2010 Handbook (My Version)

Three weeks ago my mom sent an email with the subject line reading, "2010 Handbook." I assumed this was an email accidentally sent to me instead of her co-workers, but typically whenever I assume it's the opposite. This email was correctly forwarded on to the right recipients, and I am grateful I made the cut. "2010 Handbook" is a list of 40 items one should read daily, understand fully and practice without hesitation. I was inspired by these 40 directions and knew it as part of my glass half-full scope on life, I would alter a few only to target my what ifs and wants.

From my mother to me and onto you: 2010 Handbook (My Version)

Health
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's - Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to ponder what's important to YOU.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 (aim for 8) hours.
10. Take a long 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment(s).
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues in the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. It will only ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you!
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society
25. Call your family often
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. A phone call or short visit with your parents will heal everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, be thankful.
39. Your inner most is always happy. Be happy.

Last but not least
40. Again, don't stop laughing. (Thank you Mom!)