50 Things to Get You Through Life

I got this idea from a book called "Life's Little Instruction Book" by H Jackson Brown, Jr.

These are some things I have observed lately that would be something I would want to share with my children, nieces and nephews, and extended family.

1. Read directions and questions carefully when your teachers give you a quiz, test, or exam. Sometimes the details are what change the question.

2. Be smart with your money. You never know when you’re going to need it.

3. Balance your checking account. Even in today’s electronic world, you should still be keeping track of your money and making sure there are no bank errors.

4. Don’t let anyone tell you what type of music to listen to, but try to give all music a chance.

5. Learn to cook as well as clean dishes. Your significant other will love it.

6. Visit the County and/or State Fair. Be sure to visit the Arts Buildings as well as the livestock. Have some cotton candy and a corndog.

7. Be able to sew a button on or stitch up a hole in your clothes. It’s an invaluable skill.

8. Chapstick is a good way to stop minor bleeding in small cuts, nicks, and scrapes.

9. Always use commonsense. If it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.

10.Remember the KISS method-Keep It Simple Stupid.

11.Keep a Guardian Angel in your car, it will always watch over you!

12.Give love unconditionally.

13.Learn to write good, solid papers with proper style, punctuation, and grammar. Then have someone else read it.

14.Learn to accept and give constructive criticism and feedback.

15.Don’t be a packrat. If you haven’t used something in a couple of years, toss it out.

16.Wear sunscreen. Your skin will thank you.

17.Maintain your vehicle by following the recommended maintenance schedule.

18.As much as people tell you, “Learn from my experience,” there are just some things you need to learn on your own.

19.Learn to take good notes. At some point you’ll need to understand them.

20.Think about joining the Scouts. There are many opportunities and traditions there.

21.Go camping in a tent. Sit and enjoy a campfire and the sounds of nature.

22.Learn general maintenance on a computer. It will save you time and money.

23.Tip a little extra for good service. They will remember you the next time you visit. Also let their manager know.

24.Avoid stereotyping. You will find that most people don’t fit into those stereotypes.

25.Learn to calculate mathematical problems by hand as well as electronically. It will keep your mind sharp.

26.Have a collection. Coins, stamps, and baseball card collections are a lost art form.

27.Always show respect for others. They can always lose your respect as you can lose theirs.

28.Spend time reflecting about friends and family. They are the most important things in your life.

29.Stretch your body in the morning. It will help you get through the day.

30.Remember a lot has to be said about accepting the lowest bidder when having work done.

31.Sleep with a pen and paper nearby you. You never know when you’ll wake in the middle of the night with an idea or something important or dream details.

32.Learn to drive in snow and ice. You never know when you’ll need to know how to get around on a messy, snowy day.

33.Always have integrity. Don’t let anyone steer you wrong.

34.See your doctor often. You never know when something small can turn into something big.

35.Set some stretch goals but have achievable goals too. Sometimes achieving the little goals gives you enough of a reward to strive for the larger goals.

36.Read books because you want to enjoy them.

37.Donate old clothes to a thrift store or a church. Someone can use them.

38.Try roller skating. It’s good for working on balance and great exercise.

39.Learn to swim. Never be afraid to jump in water to try and save someone, but make sure it’s safe before you do.

40.Learn CPR.

41.Go to a concert of one of your favorite bands. Sing along with the band.

42.Go fishing. Bait your own hook and sink the line.

43.Keep you knives sharp. Whether they’re kitchen or pocket, dull knives do you no good.

44.If you need advice, don’t forget to ask your parents. Sometimes they know what they’re talking about.

45.Don’t forget to play at work. Having fun lightens the mood, creates a good work environment and makes people more productive. Just make sure you do this at appropriate times.

46.If you get a chance, watch these comedy movies they are hilarious. Stripes, Blazing Saddles, Animal House, Caddyshack, Down Periscope, Trading Places, Spaceballs, 48 Hours, Sgt. Bilko, and Beverly Hills Cop.

47.Get to know some police officers and/or firemen in your town. They make good friends and the can tell some great stories.

48.Don’t be afraid to try new foods. You might find something you really enjoy.

49.Try drawing or some other form of art. You may have a hidden talent.

50.Work through brain teasers. Some are practical and others just get you to think. Use them before brainstorming sessions.