As I embark on my 26^th year, I look back at a few of the things I have learned in the past quarter century.  Although I’ve learned the typical- everything happens for a reason, treat everyone with kindness, don’t burn bridges, etc…here are some other things I’ve learned along the way.

1. Appreciate all that you have while you have it.
2. Traveling abroad is necessary for human growth.
3. Step out of your comfort zone.
4. Carry pepper spray.
5. Coffee and tea are necessary survival tools for the corporate world.
6. Listen to homeless people when they tell you to go to church.
7. We are all different. There are some people in this world you won’t like from the start. Do your best to get along.
8. Running is happiness.
9. Don’t walk barefoot on a wooden bridge.  You will get a splinter the size of a pencil.
10. When having a water balloon fight with the kids on your street vs the kids on the street above you and you break a window- don’t listen to the older kids when they tell you not to tell your parents. They will find out and you will all have to pay.
11. Campouts in backyards while growing up are a basic human right.
12. Capture the flag, cops and robbers and over the line are three of the best games invented.
13. When climbing up a brick wall, don’t drag your leg along the edge. You will cut your skin to the bone and your father will throw you in the pool because “the chlorine will help it.”
14. While horseback riding beware of women riding with their 2-year-old children, their horse will bite you.
15. When going to Mexico be cautious when you rent a scooter, the cops will lie to you and try to give you a ticket.
16. When visiting Croatia and your friends say they can stay out and party all night- don’t listen. You will end up sleeping in the ferry terminal because your ship is docked in the bay and tenders don’t run all night.
17. If you like something do it. Even if your friends don’t want to.
18. Learn when to keep your mouth shut and when to speak up. (I’m still working on this one.)
19. Never underestimate people. They can be incredibly sweet one moment and then throw you under the bus the next.
20. Don’t judge others until you get to know them. Sometimes- it takes a second impression to make a friend.
21. When you are at a fraternity party and the cops show up- just leave and get in a cab. Don’t turn into an investigative journalist. It doesn’t end well.
22. It’s ok to get lost. Sometimes that’s where you find something you needed.
23. Laugh, dance, scream and cry when you need to.
24. Don’t talk crap about anyone via text message- you may accidentally send it to the person you are talking about.
25. Live for yourself and do what makes you happy.

BONUS: Things are going to go wrong. ‘Life Plans’ don’t always work. Things change, people grow and you end up where you are supposed to be whether you realize it at the time or not.

Life is a funny thing. Let’s enjoy it. Remember- don’t worry, be happy and smile.

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