What advice/lessons would you teach your kids or tell your younger self?

I’d love to hear them all, short or long.

I have a notebook with some quotes and whatnot I’ll share to this later :)

*editing to include my own*

I’d intended to add the quote and advice I’ve been keeping in a notebook for my kiddo when they’re older, but to has gone missing! I’m so sad about this, but, I’ll just have to start a new one I guess :P

Moving on, here goes!

1. Love is an action verb. Words are meaningless without actions proving their worth.
2. “Treat others the way they ought to be and you help them become what they ought to be” (I had a better quote regarding this, but this will do for now)
3. Perception is everything.
4. You’re known by the company you keep. You become like the top people you spend the most time with. Choose wisely, and choose those who inspire you and bring out your best you.
5. Don’t chase people. Be good to all, don’t be afraid to build new friendships or strengthen old ones…but don’t fret over those who don’t seem to reciprocate your feelings. Those who matter will show their worth over time and those who don’t are saving you from wasting energy and hurt feelings.
6. I can’t find the exact quote I loved, but something like this: “The mind is a powerful tool. You should practice self control or else it will control you” Basically, don’t just blurt whatever you’re thinking, be careful what you feed your mind, and focus on the positives.”
7. If you’re constantly thinking/looking for the negatives, that’s what you will see. If you’re looking for the positives, that’s what you will see.
8. Set boundaries and know your worth. Everything you allow someone to do/say to you, you are teaching them what is acceptable and they will test those limits. Know what you can and can’t tolerate, and hold firm to that.
9. Don’t constantly forgive someone for hurting you because you’re busy excusing their actions due to whatever may be causing those actions. You don’t want to spend your whole life excusing someone for hurting you because they were hurt. Surround yourself only with people who know how to treat you. Those who are broken need kindness yes, but they have to learn how to fix their selves…each time you make excuses for them, you’re enabling them to continue their bad actions.
10. Be able to respect the reflection that looks back at you in the mirror every day. If you do something that makes you feel guilty/ashamed, you shouldn’t be doing it. If it can hurt you or others, you shouldn’t be doing it. Be proud of who you are because you know you do right by yourself and others.
11. Invest in land/properties. It’s the one thing there will never be more of. Save your money early in your life so you can enjoy freedom and self reliance by your 30’s.
12. Explore and have all the adventures, with or without others. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
13. Never waste your breath defending your reputation. Live respectably and it will be known in the long run. Anyone who doubts you or slanders your name is doing you a favour by weeding their self from your life.
14. Do acts of kindness with no expectation of getting anything in return. Don’t focus on what others can do for you, but on what you can do for them.
15. Be ambitious, but never lose sight of what is truly important. A life alone is lonely. Stay in touch with friends and family and show you care about their lives. Don’t just keep people around to have someone to do something with. Maintain an actual relationship.

I’m sure I could think of more, but those are the ones of the top of my head!