The More You Know...

I was having a conversation with a friend the other day about the things we wish we knew when we were 18 years old, or what we would tell our own children some day.  So here goes, some funny, some serious, all truthful...

1. If you burn oatmeal really badly, it never EVER comes off the bottom of the pan. 

2. While you may think you know what you want to do with the rest of your life.  You don't really, and you might never, and that is okay.

3. You don't further your education to get a better job.  You further your education to become a better person.  Never lose sight of that.

4. When you don't want to clean the fridge, put the nasty plastic containers in the freezer.  By the time you remember them, they will be so covered in frost you won't be able to recognize them anyway.

5. Learn something new everyday. 

6. Buy toilet paper in bulk when it is on sale. 

7. Be patient with old people, you will be one someday. 

8. Find a volunteer job

9. Do not ever let anyone make you feel guilty about taking time for yourself. 

10. No matter how much you might like a certain television program, watching the first three seasons in one weekend will make you comatose. 

11. Take care of your car.  You will be mad if it breaks down and you could have done something about it. 

12. As soon as you move into a new place, make sure you purchase three things (if you don't have them, and need them, you will regret it!): a plunger, a fire extinguisher and a spare house key.

13. Someone who points out the faults of others is usually insecure themselves. 

14. If you wouldn't want your Grandma to know about it, don't do it.

15. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  And Compost.

16. Exercise.  Your stress level will thank you.

17. Do something entirely for yourself once a month that you do not have to justify to anyone else.

18. Develop a spiritual practice that suits you. 

19. Credit Cards are for building credit, earning Sky Miles and paying off in full every month. 

20. Be nice to store cashiers, flight attendants, dental hygienists and the people that dictate the price of your utilities. 

21. There is no shame in staying home on a friday night to go to bed early.

22.  Write real letters sometimes.

23. Make friends with someone who can do some or all of the following: fix your car, fix your computer, and has access to power tools.

24. Always see the good in other people first. 

25. Your parents  actually DO know what they are talking about.