Things I need to tell my Grandkids

Here are some of the things I wish someone had convinced me to do in my youth

1. Keep a journal.  It doesn’t have to be fancy, just an inexpensive three ring notebook will do.  Adopt a habit of writing in it in it every day.  Write about what happened to you that day.  How did your plan for the day work out?  What are you going to do tomorrow?  What seems important to you?  Capture ideas, lessons, mistakes, special experiences – arguments or lucky breaks.            [I started keeping a journal in the mid 80’s.] When you re-read these thoughts and opinions years later, you will get a true perspective of who you are, and what your dominant thoughts are.  What you are paying attention to at any period in your life is what creates your Reality.  Also, you will realize how many details we forget.

2. Don’t get fat.  Being overweight accounts for many associated maladies.
3. Don’t let mistakes get you down.  Almost everything one learns in life is through mistakes.  Fear is the biggest force that slows us down.  Fear of appearing stupid, or fear of failure.  Try to see those mistakes as positive learning opportunities.
4. When in doubt, ask.
5. Be positive.  If you cannot say anything positive be quiet.  Do not offer criticism unless it is requested.
6. Justify others’ trust in you. Deliver on your promises.  Don’t gossip. Show up on time, ready to go.
7. Be likable but accept the fact that not everyone will like you.  Don’t waste your time trying to please them.
8. Exercise every day.  Take up a sport that makes exercise interesting.
9. Do not start smoking.  It is not cool. It will not only shorten your life, but ruin your lungs, which you will need if you live beyond age 40.
10. Don’t believe anything your peers tell you without authoritative corroboration. See this tattoo on my arm? When I was thirteen My buddy said they only last for six months and then fade away. It didn’t.
11. Be very reluctant to do anything that is irreversible.  e.g., tattoos