Rules to Live by

1. True happiness lies within. Don't waste your time searching for happiness in the world around you. There is no real happiness in the having or getting, but truly found in the giving. Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others, without getting a little on yourself.



2. Never let anyone rain on your parade and cast grim and gloom on your entire day. Nothing external can have the power over you unless you permit it. Your time is too precious to waste in combating hate, jealousy or greed. Guard your fragile life carefully.



3. Never let a day go by that you cannot laugh at yourself. Sam in the movie Garden State says it best "If you can't laugh at yourself, Life is gunna seem a whole lot longer than you like." I always have many opportunities for this one!



4. Treat everyone you meet as if they are a potential new friend. Try not to pre-judge. Everyone could use a friend, you never know you could be just the person for the job. Everyone can use an encouraging world, or a random act of kindness. Do this today!



5. Count your blessings. Be greatful for all the things in your life, the beautiful sunset, the leafs on the trees, the clouds in the sky. Everything around you is a gift from God, cherish it.



6. If you mess up, don't whine about your mistakes or blame someone else. Learn from them, never repeat them, but make the most out of each situation.



7. The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship "I apologize " and "You are right." Use them, it will get you far.

8. Learn to pick your battles. Ask yourself is this a battleground I am willing to die on? Will this really matter an hour from now, a day from now, or even a month from now?

9. Never make a decision when you are angry, you will regret it later. You cannot use logic when you are flooded with pure emotion. Take a step back, take a deep breathe, if you don't, don't say I didn't warn you.

10. Give of yourself, don't expect anything in return and it will come back to you ten fold. Practice random acts of kindness and you will be surprised where it takes you. If you always do something, in hopes that someone will do the same for you, you will often find yourself sorely disappointed.

11. Take time to Relax. We live in a world that is continually on the go, there is ALWAYS going to be something that needs to be done. We need to know when to say no, and take time for ourselves. Being type "A" all the time can take it's tole on the mind and body. Take time for yourself to unwind. Do something you enjoy, you will be able to accomplish more later when you do.



12. Always keep loved ones close to you, it will help in the long run, things can happen and we will need them. In times that matter most, it is our family that we will want by our sides.