Life Truths - 2013

Apologies for the delay. Clearly scheduling the blog to auto-post no longer works.

Here we are.
The beginning of another year - triggering my annual Life Truths: an updated list of harsh realities that we should all remember as we strive toward, well, whatever you're striving toward. This year though, I thought I'd first present three things for additional consideration... you know, for when you're standing outside alone, pondering the Universe over a bottle of wine.

• How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?
• What inspires you?
• What stops your inspiration dead in its tracks? Or is it a who?

I expect I'll have something to say about all of these over the course of the next year, but until then...

The List

1. You are where you are because that, my friend, is where you put yourself. Do not blame your Higher Power, The Universe, or the people around you for your ill-conceived decisions.
2. Yes. You're fat. Does that make you feel better? Get off your ass and do something about it.
3. The Universe is trying to move you in the direction of your life path. Quit acting like you know everything. You don't. So how about you just go ahead and get out of your own way?
4. Life is a "Bring Your Own Water Wings" affair so stop annoying the rest of us with your bitching about how you've been done oh-so-wrong, and paddle already.
5. Just because you want it does not mean it's yours to have.
6. The things you do not say, speak as loudly as those you do.
7. At the end of the day, you and you alone must live with your own inaction.
8. You always have a choice. Take the route that will make your grandmother proud.
9. Your true friends will say the things you don't want to hear because they love you... and because they have faith that you already know the truth, not because they're threatened by you.
10. Beware false allies and those who try too hard. Therein you will one day discover ulterior motive.
11. When saying no - to anyone for any reason - it absolutely is not necessary to offer an explanation.
12. From Image Consultant and friend, Beth Newman: "Do not participate in 'big, bad, bold behavior.'" It's unseemly and frankly, déclassé. http://www.newmanimage.info/
13. Do not shampoo your hair every day - no matter what.
14. Stop fighting The Universe and you'll stop making stupid mistakes.
15. One minute of your time - especially when you don't "have" it - is worth hours to someone who needs it.
16. Pay attention. This will solve almost all of your "problems."
17. Take heed: a drunken man's words are a sober man's thoughts.
18. People are going to talk. Your choice is in what you give them to talk about!
19. We all humiliate ourselves. Get over it. These are the stories that make you less dull.
20. If you think any part of this (or my blog in general) is directed at you, it probably is... I just don't know it. Examine why you do.
21. Do not lie. To me or yourself.
22. Your behavior in all situations is 100% on you. Own it or change it. These are the only options.
23. Ladies: If a man wants to be with you, he will always find a way to make that happen. I suppose the same can be said conversely.
24. Choosing not to engage means forfeiting your right to defend yourself against what others say. Know that, ultimately, this is still the best course of action - especially when you factor in karma, comeuppance, and the opportunity to secretly point and laugh later!
25. Never put anything in writing that cannot be aired publicly.
26. People will take advantage of you until you make them stop. The tricky bit is in the approach, and I can't help you with that.

So that's it. An updated version of my annual reminder - in no particular order. Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere else to be.