Fifty Trips Around the Sun

So what have I learned in 50 trips around the sun?I'm generally not a lister but here is one in no order. Just some random thoughts.

Okay, let's go!

1. Find a good partner that will be there through sickness and health, good times and bad and whatever else life throws at you.

2. Stay out of debit! Debit equals servitude. No debit equals freedom.

3. Buy a good new car and drive it until the wheels fall off.

4. Be a creative person. Write, play music, make art. This is your duty to the rest of us, sharing your talents.

5. Educate yourself. Being ignorant is NOT a virtue.

6. Learn a marketable skill. This does not exclude number 4.

7. Don't waste time. Our days here are numbered so make each one count. Even the smallest accomplishment is worthwhile.

8. If you are in the hospital, say please and thank you. Be worth caring for.

9. Stay in touch with old friends and make new ones.

10. Life is indeed too short for skunky beer. Try new things.

11. Question everything.

12. All storms pass. Give it time, nothing stays the same.

13. Do stuff future you will remember and thank you for.

14. Take care of your body and it will take care of you. Build good eating habits early in life for a better old age free from doctors, tests and hospitals.

15. Listen to music.

16. Virtual friends and connections are no replacement for the real thing. Do stuff with people.

17. Lift up the younger generation. They are doing just fine. Their music, styles and struggles are different. Help them through when asked. Soon, it will be their turn to screw everything up, just like we have done.

18. Don't believe a word your government says, not one word.

19. Turn off your television. Better yet throw it away. Read instead and do stuff instead.

20. It is not enough just to protest. Offer alternative solutions.

21. Aging is real. The body gets tired. Take care of it. We all do not have the privilege of growing old. Know and respect your limitations. Forgive yourself.

22. Do no harm. THINK Is it Truthful, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary or Kind. Uncle Chip would not say shit even if he had a mouth full. Be like Uncle Chip.

23. Cooperation is our natural state, not competition or conflict.

24. Change starts with each of us. Be the change.

25. Don't chase people. If they want your friendship and company, they will seek you out.

26. Other drivers are just trying to get where they are going. Leave your ego at home. Be safe and courteous at all times.

27. Pick your struggles carefully. Know when to walk away.

28. Not every culture has the concept of forgiveness. This is okay. But we all have an idea of fairness.

29. Beware of anyone who dehumanizes others. Let go of notions of us and them.

30. Be quiet and let others speak.

31. Learn science.

32. Comparing yourself to others is not helpful. You are on your own trip and they are on theirs.

33. Learn and use compassion to grow closer to God.

34. Time is relentless.

35. Be patient. Things take time.

36. Step away from problems. The answer will come when you least expect it.

37. Be a good coworker.

38. Be dependable. Be the friend others would turn to in a serious jam or emergency.

39. Have a dog and or a cat. There is no better friend.

40. Don't be afraid to help.

41. Alone time is good. Be happy with your own company.

42. Show me you are fearless and courageous. Don't tell me.

43. Life is not fair but still worth living.

44. Go somewhere you don't speak the language or look like anyone else to learn about people. You may be surprised what you learn about them and yourself.

45. Travel is the best teacher.

46. Be kind in airports. And be flexible.

47. Try.

48. Don't ever yell at your partner.

49. If you think you can you can. If you think you cannot, you cannot.

50. Still learning what I don't know.