Somebody once said that Life is a demanding teacher, for we get the test first and we learn the lesson after. I know that life has given me several tests, as well as several lessons. There are countless snips of advice and lessons learned that seem so trivial, so obvious, yet in any split second, could have changed everything. There's a song called "Sunscreen" that is nothing more than oft overlooked advice set to music. Possibly one of the best songs ever. While I cannot compare to the timeless and eloquent repertoire of the aforementioned song, my lessons lie here.
Life is not fair. This seems obvious on every level imaginable. Nevertheless, it's shocking how often I say or hear somebody else comment on something not being "fair." Fair does not exist. There is no such thing as everybody getting everything exactly the same. "Fair" does not even equate to, "everybody receives the exact same things." It's more so that everybody gets what he or she needs most when it's most needed. Think on it. If Person A has a brain tumor and undergoes massive surgery to save her life, is it fair that you don't have brain surgery? Is it fair you don't have a brain tumor? Should you go get one to keep things fair between you two? No, that's ludicrous. If you're very concerned about things being kept fair read a short story whose title resembles "Harrison Burgeron," and read up on a little thing called "Communism." I reiterate: fair does not truly exist. Don't try to make life that way.
Not everybody is as honest as you'd hope. Sure, you might return the wallet and the money, but what about the jerk who stole it in the first place? Have faith, but lock your car doors.
Life is short. Yours, and those around you. Stop counting calories and trying every health food craze on late-night television. Eat the damn cookie and smile about it. Go outside, it's cheaper than cable, with fewer commercials. Let your dog sleep on your bed. Love with your heart, even if it ends up broken. Forgive your friends. Forgive your enemies. Don't let fear keep you from trying something. "What if" is the most dangerous phrase in the world. Live your life, don't watch it.
There are always options. They may not be easy or pleasant, but if you really want something, there is always a way to get it. Don't give up. The world is going to constantly throw bricks in your way, trying to make you fail or quit. The only time you ever truly fail is when you give up. Even if you don't succeed the way you want to, major feats will have been accomplished along the way. You'll be a better person, and eventually you're going to feel very proud of yourself.
It's empowering to stand up for your rights, just be sure you're not standing on somebody else's.
History doesn't change, only people's perception of it. Events involving Vietnam and Iraq, slavery, the Holocaust. Heavy stuff. At one point, somebody somewhere convinced a lot of people that those were good ideas. I'm sure a lot of people still believe they are. Perspective can turn a P into a d, a 4 into a 9, an ally into an enemy, a friend into a rival. Change in perspective isn't always a bad thing. Listen to people when they disagree with you. You may learn something that can change your life.
Make copies of your birth certificate, your favorite photograph, and your keys.
Stay away from things shaped like coffins. This includes tanning beds, cigarette boxes, and your car after a few drinks. Let the sunshine give you cancer, you can't enjoy it in a tanning salon. Campfire smoke smells better than whatever it is you're smoking. A friend's couch is free. Can you say the same for an encounter with the law?
And to come full circle, life isn't fair. Don't expect it to be, and don't try to make it that way. Help where you can, and don't expect the world to give you the same. Make some noise, take up some space, but be careful with that of other people. Don't get so wrapped up in your life that you forget to live it. The lessons are endless, often painful, and always too late coming. The best I can offer you is the comforting knowledge that we're all stuck on this Rock together, hurling through space. Life and chance are happening to us all. Good luck out there.
History doesn't change, only people's perception of it. Events involving Vietnam and Iraq, slavery, the Holocaust. Heavy stuff. At one point, somebody somewhere convinced a lot of people that those were good ideas. I'm sure a lot of people still believe they are. Perspective can turn a P into a d, a 4 into a 9, an ally into an enemy, a friend into a rival. Change in perspective isn't always a bad thing. Listen to people when they disagree with you. You may learn something that can change your life.
Make copies of your birth certificate, your favorite photograph, and your keys.
Stay away from things shaped like coffins. This includes tanning beds, cigarette boxes, and your car after a few drinks. Let the sunshine give you cancer, you can't enjoy it in a tanning salon. Campfire smoke smells better than whatever it is you're smoking. A friend's couch is free. Can you say the same for an encounter with the law?
And to come full circle, life isn't fair. Don't expect it to be, and don't try to make it that way. Help where you can, and don't expect the world to give you the same. Make some noise, take up some space, but be careful with that of other people. Don't get so wrapped up in your life that you forget to live it. The lessons are endless, often painful, and always too late coming. The best I can offer you is the comforting knowledge that we're all stuck on this Rock together, hurling through space. Life and chance are happening to us all. Good luck out there.
