10 things from 30 years of personal and observational learning

1.       STOP apologizing for things you shouldn't be sorry for, this is called lying and it creates false peace. Be kind, be diplomatic, be honest. 

2.       Remember, bullies exist in adult life just like they do in kid life. They’re just sneakier about it as adults.

3.       There’s a difference between the loving, constructive criticism of a friend and the passive aggressive beat down of a faux friend. Know the difference and know when to walk away.

4.       If you find yourself trying to cover for someone on the regular. Stop it. They’re not your friend. A true friend will never ask you to lie for them.

5.       Don’t pity people, pity looks down. Empathy and sympathy look across.

6.       People will mock you for doing the right thing. You're the only one who can answer for your wrongdoings. They’re mockery comes from the guilt they feel for their own indiscretions. If they can entice you to join them, they’ll be absolved of guilt.

7.       No matter how strong your moral compass, you will mess up. You will. Learn from your mistakes, make amends, and move on. Wallowing is unnecessary and unproductive.  

8.       Meanness = jealousy and/or insecurity

9.       If you want something, roll up your sleeves and get to work. You might wait forever if waiting is the route you want to take. You have this incredibly powerful organ in your skull called a brain, use it.

10.   Some people will have an easier go of life than you and some will have a harder go of life than you. Don’t be jealous of the people who have it easier, nor haughty towards the people who have it harder. You always take what you have and make the best of it. Learn from and appreciate the good people on both sides.