Speaking of words to live by…
I love lists almost as much as I love anything inspirational, so when I found this on Tumblr last week I knew I had to share.
1. There are plenty of ways to enter a pool. The stairs is not one of them.
2. Never cancel dinner plans by text message.
3. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
4. If a street performer makes you stop walking, you owe him a buck.
5. Always use ‘we’ when referring to your home team or your government.
6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
7. Don’t underestimate free throws in a game of ‘horse’.
8. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
9. Don’t dumb it down.
10. You only get one chance to notice a new haircut.
11. If you’re staying more than one night, unpack.
12. Never park in front of a bar.
13. Expect the seat in front of you to recline. Prepare accordingly.
14. Keep a picture of your first fish, first car, and first boy/girlfriend.
15. Hold your heroes to a high standard.
16. A suntan is earned, not bought.
17. Never lie to your doctor.
18. All guns are loaded.
19. Don’t mention sunburns. Believe me, they know.
20. The best way to show thanks is to wear it. Even if it’s only once.
21. Take a vacation of your cell phone, internet, and TV once a year.
22. Don’t fill up on bread, no matter how good.
23. A handshake beats an autograph.
24. Don’t linger in the doorway. In or out.
25. If you choose to go in drag, don’t sell yourself short.
26. If you want to know what makes you unique, sit for a caricature.
27. Never get your hair cut the day of a special event.
28. Be mindful of what comes between you and the Earth. Always buy good shoes, tires, and sheets.
29. Never eat lunch at your desk if you can avoid it.
30. When you’re with new friends, don’t just talk about old friends.
31. Eat lunch with the new kids.
32. When traveling, keep your wits about you.
33. It’s never too late for an apology.
34. Don’t pose with booze.
35. If you have the right of way, take it.
36. You don’t get to choose your own nickname.
37. When you marry someone, remember you marry their entire family.
38. Never push someone off a dock.
39. Under no circumstances should you ask a woman if she’s pregnant.
40. It’s not enough to be proud of your ancestry; live up to it.
41. Don’t make a scene.
42. When giving a thank you speech, short and sweet is best.
43. Know when to ignore the camera.
44. Never gloat.
45. Invest in good luggage.
46. Make time for your mom on your birthday. It’s her special day, too.
47. When opening presents, no one likes a good guesser.
48. Sympathy is a crutch, never fake a limp.
49. Give credit. Take blame.
50. Suck it up every now and again.
51. Never be the last one in the pool.
52. Don’t stare.
53. Address everyone that carries a firearm professionally.
54. Stand up to bullies. You’ll only have to do it once.
55. If you’ve made your point, stop talking.
56. Admit it when you’re wrong.
57. If you offer to help don’t quit until the job is done.
58. Look people in the eye when you thank them.
59. Thank the bus driver.
60. Never answer the phone at the dinner table.
61. Forgive yourself for your mistakes.
62. Know at least one good joke.
63. Don’t boo. Even the ref is somebody’s son.
64. Know how to cook one good meal.
65. Learn to drive a stick shift.
66. Be cool to younger kids. Reputations are built over a lifetime.
67. It’s okay to go to the movies by yourself.
68. Dance with your mother/father.
69. Don’t lose your cool. Especially at work.
70. Always thank the host.
71. If you don’t understand, ask before it’s too late.
72. Know the size of your boy/girlfriend’s clothes.
73. There is nothing wrong with a plain t-shirt.
74. Be a good listener. Don’t just wait for your turn to talk.
75. Keep your word.
76. In college, always sit in the front. You’ll stand out immediately.
77. Carry your mother’s bags. She carried you for nine months.
78. Be patient with airport security. They’re just doing their jobs.
79. Don’t be the talker in a movie.
80. The opposite sex likes people who shower.
81. You are what you do, not what you say.
82. Learn to change a tire.
83. Be kind. Everyone has a hard fight ahead of them.
84. An hour with grandparents is time well spent. Ask for advice when you need it.
85. Don’t litter.
86. If you have a sister, get to know her boyfriend. Your opinion is important.
87. You won’t always be the strongest or the fastest. But you can be the toughest.
88. Never call someone before 9am or after 9pm.
89. Buy the orange properties in Monopoly.
90. Make the little things count.
91. Always wear a bra at work.
92. There is a fine line between looking sultry and slutty. Find it.
93. You’re never too old to need your mom.
94. Ladies, if you make the decision to wear heels, commit to keeping them on.
95. Know the words to your national anthem.
96. Your dance moves might not be the best, but I promise making a fool of yourself is more fun then sitting on the bench alone.
97. Smile at strangers.
98. Make goals.
99. Being old is not dictated by your bedtime.
100. If you have to fight, punch first and punch hard.
— a high school teacher’s list of 100 wisest words (source)
*****
Which of these do you like/agree with the most?











These are GREAT things to live by!
I love all of these and feel proud I do many of them. When you have a lot on your plate it’s nice to read simple things that will make you smile. Thanks for sharing!
Love this! My favorites are:
52. Don’t stare.
70. Always thank the host.
59. Thank the bus driver.
I hate when people stare. And I believe gratitude is so important towards everyone.
I love, love, love this post.
I actually copied the list so I can print it out.
I’m loving
21. Take a vacation from cell phone, TV, computer
88. Never call before 9 am or after 9pm
I’m going to focus on one thing from the list a day.
I just sat here and read entire list, smiling and nodding the entire way through. Lovelovelove.
…and I’m printing it to keep.
Thank you. <3
I seriously did the exact same thing as I was reading it. I need to print this too to remind myself of all of them
I love all of these, but I think #4 is my favorite - if a street performer makes you stop, you owe him a buck. I’m sure you’ve all seen this experiment, but someone from the Washington Post asked the very amazing violin player, Joshua Bell, to play at a Metro stop in DC and see if anyone noticed his amazing talent. The results were amazing. I am biased because I love Joshua Bell, but even someone who isn’t familiar with him would find this story and the reactions of the public interesting! http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9521098 So when you see a street performer that “wows” you enough to stop, you could be seeing the next great violinist!
I haven’t seen that experiment - checking it out now! thanks for sharing
I love this. I’d have to say I agree with just about every one of them.
Love this Gracie! Amazing. I feel like I need to walk around with this on a clipboard — is that practical?
hahaha!
This is awesome…I esp love “admit when you’re wrong,” “forgive yourself for your mistakes,” “learn to drive a stick shift” (a must!!), and “dance with your mother/father.” Such a good list of life lessons.
What an awesome list. And yes, learn to change a tire. I’ve had them only at the worst of times and never had to ask a boy to come rescue me. Love it.