I have had more or less the exact same kind of life as the author (I am from Los Angeles, grew up very poor, lived in and out of cars/was homeless, had unstable teen parents, lived on my own at 16, am mixed race Asian-white), except I’m 35, a woman, didn’t join the military and earned both of my degrees at a mediocre state school.
The first and seconds points you make are the most important, while I believe the rest are mostly subjective. One thing growing up hard and fast taught me very quickly was that in the end, the only things that matter are the things that you have done. You can tell someone that you love them until you’re blue in the face but how you treat them is all that matters and all that they will remember.
I had nearly the opposite childhood with a stable, supportive family. Regardless, both parents died early from cancer. We’re all vulnerable. Life’s brevity & fragility led me to Christ for real hope. Your list is solid, thanks for sharing, but hope?
#30 is my fav. A very deep insight that reminds me of one of my wife's favorite quotes (author unknown), "Enthusiasm is always greatest at the beginning of an endeavor." Motivation can get you started, but self-discipline is sustaining.
Great list. I make lists (To Do) and enjoy the satisfaction of completing them. I also catch myself enjoying the moment: “what a great room”, “this road is beautiful”, “I am happy where I am”. Happy New Year!
Buy at least two big ugly fire extinguishers. Keep one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. Hopefully you never need them, but if you do it will be the best hundred dollars you ever spent.
Regarding #2, giving unsolicited advice: I agree, but there is a material difference between giving unnecessary unsolicited advice because the speaker “knows it all”, and giving it with real empathy for someone in trouble. The former is spoken for the benefit of the speaker; that latter for the benefit of the listener. The former is almost never heard; the latter frequently is.
There are many good items on this list to consider, but the one about self-discipline versus motivation, and the one about envy coming in many guises are particularly true.
Although who the hell keeps a screwdriver in every room? A flashlight sure, but Rob, surely you have a well-organized toolbox in your closet? Come on now man.
Hey Rob, what happened to Rule #2? JK, loved these and many thanks. Will try to follow them but Rule #1 trumps all. Just like my mom always told us - 'Watch what they do, not what they say."
Great writing as always. I regularly remind myself of all the good luck I have: wonderful wife, good weather almost always when travelling and repair people usually show up early in the window. Reminds me to be happy.
I have had more or less the exact same kind of life as the author (I am from Los Angeles, grew up very poor, lived in and out of cars/was homeless, had unstable teen parents, lived on my own at 16, am mixed race Asian-white), except I’m 35, a woman, didn’t join the military and earned both of my degrees at a mediocre state school.
The first and seconds points you make are the most important, while I believe the rest are mostly subjective. One thing growing up hard and fast taught me very quickly was that in the end, the only things that matter are the things that you have done. You can tell someone that you love them until you’re blue in the face but how you treat them is all that matters and all that they will remember.
Great advice!
I would add:
"Effort doesn't always pay off ... but lack of effort never pays off".
Our neighbor lost her husband recently.
His obituary said in lieu of flowers tip the servers in your life well.
I had nearly the opposite childhood with a stable, supportive family. Regardless, both parents died early from cancer. We’re all vulnerable. Life’s brevity & fragility led me to Christ for real hope. Your list is solid, thanks for sharing, but hope?
Mostly excellent advice.
However, it was unsolicited which violates #2. 😀
My favorite is 28. Be kind, but always have a “fuck off” chambered and ready to go just in case.
Too many people walking on egg shells in an attempt not to offend.
#30 is my fav. A very deep insight that reminds me of one of my wife's favorite quotes (author unknown), "Enthusiasm is always greatest at the beginning of an endeavor." Motivation can get you started, but self-discipline is sustaining.
Great list. I make lists (To Do) and enjoy the satisfaction of completing them. I also catch myself enjoying the moment: “what a great room”, “this road is beautiful”, “I am happy where I am”. Happy New Year!
Buy at least two big ugly fire extinguishers. Keep one in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. Hopefully you never need them, but if you do it will be the best hundred dollars you ever spent.
Regarding #2, giving unsolicited advice: I agree, but there is a material difference between giving unnecessary unsolicited advice because the speaker “knows it all”, and giving it with real empathy for someone in trouble. The former is spoken for the benefit of the speaker; that latter for the benefit of the listener. The former is almost never heard; the latter frequently is.
Number 19 reminds me of a favorite line from The Imitation of Christ: "Accuse yourself and excuse others".
There are many good items on this list to consider, but the one about self-discipline versus motivation, and the one about envy coming in many guises are particularly true.
Although who the hell keeps a screwdriver in every room? A flashlight sure, but Rob, surely you have a well-organized toolbox in your closet? Come on now man.
A lot of good advice from the guy who wrote item 2.
Reading this list is a lovely way to start the new year. Thank you, Rob.
Hey Rob, what happened to Rule #2? JK, loved these and many thanks. Will try to follow them but Rule #1 trumps all. Just like my mom always told us - 'Watch what they do, not what they say."
Happy New Year.
Great writing as always. I regularly remind myself of all the good luck I have: wonderful wife, good weather almost always when travelling and repair people usually show up early in the window. Reminds me to be happy.