Life Learnings -- for grads & the rest of us

Over the years I've kept a journal and at the beginning I have a list of lessons I've either learned throughout my life or someone else learned and my life experience confirmed it.  

Lately I've found myself in positions of being asked to give a word of advice to someone...a recent graduate about to go off to college or into the workforce, a couple getting married, etc.  And I thought I'd share the key learnings with all of you and hope you find them useful:

  

Life Learnings

• Everything in life is an option.  
• You always have a choice.
• Nothing is permanent.
• Attitude is everything.
• Choose your friends wisely.  Who you become and what comes into your life is greatly influenced by those with whom you closely associate.  
• Integrity is everything.  But having integrity means some situations will be harder on you.  Stand firm in who you are.
• Make positive change in the world.
• It's usually the one pointing their finger the strongest that is guilty of the accusation.
• Hugs and laughter are extremely powerful.
• When someone tells you their negative traits, believe them.
• Never stop learning!
• When you're not at peace, you need to do or not do something.  Listen to your gut.
• Have a spiritual belief and actively strengthen it.  When times get tough, it's a foundation to stand upon.
• Life can suck the life out of you.  Establish your boundaries.
• Truth has a mysterious way of finding daylight.
• When someone feels the need to tout their positive traits, they're usually lacking them.
• Sometimes the way to find what makes you happy is to eliminate what makes you unhappy.
• Practice forgiveness.  Give grace & mercy.
• Your friends are family and your family are your friends.  Strive for this.
• Laugh!  Laugh hard!  Laugh often!

And, here is a set of favorites that have hung on my mirror for years:

Colin Powell's Rules

• It ain't as bad you think.  It will look better in the morning.
• Get mad, then get over it.
• Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
• It can be done!
• Be careful what you choose.  You may get it.
• Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
• You can't make someone else's choices.  You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
• Check small things.
• Share credit.
• Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
• Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier!