life stands still...

I wrote these many moons ago on a napkin in a sushi restaurant, still so relevant to the person I am now.  

1.) Don’t be needy. You can depend on others, but don’t use it as a crutch. Be ok with being alone sometimes. Be ok with not always having somebody to fall back on.

2.) Don’t let the things you hold onto ever outnumber the things you let go. Don’t think about your mistakes or your regrets. Don’t let those things outnumber the things you live for.

3.) Take more chances. Be bold. Do what you want to do with your life for Christ’s sake and don’t care what people say about those decisions. Listen to wisdom and take advice from the people who love you, but ultimately every decision you make is yours. Remember that.

4.) Be patient. Try to understand rather than get emotional. However, recognize that you will never understand why piece-of-shit people are often winners, but kind or wise or heroic people get cancer or struggle or suffer. On that note, remember that you are blessed.

5.) Despise money. Remember what Jesus said about helping the poor, the hungry and the imprisoned. Don’t let smug, self-righteous assholes in suits and fancy cars drive you to the depths. Happiness can be found in many things, not just money. Hold onto those things.

6.) Cherish small victories. When defeat comes mourn, keep the faith and move onto the next battle. Through failing we grow, we learn and we are made better.

7.) Be grateful. Cherish all you have. Cynicism is never needed.

8.) Be outside as much as possible. Watch the clouds roll by, sit on the earth. Stop blindly plowing into things. Listen fully, not halfheartedly.

9.) Stop trying to control everything. Let things go. Don’t become angry when things don’t go exactly the way you want or need. Let people live their own lives. Avoid being panicky. Adventure is good! Don’t get in the way of others dreams. Yeah you have shitty, wavering faith. Work on it.

10.) Accept who you are. Smile more, cry less. Love every part of you from your fleeting obsessions to the chicken pox scar on the end of your nose. Don’t let anybody tell you that you aren’t good enough, lovely or strong. Be strong! Take every opportunity. Embrace the cards that life has so kindly dealt you. Remember you are here, because the road leads here. Laugh at your failures. Be proud of your accomplishments. Dance with one hand waiving free and never stop. Smile. Have faith. In yourself mostly and also the people you love. Live with love. Love yourself, love your life, love the people who love you the way you need to be loved. Take heart. Keep your chin up in the bad times. The world is beautiful and life is short. Remember that.