1. Kindness is important

The saying goes that you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, but kindness should not stem from a desire for personal gain. Rather, treating others with respect should become habitual. To say that it would make the world a better place is idealist, to argue that it would facilitate communication is pragmatic.

2. Be honest

Virtue is hard to build and easy to destroy.

3. Allow yourself the company of like-minded people.

But do not close yourself to the other side. There is far more that unites us than divides us across borders of country, religion, culture, and time.

4. Do not obsess over what people "should" do.

Human error and rationalization occur on an individual scale before they occur globally, so before you question the actions of others, identify their feelings in yourself. Know that you hold within yourself the same capacities for hatred and love as anyone who has ever lived.

5. Sleep well.

At its very least, sleep is a medical necessity. More than that it allows you to gather thoughts and explore your subconscious through dreams. Take ownership of that time and set it aside, though you are not awake it is still a part of your life.

6. Strive for perfection, accept balance.

Ideas of perfection will change as you age, but balance is understanding how to adapt with them.

7. Know the value of a compromise

Because everything in this world is made up anyway.

8. Take advice from people older than you

Age brings more than the passage of time.

9. The universe is always expanding, and so can your heart, mind, and resolve.

There is no part of the human spirit that when it breaks cannot be repaired.

10. Most people are doing the best they can

Understand the sacrifices people will make on behalf of their religion, children, and pride.

11. Be comfortable in your own skin

More than just looking good, it’s understanding your body as it, you know, keeps you alive. You are not required to “love” every freckle on your skin, but accept the things you cannot change and change the things you can. An “ideal body” is not a goal, it’s a state of living.

12. Create and follow rituals

Life is uncertain and change is disconcerting; wherever you can create continuity to ground yourself. Mundane tasks like making a bed, grocery shopping, going to church on Sundays, provide at least a semblance of stability.

13. Dance and sing when it pleases you.

Because life is short and there is nothing wrong with being the person at the party who looks like they’re having fun.

14. Find something to love

It can be a plant, a dog, a friend, a project. Find something you can give to and expect nothing in return. It’s fulfilling.

15. Read whenever possible.

We are born loving stories.

16. Emotions are temporary; let them flow through you.

You emotions are a part of your mind but not its whole, any large decision can wait for one night’s sleep.

17. Always be learning.

Even useless skills cultivate the discipline required to learn them. The world is miraculous, and nothing exists in isolation.

18. Listen when people explain their dreams.

Both literal REM-sleep dreams and figurative idealistic ones.

19. Live like you are the most important person in your universe and like no one owes you anything for it.