Christie

I was contemplating life today, my life that is. As I was thinking about different things that have occurred over the years and where I want to see myself in the future, I came up with a mental checklist of things I have learned. So, without further ado, here is some of that checklist:

-Always always spend time with the ones you love. The regrets you have when you come to the end of your years will not be related to the position you have at work, the money you make, or the stuff you've acquired. It will be about the time you've wasted in fruitless pursuits, not spending with your loved ones.

-Always forgive, quickly. People are imperfect. They are going to screw up at some point. It's not a matter of 'if', but a matter of when. Harbored anger is a poison to your soul... and who knows if something might happen and you never get the chance to forgive.

-The book is better than the movie. Always.

-Take care of your body. One of the greatest tragedies in life, IMO, is becoming ill, shortening your life, and knowing it was completely avoidable.

-Take your time and try to make good decisions at all times. The decisions you make today will affect your tomorrow. Make it count.

-Keep abreast on current events, though, don't believe everything you see on TV. Do your own research.

-Help people. You'll never regret lending a helping hand. It brings you joy as well as others... and you never know when you may need help in the future. The kindness you show today may be the kindness you are shown tomorrow.

-Don't judge a person by their past, judge a person by their present. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone. The real question is, have they learned from their mistakes and what are they doing with that knowledge.

-Never settle in relationships. I would rather be single for a lifetime, than live in misery with someone I've settled for.

-Think long and hard before making major purchases. Weigh out all your options and if you have doubts, let it go. It won't be the end of the world if you don't buy something, but it can be a catastrophe if you make a poor financial decision.

-Love. A person that truly loves you will accept you for who you are and you should accept them for who they are. Never go into any relationship expecting to change someone. Not gonna happen... and don't enter a relationship with someone who wants to change you.

-Don't sweat the small stuff. Small things add up to big things, so the best you can do is let the small stuff go. If you don't, you may regret it later.

-Assumption is the cancer of relationships. Never assume anything. Let the proof and the facts speak for themselves. Your mind will come up with all kinds of ridiculous scenarios. If you are in doubt ask the person in a nonaccusitory manor. Always think before you speak. 99% of the time if someone is doing wrong the truth will rear it's ugly head, eventually.

-Fear is not an option. Before we let fear run our lives, remember that 90% of the things we fear the most never come to pass. Thinking things through and having irrational fears are two different things. Fear will hold us back completely. Having foresight will help us to move forward safely.

-Know when to speak. I'd rather keep quiet and be thought a fool than speak and remove all trace of doubt. Besides, some things are best kept to yourself.

-Learn. Intelligence is power.

-Live within your means. Debt is a stressor that you cannot afford. Nothing is more miserable than the constant dread of bills/payments. Live life to the fullest within your means. Stuff will not buy happiness.

-Have a hobby. All work and no play makes you old, tired, and gray. Do something you love. Work hard, but don't be afraid to rest sometimes.

-Listen to others ideas/opinions, but don't be afraid to have your own.

-As a woman, the man who protects you, claims you as his own, and provides for you (Within his means... and no I'm not talking about being a golddigger here.); is a man who truly loves you. If he is not doing these things LET. HIM. GO. Chivalry is not dead.

-Be happy in all you do. Never be afraid to walk away from something/someone that is constantly bringing you down. Life is too short to be anything, but happy. :-)