My Reflections on Turning 30

*Disclaimer - these are strictly my own opinions and not meant to offend in any way!

1. As the book title says, don't sweat the small stuff. Unless there is some major physical, mental, or emotional wound or a national/international situation - it is not a crisis.
2. Do not lose the magic of Christmas.
3. Along these lines - do not tell anyone that there isn't a Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, et al. because each of these individuals exists in some way.
4. You can't be friends with everyone. Realize this, accept it, and let it go.
5. When on vacation, relax! Enjoy the beauty of the place you are in.
6. Love and appreciate your family and friends.
7. Love and appreciate your home.
8. Love and appreciate your neighbors (within reason!)
9. Don't allow anyone to ever put you down.
10. Stress is simply your reaction to a situation. Don't let it escalate.
11. Take time to talk to God. He just may talk back.
12. If you are unhappy, figure out how to make it better and do it.
13. Don't intentionally hurt some one's feelings.
14. Sometimes we have one or more family members that cause us some sort of harm. It is okay to keep them at arm's length (or further).
15. Forgive. Hanging onto resentment and anger hurts you the most.
16. You do not have to actually tell someone you forgive them as long as you tell your heart.
17. Volunteer (just not to an excess!)
18. If you see someone fall, help them up. Chances are they will return the favor.
19. Love your spouse/significant other. Try to see things from their point of view.
20. Do not judge people -ever. You never know what someone is going through.
21. This does not mean that there aren't bad people out there that deserve to be punished for their crimes.
22. Do not believe everything your elders tell you/you over hear. Form your own opinions.
23. Be kind to animals. They have feelings to.
24. I'm not a mother - but - don't let your kids run wild in someone else's home!
25. Whether or not you are a parent - take the time to make a difference in a child's life.
26. Unless you are rich, your home will most likely not look like Oprah's - work with what you've got.
27. Respect, love, and take care of the elderly. They were/are our teachers and if all goes well, you too will be elderly someday.
28. Do not future - live in the present.
29. When negative thoughts invade your mind, acknowledge them and let them go.
30. You get what you give - put out positive energy and positive will ultimately come back.

And one for good luck!
31. All bad situations are really opening doors - we just have to find the door knob.

Got something to add? Leave me a comment.