Son, you’re going off to college. It’s a big step, and one that we know you’re ready for. There will be lots of challenges — some you may expect, and others you didn’t. All the things you’ve been told and taught and retold over the years will come into play when you’re out on your own. Some of it will be obvious, and whatever wasn’t, you will probably remember right when you need it.
These 42 things are certainly not exhaustive, but they’re important. Many of them you already know, and some of them may sound repetitious, but that’s how you know they come from your dad!
We love you, and we’re both very proud of you, son. Work hard and have fun!
- Always show appreciation and gratitude — take nothing and nobody for granted.
- Love, laugh, and try not to take everything in life too seriously.
- Never allow anybody to compromise your personal values.
- Maintain a healthy “signal-to-noise ratio” in your life.
- Continue learning how to set appropriate boundaries with people.
- Find reasons to show compassion to others and give freely of your time.
- Admit it when you’re wrong, be sincere in your apology, do what you can to fix it, and then move on.
- Eat your vegetables — especially the dark green ones.
- Life isn’t a race. Slow down when you don’t need to be in a hurry and enjoy every step.
- No feeling or situation is permanent — ask for help if you need it.
- Plan ahead and try to be prepared.
- Seek out those who help you be the person you want to be.
- Learn and maintain healthy eating and activity habits now.
- Make time for those you love.
- Learn to cook basic, healthy meals (and at least one that will impress).
- Be courageous, but don’t be afraid to show your vulnerabilities.
- No matter how bad things may get, never buy single-ply toilet paper.
- Ask people questions during conversation and be interested in their replies.
- Take responsibility for your decisions, big and small.
- Make sure you’re getting enough sleep.
- Things online live forever. Post carefully.
- Don’t let little things get to you. Most of them just don’t really matter in the end.
- Do one thing at at time, and give each experience all of your attention.
- Avoid debt like the plague and learn to live with the money you have.
- Learn good lessons from your bad decisions (and the bad decisions of others).
- If you find yourself sucked into toxic relationships, cut your losses and get out.
- There is no such thing as luck. “Luck” is when opportunity meets preparation.
- Energy drinks will slowly kill you. Water is much better.
- Some things are just not worth arguing about (and you don’t have to win every argument). Find a “win-win” compromise whenever possible.
- Try not to take constructive criticism personally. Be gracious and use it as an opportunity to improve.
- Do your research before making an important decision.
- True happiness comes from within. Don’t expect someone else to do it for you.
- When in doubt, just take the next small step.
- The value of living an honest life cannot be overestimated.
- There are always two sides to every story, and the truth is usually somewhere in between.
- Being busy does not always mean being productive.
- Look for opportunities to give compliments to others.
- Feel the fear and then do it anyway.
- You are not your job or the stuff you own.
- Wash your bed sheets at least twice a month.
- Be curious about everything and never stop learning.
- Call us regularly and always remember that we love you.