Guiding Principles

1. Each Person Is Worthwhile

Without a doubt, you can learn something from every human being you meet in your life, if you really try. Everyone has something of value to say or add. Avoid classifying people as "too stupid" or "too smart" or too this or too that. We are all human beings, and I think often times we forget how deep the implications of this fact are.

2. Embrace Loved Ones

There seems to be fewer things more precious in life than developing genuine bonds with the people around you in your daily life. For many years, I didn't really seem to understand what it meant to put a real, focused effort into such relationships. I just of just assumed they happened or they didn't. I'm glad I can now experience what it is like to have people close to you. What is better than this?

3. Enjoy The Moment

Over the last couple of years I have become intrigued by the experienced passage of time. At once, life seems as though it takes forever while also passing by at breakneck speeds (have you ever thought about a particular event or something and thought, "That happened six months ago?"). It has made me think about the inevitability of aging. It has made me think about the times when I have seen people in late adulthood who have seemingly spent their entire lives going through the motions. It is easy to think, "Well I'm glad that isn't me." But the thing is, life is indifferent, and that could become any one of us. We only get one shot down here on Earth, so make it count. Look at the sky every once in awhile!

4. Be Curious

I have come to learn that I get a particular thrill from learning something new, or placing myself as a complete beginner in any given domain. This seemingly inexhaustible reservoir of curiosity is what I think people are referring to when they say things like "keep your youth," or "remain as a child in adulthood." There is something so freeing about never being done with learning new things.

5. Don't Fear Failure

This is closely related with the former point. If someone finds the time, I would encourage them to sit down and think about the pros and cons of either choosing a life of safety or choosing a life of risk and adventure. The simple fact is, no matter which path you choose, you're going to die anyway. So why the heck would you play it safe and boring, if it won't save you in the end anyway? Of course I think this mindset sort of changes once one becomes married and has children or whatever. But, I think as young single person, you should try to fail as much as possible--seriously. It can be kind of fun, and you learn a hell of a lot about yourself and what you're capable of along the way. How else are you gonna figure those things out?

6. Be Optimistic

The world we live in is very cruel and unfair. This is simply true. However, it is best if we worry about the things we can directly change, and we may come to learn that we can change a lot more than we think. Having the ability to summon an optimistic view in the most critical situations seems to almost be a superpower.