The Deuteronomy Rabbah states, “In vain have you acquired knowledge if you have not imparted it to others.” I’ve made more mistakes and poor decisions than I care to admit, and while I don’t claim to profess having all the answers, the inquisitive seam running through me demands mining for explanations. Therein lies one of life’s beauties, coming to the understanding true knowledge is in understanding there’s more to learn. Here are 50 realisations my short albeit action-packed existence observed.
01. Heaven and hell both exist on earth.
02. Life is not fair.
03. You meet many but only a few become friends.
04. Listen to your elders; they’re speaking from experience.
05. There is always someone smarter or more experienced; it’s okay to solicit their help.
06. If someone puts forward a better argument, update your position.
07. The only person you need to keep happy all the time is you.
08. It is impossible to please everyone.
09. When tasting success, everyone claims their part in it.
10. When struggling, the knives come out.
11. People never cease to amaze.
12. The world is judgmental; first impressions count.
13. Being spontaneous doesn’t mean lacking preparedness.
14. The first time, you’ll make every mistake in the book.
15. Trust your intuition. Your first instinct is generally right.
16. Your emotions make you human; take the good with the bad.
17. Don’t take everything personally.
18. Be present; there is no guarantee of tomorrow.
19. Enjoy simple things.
20. Keep it simple stupid.
21. Make an excuse to have fun.
22. Give yourself options.
23. Timing is critical.
24. If you don’t try, you’ll never know.
25. Get out of the comfort zone and challenge yourself.
26. You fail more than you succeed.
27. There is no substitute for hard work; think twice about short cuts.
28. Nothing great is achieved parked at home.
29. Embrace the inevitability of change.
30. Fighting who you are actions unhappiness.
31. “Find what you love and let it kill you.” – Charles Bukowski
32. The majority of your problems are insignificant and imagined.
33. A want is not a need.
34. Don’t follow the crowd; you’re more than a number.
35. Your perception creates your reality.
36. Money affords freedom but it’s not good health.
37. It is better to say, “I don’t know but let me see if I can find out” than pretend you do.
38. Nothing is as bad as it seems or as good as it appears.
39. Time does not heal all wounds; it helps lessen the pain.
40. Bring maximum energy and enthusiasm.
41. Maintain your standards.
42. Always consider context and the source.
43. Moderation and discipline are key.
44. Do what is right, not what is easy.
45. Everyone has skeletons and we’re all hypocrites.
46. You are the sum of all your decisions.
47. There is no place like home.
48. The appearance of control is an illusion.
49. Some people cannot be saved from themselves; let them crash and burn on their own.
50. The meaning of life is whatever you make it.
*Updated June 27, 2023