46 Rules to Live Your Life By

It was a gift. A small piece of paper folded over eight times into a neat little square. "Read it. Remember it. And live by these words," he gasped.
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46 Rules to Live Your Life By

It was the the end of a long journey and grandpa was dying. The 95-year-old man had been through two world wars, the great depression, and traveled across more than 40 countries. There were good times and there were bad, but he certainly worked to make every last moment count.

While his family sobbed nearby, his grandson, just 18 years old at the time, sat quietly with him. He stared down at his frail, thin hands that were a ghostly version of their younger self. But looking closely, he realized that old man was handing him something.

It was a gift. A small piece of paper folded over eight times into a neat little square.

"Read it. Remember it. And live by these words," he gasped.

1. Life isn't always fair; but it's still worth it.
2. When you're in doubt, focus solely on the next small step.
3. Life's short so savor every moment of it.
4. When you get sick, your job won't take care of you; your friends and family will.
5. Never buy anything you don't need.
6. Don't try to win every single argument or be right every single time.
7. It's okay to cry with someone; you'll heal more than just crying on your own.
8. If you find yourself getting angry with God, don't worry, He can handle it.
9. Save your money for things that truly matter in life.
10. Bury and make peace with the past so it doesn't come around to haunt you in the present.
11. Remember, any resistance to chocolate is completely futile.
12. There's absolutely nothing wrong with letting your children see you cry.
13. Stop comparing your life to others. You have no idea what their journeys have been all about.
14. Any relationship that requires secrecy is a relationship that shouldn't exist.
15. Life can change in the blink of an eye.
16. Breathe. Relax. And calm the mind. It makes all the difference.
17. Declutter your life. Discard anything that isn't useful so it doesn't weigh you down.
18. Don't be afraid of pain. Anything that doesn't kill you, really does make you stronger.
19. There's never a time too late to be happy. in life.
20. Never give up on your dreams. If you want something badly enough, don't take no for an answer.
21. There's no day like today. So burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear the fancy clothes.
22. Always under-promise but over-deliver.
23. Eccentricity should be the norm, not the exception.
24. The brain is the most important sex organ.
25. The only person in charge of your happiness is you.
26. Frame every difficult situation in your life with these words: 'Five years from now, will this really matter?'
27. Life is sacred. So, when you have a choice, always choose life.
28. You don't have to forget. But you must forgive.
29. What other people think or say about you has no reflection on your self-worth.
30. Time heals just about everything. Just give it time.
31. Whether a situation is good or bad, it will most certainly change soon enough.
32. Don't take things so seriously. Not everyone else does.
33. Miracles are real. Believe in them.
34. No matter how bad things might get, always remember that God loves you.
35. A large part of success is attributed to just showing up.
36. Your kids will only be children once.
37. What really matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Growing old is far better than any other alternative.
39. Miracles are awaiting you everywhere. Get outside and welcome them.
40. If we could throw our problems into a big pile with others, we would take them right back.
41. Don't waste your time with envy. Be grateful for what you have rather than what you don't.
42. Always remember that the best parts of life are yet to come.
43. Get up, dress up, and show up, no matter how you feel.
44. Even if you have the right of way, yield to others.
45. Life might not come wrapped up in a box with a bow, but it's still certainly a gift.
46. You can choose your friends, but you can't choose your family. Respect and love them always.

Image Credit: Wikipedia

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