Instructions for Life

One day, in a moment of sunshine and magic induced clarity, I came up with these rules for life. I guess they're not rules, exactly, but they're sort of ideas that I like to live by.

1. Let's not get hit by cars.

2. The pen is mightier than the sword... but just in case it isn't let's bring a back up.

3. Everything works out.

4. Never apologize while playing frisbee.

5. All things in moderation.

They seem absolutely ridiculous. And honestly, they were kind of meant to be. See, the list itself is sort of its own set of rules: first of all, don't take life so seriously, and secondly, what you think is the most important thing may not actually be the most important thing.

So I guess I'll go through them and explain what they all mean to me.

1. Let's not get hit by cars. Easy enough: survive. Don't let something stupid (like getting hit by a car) kill you. Live through all you've gotta live through, as long as you're living.

2. The pen is mightier than the sword... but just in case it isn't let's bring a back up. This is a little more ambiguous. As a writer, this is just a reminder to do a couple of things: to write about everything, and to always be prepared to face my problems, in case I can't write them away. And also just to have a plan B in any situation.

3. Everything works out. This is arguably the most important and meaningful rule for me. Why is it number 3? Like I said before: what you think is the most important thing may not actually be the most important thing. I also like that it's at the center of the list. And it's true, right? One way or another, everything works out.

4. Never apologize while playing frisbee. For me this translates to: stop worrying so much. Frisbee can be competitive, sure. But at the heart of the game it's just a bunch of laid back people who want to have fun. Sometimes it's a competitive sport, but most times it's just people throwing around a plastic disc for fun. So don't be embarrassed or apologize if you throw it the wrong way or if it's nowhere near the person you were throwing it to... because frankly, it's not a big deal. And don't worry about the little things in life that you stress out about, because they're probably not that big of a deal either. (And if it is, see rule #3).

5. All things in moderation. Everyone knows this rule. It pretty much speaks for itself. But I think we tend to forget about it sometimes: we overwork ourselves, or we overindulge, or we over analyze... It's just good to keep reminding ourselves not to overdo it.

And just in case you're looking for more a more legitimate set of rules, here's a list that a lot of people think was written by the Dalai Lama, but it actually wasn't (they're still pretty awesome):

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three Rs:

Respect for self

Respect for others and

Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realise you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

I particularly like numbers 8, 16, 17, and 19... although I need to work on number 19 a bit...