THINGS I'VE LEARNED ALONG THE WAY

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER...

I've had a wonderful life.  Here’s a random list of a few things I’ve learned along the way over more than eight decades. It is by no means complete and I present them in no particular order. 

1 - Parental love doesn’t have to be articulated, but it should always be demonstrated. 

2 - There is never enough time. 

3 - With rare exceptions Higher Education is overrated. 

4 - Having the right tool is important. Knowing how to use it is essential. 

5 - Doing your very best is good enough.

6 - Being close to family is more important than big business success.

7 - Learning to read at a young age is a cornerstone to success. 

8 - Being in the right place at the right time is important. 

9 - Using good judgment is more important than having faith. 

10 - Enduring friendships are like having a pocket full of diamonds. 

11 - Find the right companion. 

12 - Work hard. 

13 - Always listen well. 

14 - Do not be afraid to take the next step. 

15 - The occasional step back can provide better footing for the climb ahead. 

16 - Don’t let your technological shortcomings stifle your intellectual achievement. 

17 - Succeed at something so you know you can succeed at many things. 

18 - Just because you haven’t done it in the past doesn’t mean you won’t do it in the future. 

19 - Wear your individuality proudly. 

20 - Always be willing to listen to the other side. 

21 - Cultivate mentors - learn from them. 

22 - Wear humility well. 

23 - Always share the credit. 

24 - Always say “Thank You” for a job well done. 

25 - Never fear the truth - it should be applied like a carefully-iced cake. 

26 - Always vet your “facts”. 

27 - Being available can be more important than being the most qualified. 

28 - Trust your gut. 

29 - A good reputation is like having a blank check for your life. 

30 - A little lust is ok, but true love really matters. 

31 - Yes, you can love more than one person simultaneously. 

32 - Liking a person is every bit as important as loving them. 

33 - Contrary to popular belief, STOP signs and speed limits are not just suggestions. 

34 - Excellent managers and terrible managers are easy to spot. It’s the ones who have not figured it out yet that require your patience. 

35 - True friendship is a rare commodity. 

36 - Don’t raise your kids to be like “the President”, raise them to emulate the most honest person they know - a teacher, coach, pastor, parent, aunt, uncle…. or the gardener. 

37 - Teach your kids to be kind - show them by example. 

38 - Military, or another form of public service, should be mandatory for every high school graduate or drop out. 

39 - Social security benefits should not be taxed. 

40 - Be sure those you love know it. Tell them before it’s too late. 

42 - Pay attention to what politicians do, not what they say.

43 - Winning a political point is not worth losing a friend over it.

44 - Yes, character does count.

45 - You can make a difference - look for a way.

46 - A thoughtless word can inflict a lifetime of pain.

47 - A kind word can create a lifetime of success.