A few things I have learned in my years here on Earth.
If you truly have a dream career, not just an interest in something, but a real dream, then quit what you are doing and go after it. I did that about 6 years ago, and it has made my entire left better.
If a family member of someone you know dies, go to the wake. Just do it, even if just for 10 minutes. That person you know is likely going through a very tough time and it might make them feel better to see you. Just go! Don’t make excuses, it’s the right thing to do.
If you hold a door for someone, carry an old person’s groceries, or just do a generally nice deed for someone, don’t put it on social media. It makes being nice to people extraordinary, when it is what you’re supposed to do.
If you are feeling down or just need a pick me up, go to YouTube and search: Cochlear Implant Hearing for the First Time
Have yourself a nice happy cry, it can be therapeutic, I promise.
Knowing what you want to do in life can be a good thing, but knowing what you don’t want to do can be even more beneficial. Keep track of things you don’t want to do and steer clear.
There are going to be times when the best thing you can say is nothing at all. I had a huge oral argument in a case, the opposing attorney and I stepped up and the Judge immediately starting attacking the other attorney. I had prepared for days for this and i had so much I wanted to say, but earlier I had gotten this advice from someone. I didn’t say a word, not one. I won and made all the partners proud. So sometimes it's best to just keep your mouth shut!
It is important to be honest, but know your audience. That’s why there is a term “Brutal Honesty.” Don’t be ""That Guy"" (or ""That Gal""). But at the same point don't ask a question you are not prepared to hear the answer to. You might not want to hear the answer ""That Guy or Gal"" gives to ""Do I look fat in this?""
Life is going to happen, it finds a way to creep up on us, and sometimes even trip us up. Don’t fight it, if you are waiting for everything to be perfect in your life before you make a change, I guarantee, you will die unchanged.
There is going to be a point in your life when you have time to help others, do it, even if just for a day a year. Helping others can make you feel better than the people you help. I've worked with a non-profit in my spare time for a few years. It's now a selfish act, because I feel so good when I get done.
When you boil it down, life is about the fundamentals we learned in grade school. Be nice to each other, don't be a show-off, pay attention, listen when others are speaking, set goals, take risks, and work hard. It's kind of really that simple.
I saw this once and thought it was funny.
A woman approached a Man smoking and asked him “How long have you been smoking?”
The Man replied “2 packs a day for 30 years”.
The Woman said ""Cigarettes cost on average $5 a pack, you’ve spent about $110,000 on cigarettes, you could have bought a Ferrari.”
The Man asked “Do you smoke?”
The Women said “Of course not”
To which the Man said “Well where the hell is your Ferrari?”
If you made it this far thanks for reading!
I really enjoy experiencing all the creative and interesting writings posted here. Hope you enjoyed mine!
Mike
Chicago, Illinois
[email protected]