1. Over-achievers/perfectionists punish not only ourselves, but our children and spouses too. I feel serious remorse for how I hounded my kids to do things RIGHT--not half-assed (my father's terminology). Which leads to number two:
2. Sometimes half-assed is good enough :) I wouldn't want my brain operated on by a surgeon with this philosophy, but let's face it: Not everything is brain surgery! Not every task has to be done really well; we simply don't have time and energy to put forth our best effort for every single thing. Messy pancakes taste just fine. Exercising a little and sloppily is better than not at all. Speed folding laundry works. My husband's lame-o dishwashing and vacuuming is better than him not doing it :)
3. It's ok to disappoint people. They will have to get over it. You can never please everyone, so don't stress about it.
4. Sleep enough. You'll live longer and healthier.
5. Exercise is necessary, but manic exercise is not (and it's not even safe). Joints have to last you around 80 years or better. Moderate exercise is best. Trust me: I'm 50 and wish I would have been easier on my ankles, hips and wrists when I was in my 20's.
6. Food is meant to be enjoyed and it is morally neutral. It is not unethical to eat instant spuds and twinkies. But...
7. Food is not love or drugs. Treating it that way will harm you.
8. Ultra cleanliness is harmful. Children raised by bleach-mamas have poor immune systems.
9. The opposite of ultra cleanliness is pigdom, which is harmful as well. Which leads to:
10. Stuff is not love. Hoarding is bad for your health. It attracts rodents and bugs which carry diseases and smell bad.
11. My list of to-do tasks will never end. No use fretting over that fact.
12. My house will always look worse than I think it should. So what?
13. I will always be fatter than I wish I were. Again, so what?
14. Outward beauty fades...replace with ever-increasing inner beauty.
15. Everything in moderation. Well, everything legal and moral: sweets, alcohol, exercise, work, friends, shopping, recreation, etc.
16. Money (and the stuff it can buy/adventures it can fund) is NOT worth sacrificing your children and health to.
17. Debt is bad. Avoid it.
18. When you are in your 20's and 30's you are supposed to be poor. Don't expect a fancy house and cool car. See number 17.
19. Go outside a lot.
20. You will get over it. Whatever it is.
21. Most of us, male and female, need nutritional supplements as we don't get 'em in in our food and live a looooonnnnng time(think calcium and vitamin D).
22. Sometimes natural supplements don't cut it. That's when I bring in the big guns(meds)!
23. Unsolicited advice is very irritating. Try not to give it.
24. We only have today, period.
25. Back up your computer (I learned this the hard way).
26. God's opinion of me is the only one that really counts.
27. Guilt tripping myself doesn't work.
28. Not everything is my problem.
29. I need nights off at home with no obligations.
30. I will forget these things from time to time and will have to relearn them :)
Love this list....shows that you take life's bumps in stride, have a good sense of humor and priorities. Any 20 year old that would take the time to read and 'take heed' would certainly save themselves a lot of grief and angst eh? :)
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