21 for 21

I was invited to a 21st birthday party a few weeks ago.  It was for a friend’s son.  A kid I’ve known for most of his life.  What do you buy for a young man who’s turning 21?  I know it’s kind of a big deal.  I also thought a six-pack of beer or a bottle of Whisky might sent the wrong message. To his parents.  So instead of buying a brass coated, plastic key made in China, I opted for a framed list of 21 lessons I’ve learned during my life on this little blue ball.

And what kind of person would I be if I didn’t share those lessons with all of you? Here goes.

1. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Life is short enough.
2. Have a sense of humour. Laugh often. At yourself, then with others.
3. Don’t burn any bridges.  Literally and figuratively.
4. People can be real assholes sometimes.  Just remember you’re a people too.
5. Love and respect your parents. It’s the least you can do. You’ll thank me later.
6. Appreciate your family.  All of them. Siblings get better with age.
7. Respect alcohol.  If you don’t, it will bitch-slap you across the face.
8. Cherish your friends. They are the ones most likely to supply bail money.
9. Don’t be afraid to be different. Be unique. Never be boring.
10. Don’t evaluate beauty on looks alone.  It might only be make-up.
11. Find something you would do for free and make that a career.
12. If you can’t say something nice about another person, shut the fuck up.
13. When someone gives you a compliment, say thank you.  They’ve noticed greatness.
14. Don’t sweat the small stuff.  Pick your battles.  There will be many to choose from.
15. Don’t let any person treat you like a piece of shit.  Just walk away.
16. Love yourself.  It’s only then that you will be able to love others.
17. Don’t go to bed mad.  Sort the shit out.
18. When life blows you apart, you’re the only who can put yourself together.
19. Tattoo’s might seem like a good idea at the time.  It’s not.
20. Relationships is hard work. But it’s worth every drop of blood, sweat and tear.
21. Enjoy the party and remember don’t puke on a bed. Hangover cleaning sucks.

I also bought him a drinking game.  Everyone needs balance in their life. 😉