12 important facts of life

I’ve dispensed a lot of advice in recent years. Here are 12 facts of life I’ve learned that will help you to navigate this crazy and wonderful world.

1. For every positive there is a negative and for every negative there is a positive. Don’t expect that everything in life will be perfect according to your standards, and don’t believe that bad things always will happen in your world. Life is a roller coaster, so relax, take your hands off the bar and enjoy the ride.

2. You will fail. Consider those learning experiences. Success in life couldn’t be measured or appreciated if there weren’t obstacles and setbacks along the way.

3. Not everyone will like you. Don’t worry about them. Learn to like yourself. Not to the point of narcissism, but enough to appreciate your talents, your beauty and your personality – all the traits that make you you.

4. You can't have your own way all the time. All relationships require compromise and sharing. It’s all a matter of give and take. And the more you give, the more you will get back, sometimes in ways you never imagined. 

5. There are things you will want that you can't afford. Don't buy them anyway. Most times, those things that you considered so important at one point will be less valuable later. You will appreciate and value the things that you save for and wait for until you can afford them.

6. Embrace your skills. They are gifts. There may be things you want to do that you aren't good at, and you can work to become good at them. Or you can focus on what you are good at and use it to help others. I wanted music to be my passion, but I came to realize that I could do more good through my writing. In the end what matters most is discovering and using the God-given talent you have. You have many blessings, including some you may not recognize. Embrace them. Develop them. Use them.

7. People will talk about you behind your back. Make sure what they are saying are good things because you chose to do the right things in life. If the things they are saying aren’t true, the only way to prove them wrong is by living the right way. If you do, others eventually will come to know the truth.

8. You won't get some promotions you want, you won't be paid what you think you are worth and you won’t get all of the credit you deserve. Don’t let those things stop you from doing your best. Sometimes the rewards and recognition are in your own satisfaction or in the success of those around you.

9. Treat people with respect and kindness. Chances are you don’t really know others’ circumstances. You gain nothing through rudeness and cruelty. Everyone benefits from tolerance and understanding. Everyone deserves dignity.

10. Learn to listen, and listen to learn. 

11. You will die. Aim to make the most out of the time that you're alive and leave something good for those you leave behind. Spend time with those who are most important in your life, and don’t waste your years, hours or even minutes extending conflict, holding grudges and refusing to forgive. Your days on earth are limited, but your love can be infinite.

12. God will always be there for you. He will not abandon you. He will not fail. That’s a promise.