All of us have probably seen more “Lists About How To Live Life” than we could possibly ever incorporate into our daily routine.  Googling “lists how to live life” brings up twelve pages and counting of entries…sites like “How To Live Life to Your Full Potential,” “Simple Living Manifesto,” and “A Guide to Life and Lists to Live By.” No matter how useful any individual site might be, we couldn’t be faulted for feeling inundated with suggestions, tips, recommendations, and reminders.

And here I am offering you yet one more list!

Why? 

Once in a while, someone sends me a list that has entries on it that truly do make me stop and think. Words that bring me up short in an eye-opening way.

Recently a lawyer friend of mine sent me a list called “Instructions for Life.” This list is attributed to the Dali Lama, although I cannot vouch that he is the author. I can vouch for the usefulness to me of several of the items in the list.

For instance, when I read, “Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it,” I think: “That is a useful measure to use in making decisions for the coming year.”

And coming upon item #4, “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck,” I sigh and say to myself, “Isn’t that the truth!”

So, for any of the 19 items in this list, “Instructions for Life,” from which you create value for yourself, thank either the Dalai Lama or some anonymous person who was wise enough for her or his work to be attributed to that lovely man.

Instructions for Life

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R’s: Respect for self, Respect for others and Respect for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

Have a wonderful New Year!

Elizabeth