20 Things (You Really Should Know)

I am sorry everybody but I am tired of the 25 Random things that everyone is posting. Seriously, who wants to know what songs randomly come up on my iPod or the the list of random things I did today. How about the top 20 things you've learned and that everyone should know. This list is directed at me because I fail at everything on this list. Please take with a grain of salt. In no particular order:

1. 1. Read. Read blogs, the internet, books, newspapers, everything. Being in the know is so much more fun than just doing the bare minimum in life.
2. 2. Try to fix it yourself first. Learning how something works and taking the time to learn how to fix it yourself will benefit you to the Nth degree in life. If you can't figure it out at least you tried.
3. 3. Use GPS. If you are going to be driving somewhere new and you want to make sure you can get around, GPS is really the greatest way to make sure you always know how to get somewhere.
4. 4. Everybody is Equal. Everybody. From the people who are obviously dumber than you the people who seem to have everything you want to the people who do things that you don't understand or get. Treat them as such and stop being judgmental.
   
5. 5. Your Feelings are always valid. How you feel is how you feel. It may not be logical, to others it may be out of left field. Don't hid your feelings or ignore someone else's feelings because those feelings indicate actions or realities that are clearly missed or not understood.
6. 6. Music has a power than no one really understands. Shakespeare said it best, "The man that hath no music in himself, Nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, Is fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils." Everyone benefits from being moved by music.
7. 7. Hiding emotions or stifling them does nobody any good. Everyone can use a good cry or a good laugh. Make sure you are finding regular places to get both.
8. 8. Dwelling in the Past or the Future doesn't do anything for the present. Being inspired by both is great but holding on to what was or hope for what might be only makes you not reach out and hold what you have.
9. 9. Learn how to dance, sing out loud and never be scared to talk to a random stranger (thanks for the inspiration Bim). Break that invisible wall that keeps us locked in our own worlds. You might actually get someone to smile.
10. 10. You have every right to be depressed...see #5 above. I might add that #8 above probably means you shouldn't stay that way very long.
11. 11. Invest in yourself. Put money into your own education or classes or taking the time to build your skills. Since you are the primary bread winner for yourself, why not invest in yourself and make sure you always have something to fall back on.
    
12. 12. Drink and Sleep Lots. It's proven that if you sleep an extra hour from what you do now that you will have less heart problems in your later life. Everyone knows that wine relaxes you and opens up those blood vessels (If you are in AA of course please don't drink ) but its also pretty healthy to drink water and keep yourself cleansed. I think they say pee clear and you're keeping yourself hydrated.
    
13. 13. BE GREEN. Put energy efficient bulbs in, recycle what you can, reuse stuff, donate and buy stuff and Goodwill, use less water if you can (I fail at that one), turn the thermostat down and use public transportation if at all possible.
14. 14. "Call your Mother" (If you know Rent, please sing). At least remind them you love them regularly.
    
15. 15. Write people cards. Funny thing how getting something in the mail can really validate you. It also shows you will take real time (not 2 seconds in an email account) to say hello.
    
16. 16. Create a Blog. What better way to think through things and keep random people in the know about you. (Ok, Facebook is pretty cool too)
    
17. 17. Only say "I Love You" after you have waited five times as long as you think you should have. Once you say it, never stop.
    
18. 18. Cook your own Meals and eat them with those people you love. First, cooking is fun and second it is so much better for you.
    
19. 19. Never go to bed without resolving a conflict. For that matter, don't hang up the phone if you are still angry. That doesn't mean you can't be hurt or depressed but the dreams you will have and the sleep you won't get if you are angry when your head hits the pillow just sucks.
20. 20. Try Everything Once. Worse that you will find is you don't like it. Now to be clear, I have tried broccoli more than once and I continue to think that people should not eat trees so no using number 20 against me, ChoirPres.

~soundguy