Rules for living...as if.......

Everyone’s got advice don’t they?  Me probably more so than anybody at least as far as my kiddos are concerned.  Therefore I supply this list of ‘good advice to perhaps live by’ with some disclaimers.  This is a long one but one I hope is worth the time investment.

 

1. For the most part I am in 100% agreement
2. For some of these, I slightly disagree.  I support the intent in which the statement was spoken, but put into practice, some of these may not plan out as expected.  For those statements which I 250% support exactly how it is written, I’ve colored them Red out of love and for GREATER EMPHASIS!!  I also jotted a couple of notes here and there. 
3. These were written from a mother to a son, but I think it applies to all humans, worldwide. 

1. Be vulnerable. They'll tell you it's weak to cry and to fall in love. To live with an open heart. But the bravest thing you can do is to let your heart be exposed for all the pain it may entail.

2. Money isn't everything. Pursue what you're passionate about. Find work that makes you happy. And if you can change the world in the process, all the better.  WANT is a prison, don’t go there.

3. Find the person who can make you laugh. Few things are more important than being with someone who can make you laugh to the point of peeing yourself.

4. No means no. It's really that simple.  Whether it’s another helping of dessert or sex, no means no.  People go to jail forever and ever because they do NOT recall and apply this rule.

5. Shake it like a Polaroid picture. Seriously. You have moves for days. No matter how awkward or uncoordinated, there is nothing cooler than a guy who isn't afraid to get down with his bad self.  I found this one sorta silly.  So if I had to prioritize this list, this particular one would land at the very bottom.  Do you even know what a polaroid picture is??  LOL!!

6. Travel. Learn about different cultures, customs, and beliefs. No book will ever teach you what a day roaming a new country on foot will. Oh and bring snacks. Snacks are always a good move.  I would swap this one out with something like ‘Dedicate time to a family vacation….it’s where the memories are made’ or something of that nature.  You kids taught me the importance of time spent away from the everyday. 

8. Do the right thing. Even if no one else will ever know you did it. You will. And so will I. Because I'm your mother. And I know EVERYTHING.

9. Tell the truth. No matter how difficult or painful, there is nothing more cowardly then a liar.

10. No excuses. Play like a champion. (I'm not entirely sure what this means but Vince Vaughn said it once and he rocks my world.) This was a silly thing from the original author.  So I lied when I said the polaroid picture would land at the bottom..it would be taking this one with it to the bottom of the heap.

11. Be brave. If you fail, learn from it and fail enthusiastically. Just as you would in success, extract everything you can out of your failures.

12. Take risks. Get in way over your head, be spontaneous. Repeat.  I am fine with this but I think it needs more words.  Take SAFE risks.  Staying gainfully employed is very important, maintaining your integrity is very important, so be spontaneous, take risks, but don’t lose your sensibleness in the journey. 

13. Stick up for the bullied. Speak out when you witness bigotry and racism. There is nothing braver then standing up for what's right. So speak your truth. Even if your voice shakes in the process.  Again, to an extent.  Sometimes a situation warrents help from another person, a parent, a teacher.  Don’t solve all the problems and be the hero.  Even strong people need help!! 

14. Spend quality time with yourself. Demand it. Ask for it. Learn from it.

15. Bet big. The only person who can tell you no, is you. And you don't have to listen. Remember that and your life will be limitless. She must have tried smoking pot when she wrote this one.  It’s just stupid! Gamble and lose it all b/c the only person holding you back is you?  Ludicrous!! 

16. Just say no to drugs. This will be a lifelong lesson that I will repeat over and over again. I've seen what they can do to a man, so forgive me my sweet boy, but you'll be hearing this more than most.  Mmmm…guess I need to rethink my #15 comment huh?  I agree 250%!! 

17. Don't cheat. On anything, or anyone. Respect yourself enough to honor your commitments. Whatever they may be. 150,000% agree. 

18. Love passionately, unconditionally and without question. MMMMMMMMMMM…nope, discretion must be used at all times even times when you decide it is appropriate to lose control. 

19. Never stop learning. Surround yourself with people who are smarter then you. There is nothing more humbling then learning from your peers.

20. Smile at everyone. Even if they don't smile back. It's the smallest gifts that have the greatest impact.

21. Give back. As often and as much as possible.

22. Be grateful. Optimism is contagious. Life is messy. Embrace it. Get dirty, and find a way to laugh at the mess. If you can find the good in life, you'll always get the good out of it. Love what you HAVE.  Not what  you WANT to have.  Remember the ‘want is a prison’ statement above. 

23. Never stop cuddling. Big spoon, little spoon, whatever floats your boat. Real men cuddle. Silly, just silly.

24. Use your words. Not your fists. Despite what you may be told, when it comes to the things that matter, nice guys always finish first. YUP YUP YUP!!!! 250,000% agreement from me!!

25. Know my love. May you always know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I love you for exactly who you are, and exactly who you will become. Nothing and no one will ever change that. You are my pride, my joy, the curve of my smile, my very reason for being. AWWWWWWWWWWW….ain’t that sweet!! It’s true!!!! 

Love, Mom