Happy Birthday to Me!

I received a birthday card today from both of my parents. Here it is:

Ten Things to Keep In Mind

1. Trust your instincts. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't... fun, tempting... maybe, but not right.

2. Remember your manners. It doesn't cost you anything, but it speaks volumes about who you are. Having class starts with this.

3. Never let possessions "own" you. It's just stuff! The most valuable things in life - friends, respect, love, knowledge - don't cost money...

4. Nurture your friendships. The investment you make in true friends will pay huge dividends all your life - remember, you can't make an old friend.

5. Keep your hands clean. This is meant both literally and figuratively... it will save you lots of regrets later...

6. Believe in yourself. You happen to be the only you in existence, and you're also the only person in the world who can truly hold you back in life... think about it.

7. Be grateful. Don't waste all your todays in anticipation of some grand tomorrow. Now is all we've got. Live in it!

8. Treat others the way you wanted be treated. Just because you're smarter or richer or prettier than someone else doesn't mean you're better. It just means you've been more blessed.

9. Always keep playing. Who says adults have to give up toys? Keep the little kid inside you alive... it keeps your imagination primed. Silly is good.

10. No matter what, you will always be loved. You don't have to test this one... Just carry it around in your back pocket, and know that, no matter what, you can always come home.

There is no wonder here. I am who I am because I have parents like I do.