I was decluttering my digital files and I am came across a PDF that I saved back in 2006. I was touched by the Instructions for Life that were attributed to the Dalai Lama. On further investigation, however, this list actually originates from Life's Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. who wrote the book as a gift for his son who was leaving home to begin his freshman year in college.
- Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
- When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
- Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, Respect for others and Responsibility for all your actions.
- Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
- Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
- Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
- When you realise you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
- Spend some time alone every day.
- Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
- Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
- Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
- A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
- In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
- Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
- Be gentle with the earth.
- Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
- Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
- Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
- If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.
- Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.
- Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks softly.
- Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all they have.
- Be kinder than necessary.
- Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
- Commit yourself to constant self-improvement.
- Don't major in minor things.
