This One's for You, Kids

I wrote the following "life lessons" for Sam and Nick several years ago. I was attending a corporate off-site conference in San Francisco and desperately trying to stave off catatonia while a bunch of talking heads yapped about things about which I couldn't care less. So, based on my own life experiences, I thought I'd write down a few bits of wisdom for my angels. Take 'em or leave 'em, my loves, but at least read them. They're in no particular order.

1. Know yourself and trust your instincts.
2. Be yourself. Don't pretend to be someone else just to "fit in" and impress others.
3. Ask questions ... never be embarrassed to ask as many as you need. Knowledge is power.
4. Make the most of the time you have. Don't waste it, lest you reach midlife and wonder where it all went.
5. Tell the truth ... or at least learn how to lie convincingly.
6. Be loyal to your friends and expect the same from them in return; otherwise, they aren't your friends.
7. Be courteous. You'd be surprised how good a "please," a "thank you" and a smile can make you (and others) feel.
8. Listen before speaking. "'Tis better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt." That truism was tacked to a bulletin board in the band room throughout my CHS years.
9. Don't be too quick to trust others. They must earn that privilege.
10. Go see the rest of the United States and the world. Don't stay couped up in-state.
11. Love and laugh often. They're two of God's greatest gifts.
12. Don't go looking for happiness. Create it yourself.
13. "Speak" music ... it's the universal language.
14. Take risks when situations justify them ... or else risk stagnation.
15. Never lose your childlike sense of wonder about the world. It's a lifelong link to your youth.
16. Take responsibility for your actions. Blaming others only makes you a coward.
17. Never lie to or disrespect your parents ... you owe them for everything you are/have.
18. Don't be swayed by peer pressure. You'll regret it soon enough.
19. Don't smoke. Don't do drugs. Drink only socially and in moderation ... but don't be stupid and try to drive after you've had one too many.
20. Be open to new ideas, opinions and concepts, even if you don't believe them yourself.
21. Watch out for teenage boys: They're slick, tricky and they always have an ulterior motive. They'll say and do anything to get what they want ... and most of them think with their dicks.
22. Watch out for teenage girls and their "feminine wiles": They'll string you along and break your heart. Don't be seduced by the "round" side of their force.
23. Believe in something.
24. Create your own identity.
25. Exercise regularly. Eat sensibly. Don't diet to the point of starvation. Take good care of your body because it's the only one you'll get.
26. Read for pleasure and allow your imagination to sweep you up in the stories. TV and movies have nothing on the built-in entertainment center you have between your ears.
27. Be honest. Tell it like it is.
28. Have a sense of humor about yourself. Don't allow the cruelty of others or their words to bring you down.
29. Cry when you need to. Cry long and hard if necessary. Our society makes it seem degrading, especially for men, but it's the best way to wash away the grief naturally.
30. Break every one of these "rules" at least once, but don't beat yourself up about it. How else will you learn the right from the wrong?