2 score years ago and 2 score things...

I just turned 40.  I don’t know why people make such a big deal about.  I feel no different than when I was 30… well maybe a few more aches and pains, but that is it really. 

However, it is a nice round number and I have been on this blue globe of life for 4 decades.  It is a good time to reflect and with that comes thinking of what I have learned in my 2 score years.  Without further ado, a list of 40 things I have learned in my 40 years.  They are in no particular order, just really how I was thinking about them.  These are things I didn’t always know and sometimes I have had to learn them anew because I have forgotten them.

1. Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should

2. It is hard to rebuild any bridges that you have burnt.

3. You can make a lot of friends by paying for the pizza.

4. When you are in the presence of wiser, more knowledgeable, smarter, capable people, sometimes it is best if you just sit back and listen to what they are saying rather than trying to impress them with your own wisdom, knowledge, intelligence, or abilities.

5. Pay your debts.

6. Being with your peeps is reason enough to party.

7. If you aren’t reading something you aren’t doing it right.

8. Kissing is pretty awesome.

9. Sometimes you tell a joke and it kills, sometimes you tell a joke and it bombs… but you never know unless you actually tell the joke.

10. The only expectations that you have to live up to are the ones you set for yourself.

11. Sometimes friends are only in your life for a short period of time.  Instead of mourning that the friendship ended, cherish that it existed at all.

12. It is okay to change your opinions as you go through life.

13. Happiness is fleeting only if you are always looking for the next thing.

14. The comfort zone is a nice place to visit, but I don’t want to live there.

15. Fear is easily overcome by telling it to fuck off.

16. You have to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves or else you might miss out on a lot of life.

17. The driver controls the radio.

18. Laughing loud and often should be encouraged, not only in yourself, but in others as well.

19. Beer is the nectar of the gods.

20. Always thank people for the things they do.  It is important to let people know they are appreciated.

21. Stand up for those that can’t.

22. Be kind.

23. Whatever your expectations are of others, that is typically what you will see… that is not always a good thing.

24. People can change.

25.  If you are going to hold a grudge for a long time, be prepared to deal with any fall out it may cause.

26. Comfortable silences with friends are something to strive for.

27. You have to be able to laugh at yourself.

28. As awesome as kissing is, sex is awesomer!

29. Sometimes your family isn’t related to you.

30. Respect is not just an Aretha Franklin song. It is something that we should all have for each other.

31. You can teach yourself to do anything if you really want to.

32. Your integrity should never be for sale.

33. Treat others as you want to be treated.

34. Just because someone makes a mistake, that does not mean they need your disdain.

35. Sometimes you are teaching the moment and sometimes your need to be taught the moment.

36. Sometimes you aren’t the target demographic.

37. Pick your battles and know which hills to die on.

38. Great friendships aren’t always based on you agreeing on everything.  Most of the time they are based on how well you disagree with each and if there is still respect and love for each other afterwards.

39. Love is worth it.

40. Listen to your head, listen to your gut; but use both when making decisions.

There you have it, 40 things I have learned… mind you it is not the only things I have learned.  I’m not even sure these are the 40 most important things I have learned.  In fact, I will probably read this list later and want to change a bunch of them… well except for the sex is awesomer one.  I mean that is clearly the truth!