Sunday, February 12, 2012

Rules to live by

I'm 30. For those of you who've been there then you know how tough it is to say. I sat down this morning and thought to myself, that in all my years of living what are some rules that I've picked up along the way. Now I know you've read many lists like this before but just read; hear me out. Maybe mine will be unique - maybe not. But I just felt compelled to write about rules that make me who I am. Maybe you'll better understand who I am by seeing how I live on a daily basis. So here's my 30 rules (subject to change) for living.
1. Life is short - hold nothing back.
        - Eat, drink, dance. Never cease to have fun
        - Life is long however, pace yourself
2. Invest your time in others
        - Don't say hurtful things, say encouraging words
        - Build others up, speak positively
3. The time is NOW! 
        - Love boldly, pray always, live fearlessly, take risks
        - Don't hesitate to seize the moment
4. Ask questions - Be curious 
        - Never think you have it all together
        - Others enjoy sharing their intelligence - encourage that out of them
5. Assume Nothing
        - People are not mind readers
        - Be clear. Articulate your desires
6. Learn to say no - and mean it
        - You can't please everyone
        - you can't be all things to all people
        - Say Yes to life (cf. #1)
7. Look with a positive perspective 
        - There are really good things to see in this life
        - Don't talk about how bad life is, talk about how good you got it. 
8. People Matter, not things
        - Things break, possessions whither, don't let your connection to your stuff put enmity between you 
           and someone else. 
        - Friendships are eternal
9. Shut up - pay attention
        - Turn off your cell phone
        - Look at the people who are speaking in the eye
        - Don't fiddle with "stuff" (cf. #8)
10. Be sincere
        - When you say something - mean it
        - Apologize and then act like you mean it
        - Don't be sarcastic. No one likes sarcasm
11. Be Humble
        - Learn to say, "I'm sorry." 
        - Winning arguments makes you a loser
        - Above all, don't ever, under any circumstances or assumed pressure, brag
12. Mind your manners
       - Say: "Thank You; Pleas; Excuse me; May I; Yes sir/mam; God bless you." 
       - Thank others for their service to you and the community (no matter the profession)
13. Don't hesitate to offer help
       - Be the first to jump up
       - There's always time to stop and help - you're never too busy 
14. Never leave a conversation not mentioning Jesus
       - He died for you - live for Him
       - Fit it in, there's always a way
15. Don't talk about the glory days
       -It makes you sound old and bitter
       - They weren't that great anyway
16. Exercise, Exercise Exercise
       - Running is awesome - try it if you can
17. Set goals - Go after them
       - Be someone with a purpose
       - Be a visionary
18. Forgive, Forgive, Forgive
       - Don't hold a grudge; don't desire revenge.
       - Be merciful as your Father in Heaven is merciful with you
19. Smile at everyone
       - People love a smile, makes them feel at ease
20. Say "Hi" to all who pass
       - Never go unnoticed 
21. When you ask, "How are you?" Mean it.
       - Don't ask and then not listen (Cf. #'s 8&9)
22. Offer to pray with someone as well as for them
       - 9 times out of 10 you'll forget by the time you get home.
23. Remember names
       - Don't be afraid to ask for it again...and again...and again
       - Say someone's name often, makes them feel close to you
24. Mean people suck
       - Anger gets you nowhere but alone (Cf. #'s 8,11&12)
25. If you love someone - say so
       - Tell them often. Say it everyday
26. Never leave a conversation angry
       - What if it was the last thing you ever said to them?
27. Help those in need
       - Give to the homeless. Spend time with children. Sit with the elderly.             Assist the widowed and orphaned
28. Volunteer
       - You always have time. 
       - Find out what you enjoy helping with and do it at least once a week
29. In all your getting, get knowledge and understanding
       - Knowledge we acquire is for other people - share it
       - Knowledge is power. God loves those who seek to understand Him
30. Laugh at yourself
       - Don't be too serious - people love to laugh
       - People make mistakes and decisions are in the past - forgive yourself. 



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