Thunder Shares 51 Years of Birthday Wisdom
Well, I made it another year! Some stuff I’ve learned over the years:
1. You only have one family, cherish it. You never know how long they will be around.
2. There’s one person who hasn’t heard from you in a long while. Drop them a line. It’ll make both your days.
3. There’s not too many people in the world who stay up at night worrying about you. Don’t ever not appreciate the ones that do.
4. You owe someone an apology. Make it. It’s the right thing to do and it’ll make you both feel better.
5. Be the sort of person for whom a handshake is better than a contract.
6. “Do unto others” is a great rule of conduct in any endeavor.
7. Stand up to authority.
8. Always stand up to bullies and hypocrites.
9. Be slow to anger.
10. Forgive those who have hurt you. Hate affects you more than it does them.
11. Forgive yourself. You’re better than you give yourself credit for.
12. I’ve regretted what I haven’t done more than the things I’ve done.
13. Yes, everyone’s parents screw you up a bit. Get over it, they probably did the best they knew how to do. You’re responsible for your own life.
14. No one can “make” you happy, that’s up to you.
15. Everything in moderation. That said, it’s good to howl at the moon every once in a while.
Let’s do a few more things I’ve learned:
16. Live beneath your means.
17. Don’t be a gossip. If you don’t have anything good to say…
18. If a woman says “whatever,” you’re in trouble.
19. If a woman says nothing, you’re in bigger trouble.
20. If a woman can put up with your foolish self, count yourself lucky.
21. When wondering whether to stay with your significant other, always ask, “Does this person help me feel better about myself?”
22. Women are both stronger and more vulnerable than you realize.
23. A woman’s laugh sits easy on the ears.
24. Guys, we will never understand them.
25. Thank a veteran.
26. If possible, hire a veteran.
27. Be nice to police officers. They carry guns.
28. Adopt a pet.
29. Reflect a little each day.
30. Laugh a little more. There’s some crazy stuff going on out there.
Photo by Matt McGee
Oh, why stop at a mere 30 things I’ve learned?
31. Mentor a young person, everyone needs a helping hand.
32. Volunteer once a year, there’s a ton of people in need.
33. For the love of God, don’t text and drive!
34. Vote or stop complaining!
35. Write your congressman because what’s going on now is ridiculous.
36. If you get good service, tip well.
37. Better to stop a drink early than a drink late.
38. By all means, root hard for your favorite sports team, but let’s keep it in perspective. You think Tom Brady throws something at his TV set when you screw up at work?
39. In your life, learn how to do one thing exceptionally well.
40. Even the smallest task is worth doing well.
41. Making a meal for someone is a really cool act of kindness.
42. No one over 40 should get a belly button pierced …
43. Unless that person is Jennifer Aniston …
44. Or maybe Angelina Jolie.
45, The smile of a child is the best argument for the divine I can think of.
46. Watching it snow makes me feel at peace.
47. Learning of someone else’s problems will make you appreciate your own.
48. Sitting down with a good book is my idea of heaven.
49. Success and failure are both imposters. You’re never as stupid as you think you are when you fall short, you’re not as smart as you think you are when you succeed.
50. There’s no place like home.
51. All you can do is the best you can.
So there you have it, 51 things I’ve learned in 51 years. Here’s to the next year’s adventures!
