...LIFE LESSONS...

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1. Life is now

We keeping waiting for that amazing thing to happen in the future that will be the key to our happiness. But this is it. Right now. Life continues to be a series of right nows. So learn to love right now, and you'll have an amazing life.

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2. Fear is an illusion (mostly)

Most of the things we fear never happen. Or if they do happen, they are rarely as bad as we fear they will be. For most of us, fear is the worst thing that will happen to us. Reality isn't as painful.

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3. Relationships rule

At the end of the day, what matters most are the people in our lives. Put them first every single day. Before work. Before the computer. Before your hobbies. Treat them like they are everything to you. Because they are.

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4. Debt isn't worth it

Nothing is more draining and humiliating than being in debt. Spend below your means. Save money. Live free.

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5. Your kids aren't you

You are the vessel to bring your children into the world and their caretakers until they can care for themselves. You can teach them, love them, and support them, but you can't change them. They are unique individuals who must live their own lives. Let them.

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6. Things gather dust

Time and money spent accumulating material things will one day irritate you. You must clean, maintain, and move stuff. The less stuff you have, the more free you are. Purchase mindfully.

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7. Fun is underrated

How much of your day is fun? Really fun? Life is short. We should enjoy it. Don't make things serious that don't have to be. Create more fun in your life. Don't worry about what other people think of your fun. Just enjoy it.

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8. Failure is good

We try so hard to avoid failure, but failure is the real evidence that we've tried. If you avoid failure, you avoid taking action. Expect and accept that failure is part of the experience. Learn from it and move on.

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9. Friendships need care

One of the top five regrets of the dying is that they let their friendships fade away. Friendships need time and attention. Nurture them like a prized garden. The payoff is so worth it.

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10. Experiences first

The pleasure and positive memories afforded by great experiences far outweigh material things. If you're trying to decide between the new sofa or the family trip, take the trip every time.

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11. Anger isn't worth it

The feel-good release of anger lasts a few minutes. The repercussions last far longer. Regret, stress, and unhappiness are the byproducts of angry outbursts. Learn healthier ways to communicate your feelings, and when anger arises, step away until it dissipates.

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12. Kindness matters

Small expressions of kindness have an enormous positive impact on other people. It doesn't take much to be kind. Practice it every day, in every situation, until it's your natural way of being.

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13. Age is a number

When you're twenty you think fifty is old. When you're fifty, you feel thirty. Our chronological age doesn't have to define us. Don't allow a number to hold you back or prevent you from being the person you are inside.

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14. Vulnerability heals

Being real, open, and vulnerable invites people in and allows them to relate to you on a much deeper and more intimate level. Vulnerability, practiced with safe and loving people, can heal emotional pain and strengthen relationships.

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15. Posturing builds walls

Creating a persona to impress or shield yourself from pain diminishes intimacy and authenticity. People generally see through this, and it pushes them away.

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16. Exercise is power

Exercise should be a daily priority for everyone. It makes you physically, mentally, and emotionally stronger. It improves your health and your outlook. It is the panacea for just about everything.

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17. Grudges cause pain

Holding on to a grudge is like injecting poison into your body every day. Forgive and let go. There's no other way.

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18. Passion upgrades life

When you find that thing you love to do with all your heart, every day feels like a gift. If you haven't found your passion, make it your mission to find it. The joy it brings spills over into all aspects of your life.

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19. Travel expands you

Travel makes you are more interesting, insightful, and accepting person. It expands you, enlightens you, and teaches you about the variety of people, lifestyles, and cultures. It is a pursuit well worth saving for.

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20. You aren't always right

We think we have the answers, know what's right and wrong, good and bad, best for ourselves and other people. But we aren't always right. There's always more than one version. There are many perspectives that are valid. Keep yourself open to that truth.