My friend is a middle school teacher and they read my blog in his class.
That, in itself, is enough to make me weep with joy and disbelief. But, what is more impressive is the picture below. A fourteen-year-old (who shall remain nameless as promised) created her own Rules after she read mine.
I will post mine first then hers.
Hers are better.
I am humbled!
Jen’s “Rules” To Live By:
1. Be Kind.
2. Have a sense of humor especially when it comes to YOU.
3. Write poems, even if only in your head.
4. Sing out loud, even if badly.
5. Dance, even with no rhythm.
6. If you don’t have anything nice to say…you know the deal.
7. Find things to be in awe of.
8. Be grateful for what you have right now.
9. Watch Modern Family, read Wayne Dyer, and end every complaint with “But I’m so blessed!”
10. Duh, do yoga.
11. Don’t worry. Everyone on Facebook seems like they have happier and funner lives. They don’t.
12. Tell someone you love that you love them. Right now.
13.Take more pictures.
14. Forgive yourself for not being perfect. No such thing.
15. Thank the Universe in advance.
Awesome Fourteen-year-old’s Adaptation:
Her rules are:
1) Don’t take things too seriously.
2) Make fun of yourself (Not too much!)
3) Sleep in sometimes.
4) ALWAYS have a dog.
5) Be nice to everybody because you never know who is going to be your next best friend.
6) Just don’t wear shoes sometimes.
7) Go on a trip somewhere at least every year.
Don’t look in the mirror too much!
9) Don’t spend too much money on one thing.
10) Sometimes it’s ok to just not want to talk to people.
How did this fourteen-year-old get so smart?
Oh, the things I am learning from kids! Last time I taught a workshop in Austin, an eight-year-old came with her mom and ending up teaching me about fearlessness. She taught me. And now this! I think I will spend as much time possible as I can with children (and dogs) from now on.
In the comment section below, write down your own “rules” to live by.
My Philosophy
Get up when the sun rises and wish it good morning
GRATITUDE GRATITUDE GRATITUDE
Swim in the ocean & get out in Mother Nature (APPRECIATE!!)
Bare feet on green grass
Practice random acts of kindness (you love these)
MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC
FRIENDS FRIENDS FRIENDS
Follow your intuition !!! It knows the way more than you !!!
More time pottering (you love it)
Spend time in book shops
Read more kids books (you love them)
No caffeine, no sugar (your internally busy enough)
Breathe
No judgement
Be gentle on your self, be gentler on others
TRUST IN THE FLOW OF LIFE
Enjoy
Stacey
xx
1. Don’t take things personally- even of they’re meant personally
2. Don’t be so focused on the destination that you lose sight of the journey
3. Be kind to yourself – if you don’t no one else is guaranteed to be.
4. Life is too short to be wasted- but too darn long to be miserable. Make it yours…
5. This may not be the party you’re looking for- but you’re here so you might as well dance
6. Don’t forget to exhale.
— love you Jenn! Xoxo
Ash’s rules to live by.
1. Trust yourself.
2. Laugh out loud Every Single Day.
3. Be gentle and kind, to yourself and everyone you encounter.
4. Have a dance party as often as possible. Just break it down wherever you want, you’ll be surprised who joins in on the fun!
5. Be overwhelmed with gratitude for your life now and the one your creating.
6. Kiss, laugh, then kiss again.
7. Stop taking life so damn seriously.. Right NOW!
8. Be super DUPER goofy.
9. Write affirmations on your mirror in metallic marker.(sparkly things make me smile!) read them every day and believe in them..
10. Travel to places you’ve always dreamed of seeing and bask in there beauty.
11. JUMP!
12. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your dreams. ( and vice versa)
13. Get your creativity on, paint even if you don’t know ‘how’, write even if your scared, take a photo of something that blows your mind.
14. Always have time to enjoy an outrageously delicious meal with your family and friends..
15. Do something your scared of every day. Stretch your limits and have a f*$%ing blast doing it.
16. Ask god to show you how you can be of service today.
17. Express your love openly and freely!
18. Choose Optimism.
19. Be active. practice yoga, on and off the mat.
20.Tell yourself, i love you.
1. Believe in Karma.
2. Learn something new every day.
3. Believe in yourself as much as you believe in others.
4. Happiness is worth taking risks.
5. Love yourself first.
6. Don’t be afraid of loneliness. You are never truly alone.
7. Perform random acts of kindness for strangers.
8. Have the courage to let go so others can be happy.
9. Never stop smiling. Happiness is infectious!
10. Never ever give up on your Dreams!
LOVE! Thank you. Post them on your fridge or keep them in your wallet xx
Many of the ones above. Also, one important rule that I have to remind myself daily…this life is not all about me! Things are not what they seem. Love yourself so you can love everyone else. Be thankful for what you have. Be humble. Look for the best in everyone and celebrate it.
Be kind – to people, to animals, especially to yourself.
If all else fails – laugh or hug it out
Sing out loud to your fave toon whenever possible – it feels good right ?
Love with all your heart and be open to love
……and relax – anger only ends up hurting you (just hi- yah it out aka Jen p style
feel the fear and do it anyway (yes from my well read book by Susan Jeffers!)
If someone makes you mad – try and walk
in their shoes for a bit
Love your life and be grateful for it – everyday is a blessing
…… And Never walk past a dog without stopping for a cuddle!
1) Always choose love. Try to live every moment with love in your heart.
2) Live as simply and naturally as possible.
3) Embrace your true self, and your truest, deepest passions.
4) Love the earth, protect her. Recycle, reduce, reuse, and spread the loving word.
5) Love your family, even with the differences and challenges between you. And know that family can come in all forms, wherever there is sincere love and support.
6) Walk about your day with a genuine smile, and a kind word on your lips.
7) In moments of stress, sadness, or pain, try to pause and search for the love inside you. It is the calm eye of every storm, and it will guide you through everything.
8) Never hold back or live with regrets.
9) Try to broaden your perspective, think of others, and give back to the world.
10) Realize that WE ARE ALL ONE. You, me, the earth, all animals and beings. We are one. Let this oneness guide you through the beauty that is life.
Peace and love to you all.
♥ Rosie
Thank you for having me in class today Jen, amazing way to start my day
Here are my ten, in no specific order.
1. Smile
2. Be kind.
3. Stay energetic.
4. Positive.
5. Loving.
6. Motivational and stay teachable.
7. Read.
8. Continue to grow and evolve. The mind body body only slow down, if you let it.
9. Keep an open mind.
10.Stay adventurous.
Michael Anthony
1) Love, love, love – give all that you have and more
2) Sing out loud with a smile on your face
3) Free yourself from your fears and take a new challenge daily
4) Go outside and bask in the sunshine
5) Nourish your body with good food and red wine
6) Be kind and open your heart to those around you
7) Be yourself! Love yourself!
8) If you want it – do it – be it!
9) Explore new places and take journeys throughout the world
10) Take deep breaths of fresh mountain and ocean air every chance you get
11) Jump in the ocean and take it all in
12) Appreciate every moment of life for what it brings you
13) Always have faith – things will work out.
1) Exercise spontaneous benevolence
2) Be not illusory
3) Use (good) headphones to REALLY listen to the layers in music
4) Be poetic at times, silent at others
5) A.B.L.E. = Always Be Learning Everyday (the “E” in mine is for “Eric” but you get the idea)
6) Meet strangers at random. Engage. Break the ice with a smile
7) Be kid-like
8) Drink amazing wine
9) See #1
10) See #5
Here are my rules….
Dress fabulously- it will give you confidence.
Have a glass of wine with someone new.
Smile at strangers.
Live now
Always say “thank-you”
Acknowledge those you love and even some you don’t.
Remember you are unique, own yourself.
Most people deserve a second chance, but rarely a third.
Listen, without talking.
Tell yourself the truth
Stephanie Elle
Rules I live by
Dress fabulously- it will give you confidence.
Have a glass of wine with someone new.
Smile at strangers.
Live now
Always say “thank-you”
Acknowledge those you love and even some you don’t.
Remember you are unique-own yourself.
Most people deserve a second chance, but rarely a third.
Listen, without talking.
Tell yourself the truth
Stephanie Elle
• Look for God in everyone;
• Have a slice of Pizza once a week;
• Find a way to be kind and compassionate, ESPECIALLY when your pissed off;
• Do something every day that scares you;
• Remember it’s all an illusion;
• Remember illusions are real;
• Have the courage to be extraordinary;
• Be unbelievably grateful to be breathing;
• Find something to laugh about;
• Tell someone you love them every day;
• Smile on the inside;
• Do good.
What a fantastic idea…I love #11 about Facebook (that’s really hitting the nail on the head!)
My rules:
1. Don’t like life too seriously, because no one gets out alive
2. Fill every day with romance, adventure, or just plain fun
3. Never underestimate the happiness you will feel if you have a pet that runs up to you when you come home and open the front door
These are ALL so beautiful, I have tears, literally!
Oh! and I especially En Joy ‘Be super DUPER goofy’!
To me, these two encompass everything mentioned:
1) Choose to Discover
2) Absolutely Appreciate
Rules I live by
Once per week part with one item in my home and donate it.
Take time everyday to be a good listener.
Be grateful for what I have, it is enough.
See everyday challenges as a learning opportunity rather than an obstacle.
Call friends and family every week to say hi.
Go through one area of my home monthly that I feel needs some organization inspiration.
Face fears and hesitations with confidence, never losing sight of my dreams.
Replace I wish with I will.
Do not let comparison steal my joy.
Everyday be myself.
thanks for letting me share <3
there’s always room for more flowers
Ebonie’s Rules:
1. Pray.
2. Be present and make every moment an adventure.
3. Don’t just look beautiful, be beautiful.
4. Resolve to operate in love and authenticity.
5. Forgive quickly.
6. Take ownership and nurture the mind, body and soul.
7. Smile always. laugh often. Cry when must.
8. Be a party and be more awesome. (Kid President)
10. Be fearless. Comfort zones are so last year.
11. Be content.
12. Be a happy warrior.
What a lovely gift to find you today! Thank you for what you are manifesting in this beautiful world!
My “Rules to Live” which evolved quite organically earlier this week when a friend asked, “What’s your secret? You live life so fully and beautifully!”….
1) Focus on all that is right. Stop focusing on what’s wrong. The more attention you bring to it, the more it persists. When you’re having one of those days, stop wherever you are and make a gratitude list.
2) When you’re heading into what can be a difficult situation, don’t prepare yourself for the worst, prepare yourself for the best. Take some downtime to envision how you’d like it to go. Ex. Today I am going to singing practice and I’m going to sing so well!
3) Stop caring about other people’s thoughts or opinions. All that matters is how YOU feel in any given moment.
4) Make time to nurture your soul. My Meditation time is key to staying on this path. It’s not something you get on and stay on without work. But it’s GOOD work. First, I spend 10-15 min in silent “thoughtless” meditation. Then I repeat all my “I Am”s.: affirming all that I want and all that I know I can be. One day in late September, I ran into a friend at the gym who asked, “So what’s up with your love life?”. I effortlessly replied, “I Am in love and in a loving relationship”. She giggled and said “Wow, I look forward to meeting this guy”. I said “Me too!”. That’s the place I was in when all these amazing things began to happen….
5) It’s never about you. People have their own shit. If people are bullying you, it’s because they live in a place of fear, not love. Wish them well and carry on with your kick ass self.
6) Fuck Fear (thanks Jen Pastiloff for this one!) Let it go, it has no place in your life. Fear includes doubts & insecurities. Over the summer I was in on shaky ground in my head in terms of going after my dream of becoming a PM. I had lingering doubts. I did this exercise: wrote down the reasons why someone would not want to hire me in this role, then I refuted each one. Bottom line – there is NO reason why I cant have this and every reason why I should! Making lists and writing it out helps a lot!
7) You are continuously evolving. I had this random thought yesterday which I think is appropriate to share now and it’s about marriage. People will often say omg, the idea of having sex w the same person the rest of your life is so scary! And I suddenly thought, well no, you really aren’t having sex w the same person. You are both evolving….so the way you connect today is different from how you will connect tomorrow. And of course you’d like to evolve in a way that you still remain intertwined and connected by a deeper love. But it doesn’t have to be boring. It’s never stagnant. Stagnant & boring would be knowing the entire outcome of your life ahead of time and then having to live it out.
8) Have fun. Make time for a hobby or activity that’s pure fun. My singing & guitar playing are joys in my life. If you’re feeling down, stop and say ok, if I could do anything right now in this moment that would make me happy and excited, what would it be? Sometimes it means dropping your errands and getting a pedicure, going shopping, or having your own personal dance party.
9) There are no limits to what you can do. “This is my last and only chance to do” = bullshit.
10) Be Nice to [insert your name]. This is an important one, esp if you are an overachiever perfectionist like myself. When in doubt, make a list of all that’s great about her. In Bali, Jen had us write a thank you note to ourself. It was the most emotionally challenging thing I had to do. Suddenly sending all this appreciation right back at myself…I’m not someone that suffers from low self esteem, but I can be hard on me.
11) Welcome the contrast of life. Don’t fight the sadness or frustration. Accept these emotions and let them pass. It’s from those challenging times of contrast that we grow and evolve to the next step.
12) Be present. Live in the NOW.
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RULES TO LIVE BY
1) be responsible, for everything you do
2) be as great as you are meant to be
3) with your greatness show humility
4) be fearless
5) respect limits while testing them
6) always be kind
7) know the great divinity inside yourself
8) recognize everyone as divine
9) own your actions
10) fess up when you make mistakes
11) always know that people around you are learning from you, even when you are not ‘teaching’
12) always be the best example to yourself and others
13) be patient; with yourself and others…. We are all just bumbling through
14) receive graciously
15) give generously
16) be grateful
17) intend goodness
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1) Be kind to yourself. 2) Create something beautiful, even if it’s just a salad. 3) Wear sparkly jewelry. 4) Find at least a few minutes to spend in meditation or yoga or mindful breathing. 5) Sing loudly. 6) Love on your pets. 7) Evaluate each stressor with the question, “Is this a life or death matter?” If not, then let.it.go. 8) Go outside.
9) Read with kids. 10) Find 5 most beautiful things often throughout day. 11) Give thanks. 12) Add to inspiration list. 13) End each day by asking kids to list the 3 things they are most grateful for. 14) Always BFA!!!
1) Be loving
2) Be compassionate
3) Have integrity in every area of life
4) Forgive at all times
5) Smile
6) laugh
7) follow and trust my heart always
8) Be giving
9) Treasure each moment as a gift
10) play often
Laksmi’s Rules to Live By…
Sing my inner soundtrack out loud
Hug often, especially my sons
Take daily dog walks, healthy for me, healthy for them
Make love with intense passion
Eat well because we are what we eat
Be in the moment
Listen, not like you’re waiting for your turn, but actually listen
Make laughter follow me everywhere
Practice more self love…literally and figuratively
Embarrass self daily = never take anything too seriously
I wanted to share the wisdom my stepfather passed on to me when I moved to Los Angeles after college.
1) Never drink out of a broken glass.
2) When you’re finished, stop.
3) If you get stuck between a rock and a hard place, just sit awhile.
4) Never sit on a rolling pillow.
5) Righty tighty, leftie loosey.
6) Never carry more than you can carry.
7) When you are lost, do not trust your sense of direction.
8) Don’t spend so much time organizing and planning that you don’t have time to do anything.
9) Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
10) It isn’t over till it’s over.
11) Just be yourself and you’ll be fine.
12) Break a leg!
Ginette’s Rules to Live By:
1. Walk barefoot in the dirt/green grass everyday.
2. Only drink Really Great Coffee
3. Eat something green everyday
4. Always, always be Grateful
5. Stand in my Truth
6. Lighten Up!
7. Let go!
8. (borrowed from another previous list ’cause it’s awesome!) BFA!!
LaUrEn’S RuLeS tO LiVe By~
Do what you want to do
Make mistakes but don’t live with regrets
Be happy with who you are
Always have chapstick
Have empathy
LaUrEn’S RuLeS
Do what you want
Make mistakes but don’t live with regrets
Be happy with who you are
Always have chapstick
Be empathetic
Vanessa’s Rules to Live By:
1) Do something out of your comfort zone each day.
2) Take time for yourself every day.
3) Spend time in nature.
4) Give more hugs.
5) Learn from the unconditional love of animals.
6) Be fearless like a child.
7) Laugh & smile often- joy is contagious.
8) Say I love you more to family and live love for those around you.
9) Find beauty in you and around you each day.
10) Take time to meditate every day.
11) Be healthy and treat your body as a temple.
12) Dance naked (but in the privacy of your home!).
13) Live in the moment.
Jodai’s RUles to Live By
1. Exercise every day: be ACTIVE
2. Admire the sunset and acknowledge the end of the day
3. Make attainable goals
4. Tell your kids and husband you love them every day.
5. Hug and kiss your loved ones every day, especially if you are leaving
6. Write
7. Laugh
Tamara’s Rules to Live By:
1. Indulge in a little treat at least once every day.
2. Surround yourself with delightful sights, sounds, scents and surfaces.
3. Surround yourself with people who love you the way you are.
4. Pay for help with tasks that can be accomplished quicker and better by someone else. This frees you up to focus on what you do best.
5. Ignore the judgers and people who would try to push their own agendas on you.
6. Eschew flashy labels and logos.
7. Faux is fine as long as it’s pretty.
8. Spend time with animals.
9. Read constantly, and especially, read to your kids.
10. Wear sunscreen: Every.Single.Day.
1. Do only that which inspires you.
2. Be with people who believe in you.
3. Never settle.
4. Follow your dreams.
5. Make time for you.
6. Celebrate the successes of others.
7. Eat to live, don’t live to eat.
8. Be kind.
9. Hold the door open.
10. Say “please” and “thank you.”
11. Smile with your eyes.
12. Be giving, but give to yourself in balance.
13. Read…Deepak Chopra, Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay…
14. Release yourself from draining obligations.
15. Be open to all types.
16. Be tolerant of everyone.
17. Don’t stifle your emotions. If you need to yell, do it! It will release the feeling. Otherwise it will find a place to hide in your body. Sometimes I just need to slam a door.
18. Laugh until it aches.
19. Get out in nature daily.
20. Shut down your “accessories” for at least an hour a day.
21. Have a reset period where you leave your cell phone behind.
22. Dress up.
23. Use aromatherapy.
24. Meditate.
25. Trust freely.
26. Be warm in winter, be light in summer.
27. Cherish each day.
28. Celebrate your health.
29. Give gratitude abundantly.
30. Sleep well.
31. Hug.
32. Keep a dream journal…this is fascinating.
33. Forgive yourself, and your parents. A grudge doesn’t solve anything.
34. Sometimes you need silence.
35. Create a soundtrack to your life.
36. Set goals, intentions.
37. Dream big.
38. Guilt is a wasted emotion.
39. No education is ever wasted.
40. Love.
Stephanie’s Rules to Live By….Everyday
1. Always get sand between your toes
2. Laugh everyday
3. Be vulnerable
4. Be real – true to who you are
5. LoVE
6. Sing out loud
7. Dance
8. Give hugs – even to yourself
9. Be thankful
10. Pray for the good and the bad
11. Have a sense of humor
12. Be grateful
13. Have compassion / be empathetic
14. Always say I love you
15. Check in your loved ones near or far
16. Have a child like enthusiasm
17. Smile at everyone – you don’t know who’s day you just made
18. Say thank you it goes a long way
19. Drink more than enough water
20. Connect for at least 30 minutes a day with your significant other or kids – no electronics
#1 Laugh every day
#2 Don’t let your age define you.
#3 Stay young at heart
#4 Always keep moving and exercising
#5 Take care of yourself first so you can care for others
#6 Love yourself so that you can love others
#7 Spend quality time with your grandchildren, they may be caring for you later
#8 Don’t get lost in everyone elses needs.
#9 Do somethng for yourself everyday
#10 Be grateful for something everyday
#11 Own a pet, they are your best therapy
#12 Keep flowers in your house and yard
#13 Always kiss your partner goodnight.