This was written the other day when I thought about turning 50 in October. I decided to put it all down as inspiration hit because I often regret not writing things down as I think of them. I've admitted to not always being punctual, and it's true I'm sometimes late, but I'm also sometimes early, so why wait with posting until I'm actually fifty? ;)
Um, it's not really related to veganism per se, but I thought you might enjoy anyway.
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- don't let anyone else tell you who you are unless they've legitimately earned your trust
- accept their input, but reserve the right to dismiss if it doesn't ring true
- learn to like yourself (you know what you need to improve on, but don't beat yourself up)
- don't let anyone else beat you up either, whether physically, emotionally, verbally, sexually, financially, or spiritually
- find a purpose, YOUR purpose, and keep looking for it if you have to until you find one that fits. You'll know when it does.
- figure out what you're good at, figure out what you're passionate about, and let the two become acquainted
- accept your past but know it doesn't define you
- become your own best friend and ally
- stay self-focused, but don't become self-centered
- you can't change anyone except yourself (but by providing information or insight you may be able to help others help change themselves)
- be kind, be compassionate, and know we're all connected
- be a mentor (or at least a supporter)
- try to leave this world a better place
- define success for yourself
- be true to yourself, before being true to the world
- know that everything WILL pass
- be creative (whether literally in creating offspring, or preferably in how you live, how you connect to the world, and in leaving your mark on this world)
- know that being vegan is a spiritual task even if you identify as atheist
- become comfortable in not knowing all the answers
- comfort yourself by becoming better in asking the right questions
- decide for yourself what is true
- question authority because it has never been more relevant
- reading is as essential to life as breathing; do it every day
- forgive yourself
- forgive others (especially if they know not what they do), but only when ready
- know that you have much to contribute
- become a good steward
- try your best, but know that anything worth doing is worth doing badly
- always ask, What is the best use of my time right now?
- become a recovering pessimist
- better yet, become an idealistic realist
- think of happiness as a byproduct rather than an aim
- recognize that money is only a tool, a form of energy if you wish
- many rules are meant to be broken, but know rules well before you break them
- be mindful of what and whom you eat
- vote with your fork every day
- travel light (figuratively, metaphorically and literally)
- be grateful that your companion animal has chosen you
- live up to their expectations and exceed them when you can
- see how some of the best words are i words -- ideas, ideals, imagine, inform, inspire, illuminate, innovate, intuitive, introspection, insightful, intention, integrity...
- be aware of all the ways in which you're extremely lucky
- express gratitude daily
- remember that all families are complex and multi-layered
- honour your children as well as your parents
- realize there are three versions to every story: yours, mine, and the truth
- it's easier to be reactive than proactive, but easy is not usually best
- focus on the things you want more of, rather than less of
- fear not living well -- however you define well -- rather than death itself
- always be kind (notice how 'kin' is part of kind, and because all beings ARE kin, we need to be kind to all)
- know that love IS the answer
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"figure out what you're good at, figure out what you're passionate about, and let the two become acquainted" - what a great line! Happy early birthday!
Thanks for sharing this! Lots of good insight and lots to think about.
Thank you both! :)