em's little instructions

i love lists.

whether it's a to-do list, wish list, goal list, grocery list, or a happy list, i've always loved writing them.

one list i'm always adding to is a little list of "instructions" or things to live by.

some are funny, some are real, some are things i've learned, but all of them are things i think make life better.

once in a while i'll post some on here, and who knows... maybe one day i'll make a little book of all my lists!
husband and i both have one of these to give to our kids one day. here are a few of my little instructions...

1. always give compliments when you have them.
2. have a dog.
3. remember people's names.
4. always talk to people in elevators.
5. overtip breakfast waitresses.
6. write thank you notes for everything.
7. look people in the eye.
8. say please & thank you.
9. floss your teeth every night.
10. learn to play a musical instrument.
11. sing in the shower.
12. always set the table.
13. don't be afraid to cook new things.
14. plant flowers every spring.
15. be the first to say, “hello”.
16. live beneath your means.
17. say "bless you" when someone sneezes...even if it's a stranger.
18. have a book collection.
19. call people on their birthday.
20. if you must buy something, buy the prettiest version of it..even if it's a garbage can, find a pretty one.
21. be forgiving of yourself and others.
22. when you say 'i love you,' mean it.
23. drink sparkling cider for no reason at all.
24. buy lemonade from little kids who set up stands in their front yard.
25. return all the things you borrow.
26. teach some kind of class.
27. take some kind of class.
28. never buy a house without a fireplace.
29. treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
30. remember that great love and great achievement take great risk.
31. donate blood once a year.
32. win or learn, never lose.
33. put thought into gifts.
34. make new friends but cherish the old ones.
35. keep secrets.
36. take lots of pictures.
37. never refuse homemade brownies.
38. don't postpone happiness.
39. when you say you're sorry, look the person in the eye.
40. never give up on anybody.
41. spend time by yourself once in a while.
42. drink lots of water.
43. show respect for teachers.
44. show respect for members of the military.
45. don't waste time learning the “tricks of the trade.” instead, learn the trade.
46. buy locally as often as you can.
47. write letters.
48. call your family often.
49. never think less of yourself, but think of yourself less.
50. live with the 3 e's: enthusiasm, energy, & empathy.
51. smile when you pick up the phone...the caller will hear it in your voice.
52. in disagreements, fight fairly. no name calling. :)
53. strive for excellence, not perfection.
54. let people know what you stand for – and what you won’t stand for.
55. make the most of the best and the least of the worst.
56. never blame any day in your life: good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience.
57. always tell the truth.
58. don't believe all you hear, spend all you have, or sleep all you want.
59. keep company with people of good character.
60. love people without jealousy or envy...and be happy for others.
61. keep your body and mind fit and healthy.
62. take care of your friends.
63. don't compare yourself to others. you have no idea what's going on in their life.
64. only make promises you can keep.
65. marry someone you love to talk to. as you get older, your conversations will be more & more important.
66. treat everyone with respect & be tolerant for other views and beliefs.
67. make everyone you meet feel important. they are.
68. remember hate is a strong word.
69. try to make at least 3 people smile every day.
70. get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.
71. leave every place & organization better than you found it.
72. never stop learning.
73. believe in love.
74. explore. never lose a chance to see something new.
75. don't be unkind about others. what defines a lady is her compliments, not her insults.
76. if you're bothered by someone, bless their heart and ignore them.
77. remember nothing goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.
78. give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
79. remember, the best is yet to come.
80. always look for the positive.

xo