1. Come to terms with reality.
A few facts of reality are: You will die. People you love will die and you will have to go to their funeral and it’s going to be extremely painful. Time goes by faster than you think.
The benefits of coming to terms with reality are: You won’t be as hung up on the little things, you will take fuller strides in pursuing your true goals because you aren’t afraid of death (since its going to happen either way), you will be less effected by other people’s actions and opinions (because hey, we’re all going to die anyways!)
2. Not everyone is going to like you and that’s ok. If everyone likes you, it probably means you have issues setting personal boundaries. If you do have that problem, please go see a therapist
3. Speaking of which, if you’re going to see a therapist, (or any health professional including doctors) please check if they are licensed. And by check, I mean YOU check, don’t just take their word for it.
4. There are bad people in the world who do bad things. These bad people look exactly like normal people.
5. Most religions don’t make sense. Pick one anyways. You’ll build a community and have fun.
6. When it comes to spiritual beliefs, it’s ok to just realize that you don’t know all the answers and probably never will.
7. It’s ok to be an asshole sometimes. If you’re nice all the time, you will become a doormat. It’s also ok to be nice to people who don’t deserve it on occasion.
8. Most people outside of your family have their best interests in mind, not yours. But to be fair, you’re probably the same way even if you don’t think so.
9. You will lose money at some point and be really pissed at yourself. It’s ok. Some of the best investors in history have done the same thing.
10. You will make money at some point. When you get it, try to take a deep breath and invest it slowly and wisely. It’s usually best to diversify in a standard and boring way.
11. The economy is going to go down. Then it is going to go up. Then, it is going to go down again…and then…it’s going to go back up. Then…I think you get the point.
12. Most wars are waged out of greed, not benevolent values like “freedom.” Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.
13. If you think that someone is being racist, or sexist, or transgenderist, or whatever-ist, they probably are. And they probably don’t even realize it.
14. Get a land line.
15. If you’re a female it is very likely that you will be sexually harassed or assaulted in your lifetime. If you’re gay you’re probably going to be bullied at some point, or worse. Don’t blame yourself and don’t let it continue after the first time. Report it to the authorities and let the law handle the rest.
16. Always keep enough money so that you can hire a lawyer if needed. A few thousand extra bucks is fine.
17. You’re going to make mistakes. Literally everyone who ever lived has made mistakes. Mistakes aren’t bad, they’re a great tool to remember what not to do in the future.
18. You’re going to be dumped and/or cheated on by someone you really dig and it’s going to really suck.
19. People gossip. Watch out what you say to whom. It’s mostly always better to err on the side of keeping your private life as private as you can.
20. Be yourself as much as you can, but realize that in certain situations you may have to assume a slightly different version of your personality that is better suited to the occasion. When in doubt, err on the side of friendly professionalism.
21. When you meet a truly great person in life, try to keep them around. These are much rarer than you think.
22. Most states have free healthcare if you’re income is below a certain level. If you can’t afford health insurance, you’re probably eligible. Please go to your state’s department of social services as soon as you can and make sure you’re covered. Some of them even have free dental plans.
23. And while we’re on the topic, most states have food supplement programs. If you’re really struggling, please don’t feel ashamed. Most people have struggled to make ends meet at one point or another, and besides, what you’re doing to take care of yourself is no one’s business but your own. Go apply for the program. That’s what it’s there for!
24. Don’t get a dog unless you have a backyard and some extra dough saved up. Just trust me on this one. And by the way, if you do get a dog (or a cat), get pet medical insurance (it’s only about $20-$30 a month). And keep an extra $1500-$3000 set aside for them because at some point they WILL have to go to the vet, and it’s going to blow your mind how expensive it is. Oh and by the way, they are going to die at some point too. And yup. That’s going to really suck too.
25. Buy some household items at the 99 cents store, even if you’re making a good living.
26. Life doesn’t always have to be exciting. Sometimes, it’s going to be a drag and that’s ok.
27. Don’t be mad that you weren’t born rich. Most of us weren’t.
28. Don’t be mad if your parents fucked you up psychologically. Most parents screw up their kids one way or the other.
29. If you’re a parent, one day your kids are probably going to believe you screwed them up one way or the other. It’s ok. One day they will realize most of the crap is just in their head.
30. Your kids aren’t always going to like you. They’re not always going to be nice and they will make mistakes. Sometimes big ones. It’s ok. They’re human, just like you. And if you are a parent and you have a kid or five, might as well let them read this with you. (But just to be clear, they’re probably going to forget it ten minutes after they read it.)
31. Please make a will and don’t give all the power to one person. Just divide things evenly and make that explicitly clear.
32. When you make your will, it’s ok to give some money to the people who you know won’t be responsible with it. You never know, that person may be the very one that changes their whole life trajectory because of it. But if the do end up blowing it all in Vegas, you won’t care because you will be dead.
33. Most people aren’t happy. Don’t be one of them.
34. You’re never going to want to exercise. Do it anyway.
35. Don’t live in a shitty neighborhood. If you were born in a shitty area or somehow wound up in a shitty area, make it your number one priority to save enough money to get the heck outta there as soon as possible.
36. You don’t have to always be sexually active. It’s ok to take a break from it and focus on your goals for a while. Trust me, the dating world will be there when you get back.
37. Don’t limit your job search to one city, one state, or even one country for that matter.
38. Don’t be afraid to move to a new city by yourself if it means a major step in improving your life. Don’t worry, your hometown will still be there and you can visit whenever you want.
39. Don’t be ashamed of your job. Sometimes, you’re going to have to take a shitty, low-paying job to hold you over until you get to the next phase in your life. It’s ok. It’s only temporary.
40. Always keep one eyeball on your credit. Learn about credit and how to get it and keep it high. Don’t let that shit slip because you will regret it. People say cash is king. But it’s not really true especially in business. The real truth is, in America, credit is king if you know how to use it responsibly.
41. Get some kind of degree or quick technical certificate as an emergency backup even if it’s not “your thing.” Something like phlebotomist, medical assistant, court reporter, or electrician.
42. Don’t date someone who is treating you shitty. If you think they’re treating you shitty but you’re not sure, it’s not your imagination and changing them isn’t going to work. Just rip that relationship off like an old bandaid and keep it movin’. They will be fine and so will you.
43. If you’re lonely or depressed, go volunteer at an old folk’s home. You’re going to meet a lot of great people who will be extremely happy to see you every time you go.
44. If you’re an artist of any stripe, just do your art whether or not you think it’s any good.
45. Don’t eat shitty. It adds up.
46. Drink more water than you think you need.
47. You’re not going to get everything you want.
48. You will get some stuff that you do want. Be thankful when that happens.
49. Happiness IS NOT the goal. In my humble opinion, one of the worst faux-pas in human history was when the US constitution place a singular emphasis on "the pursuit of happiness". When one's goal is the pursuit of happiness (which is a very Western idea by bthe way) is the center of ones life, one will never be happy.
I hope these life lessons resonate with you and inspire you on your own journey of self-discovery and growth. Remember, life is a constant teacher, and each lesson offers an opportunity for transformation and enlightenment. Embrace them with an open heart and an eager mind, and let them guide you toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.