, spirit, and actions. That’s a much deeper type of beauty.
Only apologize if you mean it.
Otherwise, stop wasting their time. Every street in your town is overflowing with people whose words lack meaning. That club doesn’t need another member. Be a man who says what he means.
Play the martyr card and win sad prizes.
It’s a simple math equation. Lack of gratitude equals a surplus of unhappiness. Avoid engaging in the “Who has it harder” game. If others want to play it, make sure to lose badly.
Quit playing it so safe.
Does that mean being reckless? Of course not. But look out for your pitch. Be willing to take a big swing. To make a leap of faith when the moment is right. At some point, you have to take a chance. Or things will never change.
Remember to check in on people.
It’s such a gift to have someone to care about. So, reach out. Keep all the important birthdays in your calendar. Send sweet or funny messages. Allow your people to feel cared about. Everyone in your life will have a last day with you. And you have no idea when that’ll be.
Say thanks.
Even just to the waiter who brings you a glass of water. Or a stranger who holds the door. Express it out loud. This is a verbal reminder that nobody has to do anything for you. People have a choice. And none of the gifts you receive are promised.
Take punches head-on.
It’s unavoidable. And I wish I could spare you all of that pain. But really look around. At how some people build an identity around disguising their hurt. At the way others self-medicate because of it. All of that will only deepen a wound. Such courage is required here. Because fear wants to dominate your life. You will either look this right in the eyes or be slowly suffocated by it.
Understand that you will never be perfect.
You’ll screw things up in a big way sometimes. There will be amends to make. Forgiving yourself will often be the hardest part. You are allowed to be imperfect. Winners tend to lose more than anyone else. They just don’t give up along the way.
Value your well-being.
Can you share what you don’t have? Of course not. Think of it like hosting Thanksgiving dinner. An empty table means you can’t share a plate with your guests. But the more you have, the more you can give. So, in life, your primary job is to fill your cup. With health, happiness, and fulfillment. To pursue what makes you come alive. Now, with your cup overflowing, there’s so much that can spill over to others. That fact will never change. You cannot give what you don’t possess. Isn’t there a reason we don’t walk straight into traffic when crossing the street? What is that reason? You care about yourself. Be proud of it. Because the alternative is brutal.
When someone hurts you, be specific.
Ask yourself if it might be communication-related. An attempt to say something that just isn’t landing. So many relationships are thrown away for the wrong reasons. It’s a concept too difficult for the masses. The pattern is to get upset and react. Over and over indefinitely. Try to look closer than most. Talk things out with the people worth talking to. But, of course, if someone is trying to hurt you…that isn’t someone you need in your life.
X-rays, blood tests, and whatever is needed.
Keep all of it handled. Take care of your body. Only then will you have the good fortune of focusing on day-to-day matters. As the saying goes, “A healthy person wants a thousand things. A sick man only wants one.”
You have so much to offer.
Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Ever. Not for a single second.
Playing small will never help anyone. So, shine your light as bright as you can.
Zero percent of this planet will make it out alive.
That includes you. So, keep coming back to the most basic question of all. What do you want?
