On this, my 40th birthday, I wanted to write down some of the things I have learned in my time. Some of them become less relevant as technology advances, but I’ve found them all to be true:
Your friends right now may not be your friends 10 years from now. And that’s okay. Just don’t be weird when you see them then.
Even the most-beautiful person you’ve ever met would change something about his/her body.
If you love it, do it. Who cares if other people think it’s odd?
Simpsons references are always funny. Homer reading the album cover as “This Things I Believe” still makes me laugh.
The 2014 mix between chivalry and equality can be very confusing for a guy. Just do what feels right and let her reaction guide you.
I wish I’d shopped at the dollar store when I was furnishing my first apartment.
Find a partner who challenges you and inspires you to leave your comfort zone.
I’m glad a friend gave me The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton when I was 20. That book changed me.
You’re as good at your job as your boss thinks you are. If you think you’re better than that, find a boss that does too.
- Canadian man dies during Texas Ironman event. His widow wants answers as to why
- ‘Shock and disbelief’ after Manitoba school trustee’s Indigenous comments
- Several baby products have been recalled by Health Canada. Here’s the list
- ‘Sciatica was gone’: hospital performs robot-assisted spinal surgery in Canadian first
Even if someone knows more than you, your knowledge is still valuable. And it may be very valuable to her.
I wish I’d never started drinking pop.
People are many things at once. Faron Hall was a hero, a criminal and an alcoholic. I’ve known giving people who are only out for themselves. Or you could be outgoing and shy. No one fits neatly into one box.
Seinfeld is the best TV show ever.
If you have a chance to talk to someone who’s in the 99th percentile in the world of what they do (be it diabetes research, barbecue or interior design), do it.
Spend money on stuff you’ll use for a long time. If you’re going to want to redecorate in five years, you don’t need to pay top-dollar for top-quality today.
Fame is fleeting. In my lifetime Josh Hartnett, Blu Cantrell and the kid from Jerry Maguire were the next big thing.
I’m glad I read Life’s Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Buying fever is very, very real. Just realize that he is trying to sell you something, not necessarily something you want. And sleep on it.
On some level, everyone is full of crap.
Pete Rose should never get into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Your parents never taught you to be polite to people who are trying to rob you. Hang up on them or walk away.
It’s fun to figure out how stuff works.
Wilt Chamberlain is the greatest basketball player ever. Michael Jordan is #2.
I’m glad I read If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer. It is fascinating to read OJ Simpson try to cast himself as a hard-luck case who was at the mercy of a crazy woman.
The internet is the best and worst thing ever. Exchange of knowledge—good. Trolls, bullying and slander—bad.
The phone is there for your convenience, not the caller’s.
If someone isn’t as good as you at something, don’t step in and do it for them. They may learn something. And you’re not really in a hurry.
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