21 Things My Mother Taught Me

DISCLAIMER: Listing Advice does not imply endorsement.

1. They can’t get your goat if they don’t know where you’re hiding it.

2. Pour heaping coals of kindness on your enemy.

3. In an ideological stalemate, “Maybe so” is a good phrase to settle things… and it really makes your opponent mad.

4. Don’t give them anything to talk about.

5. Never do anything for love.

6. Don’t waste your time being homesick. Because once you get back home, you’ll just miss being wherever you were.

7. Don’t hate the people who hurt you because it only hurts you.

8. Have compassion – no matter what.

9. A little drinking is okay. But, too much and you’ll just spend the whole dinner party throwing up in the bathroom.

10. Mental health days are absolutely necessary.

11. If you push your body too much, it’ll break down. But, if you don’t feel like slowing down, don’t worry. Your body will stop you eventually.

12. Don’t ever judge anyone by their appearance. At the same, know that you’ll always be judged by the way you look.

13. There’s nothing wrong with doing your own thing.

14. Sometimes, it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.

15. The biggest troublemakers are often leaders in disguise.

16. It’s rude to tell people what to do. That’s why Jesus spoke in parables. Tell someone a good story and they’ll get the message they need.

17. Always ask yourself, “How would I like to hear what I’m about to say?”

18. They’re just jealous.

19. Send back the overdone steak, return the pants that fall apart, insist on being treated like a real person.

20. Your gifts should be shared with others. That’s why you got them in the first place.

21. Leave the party while you’re still having a good time.

**Saturday, April 9, 2011**