now and then I reassess the guiding principles that I try to live my life by. These were what came to mind yesterday, as I pondered the past five-ten years. I don’t share them to offer anyone advice – rather, just to give a glimpse into one brain among billions.
Get enough sleep.
Never drink alone. Your family tree is watered by alcohol.
Be wary of people who say things like, “I would never do that”: they lack self-awareness.
Never gossip.
Avoid friendships with people who gossip.
Be your own advocate – don’t expect (or let) others to do your thinking or fighting for you.
Tell your partner the truth – the whole truth. Especially if the whole truth will potentially rock the boat. Withholding aspects of yourself that you know might scare them is something like holding them hostage: you’re controlling the situation by not giving them the whole picture.
Read. Often. While doing nothing else.
Now and then ask yourself what you’re most afraid of: be it an idea, a person, a lifestyle, a memory. Then learn as much as possible about it and talk as much as possible about it.
Embrace the fact that you’re often wrong and admit it when you are.
Never dumb yourself down or sweeten yourself up just to appease somebody.
Buy the better butter.
Get the nicer cheese.
Take care of your appearance.
Pay attention to what you rationalize – especially if you’re defensive about it.
Neither demonize your bodily appetites nor assume they have your long-term happiness & healthiness in mind.
Consider the most joyous outcome as a viable possibility.
churches and trains 