32 Life Lessons

The high holydays this year have passed, and it was a time of deep introspection and re-thinking of life for me and my family.

I particularly enjoyed hearing my rabbi's sermon this year, and I wanted to share it with anyone interested. It's a lot more wisdom than religion, and I think it has something for everyone. Below are my main takeaways from it; the full speech can be read here.

• Life isn't always fair.
  
• Whatever befalls us, life is still good.
  
• Life is short; cut your losses earlier.
  
• Let go of your desire to accommodate difficult people or situations.
  
• Only do what enhances you spiritually and morally.
  
• The time to plan for retirement is when you're young.
• Develop your passions and interests.
  
• Make peace with your past so it won't confound your present.
  
• One doesn't have to win every argument.
  
• Love the people close to you.
  
• Don't compare your life to anyone else's. You already have all you need.
  
• Who is happy? One who is content with his own portion.
  
• If you can't publish what you want to say or do, don't say or do it.
  
• You don't need to publish all your thoughts -- no need to over-share.
  
• Don't gossip. Guard your tongue.
  
• Speak the truth but only when you know you can be effective and only when it won't do harm; otherwise, stay quiet.
  
• Don't procrastinate seeing your doctor. Eat less and better; exercise more.
  
• Carpe diem
  
• Joy and happiness come from humility, gratitude, and generosity.
  
• Breathe deeply as it calms the heart, mind, and soul.
  
• Take your shoes off wherever you are.
  
• Too much alcohol dulls the mind.
  
• To know the purest and sweetest love, get a dog.
  
• When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
  
• Over-prepare, strive for excellence, and then go with the flow.
  
• Loosen up more to release yourself from entrenched habits.
  
• It's not what you say, it's how you say it.
  
• Stand up to bullies, wherever they are.
  
• Time does heal all wounds.
  
• Change is natural, necessary, and an opportunity for growth.
  
• Being outdoors is always better.
  
• Be modest.
  
• Be forgiving.
  
• Be kind.
  
• Be generous.
  
• Be grateful.