Things I've learned so far

I read, and loved, this post on the Happiness Project about keeping track of "things learned." I can never resist the opportunity to make a list, nor reflect on the principles I try to live by.

So, here's my list of Things Learned in my 23 years:

Wealth

• Whenever you have an extra dollar, put it in savings.
• If you have a particular skill, offer to share it with the worthy organizations and people that cross your path. Pro bono work will enhance your skills, relationships and self-esteem.
• Buy secondhand whenever possible. Doing so will save you money and help the environment, and over time you will learn to appreciate the beauty of pre-loved items.
• Being rich has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with how much love, gratitude and happiness is in your heart.

Consumerism

• Never give in to the lure of a sale. A low price is not enough to make you love an item you would otherwise not buy.
• Wear shoes as expensive as you can afford. They will be comfortable and last longer than cheap shoes.
• If a pair of shoes is a little tight, don't count on them to relax. Pass on them and find a pair that fits.
• Never wear plastic on your feet, especially in summer.
• Always wear shoes you can walk in. You never know when a sit-down event will turn into an adventure.
• If a restaurant is empty, don't eat there.
• Many of the most popular restaurants serve crappy food.
• When in doubt, eat at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant.
• When shopping for clothes/accessories/cosmetics, buy only what you love.
• When at Trader Joe's and you see something you like to eat, buy two instead of one.
• Diamonds are not all they're cracked up to be. This goes for most things that are fetishized.
• When buying antiques, always turn an item over before buying it.

Joy and Kindness

• Whenever you want to shout or cry, laugh instead.
• Habits are fine, as long as they are productive habits that feed your long-term wealth and/or happiness.
• Take care of something: a pet, a plant, a family heirloom. It will teach you that to give love is to increase your capacity for love and empathy.
• Be nice to your parents. You never know when you will need them.
• If someone pisses you off, kill them with kindness.
• A true friend is a treasure.
• Karma may not be real, but acting like it is real will make you a kinder, more compassionate person.
• Treat others how you would like to be treated. This will never, ever let you down.

Common Sense and Counter-Intuition

• Never throw up into a headwind.
• Easy, short bursts of housework increase my energy and make me feel a disproportionate sense of accomplishment.
• Always wear sunscreen, and bring a small bottle of it wherever you go, in case you decide on a whim to go for a long walk, play on the beach, etc.
• If you're going to do something, do it right. Don't give into the lure of putting forth a half-assed effort.
• The first person to raise their voice loses the argument.
• If you want something, ask nicely for it. You'll be surprised by what you get simply by being calm, polite and laying out your case.
• Fake it til you make it.
• Accept compliments with a gracious smile and a thank-you.
• Accept criticism with a gracious smile and a thank-you.
• Where there's a will, there's a way.
• Learn how much alcohol you can handle, and stick to your limit. This is a social skill as important as being a good conversationalist.
• When in doubt, put cheese on it (food) or sleep on it (ideas/decisions).
• Never write something on the Internet or in an email that you wouldn't want published on the front page of the New York Times.

Health

• Make exercise joyous. Slaving away in a gym is not joyous: dancing, hiking and cycling are.
• Don't rely on pills to cure all your minor aches and pains. Go to the root of the problem. Maybe you have a headache because you spend too much time at the computer; maybe you ache because you're not getting enough sleep. Address the root, not the symptom.
• Be respectful, friendly, outgoing and forthcoming with your doctor, and you will get the best care.

Relationships and Emotions

• Constantly being the Martyr or Victim will get you sympathy in the short run, but in the long run it will make people lose respect for you.
• Feeling resentful is like taking poison and expecting another person to die.
• If a member of the opposite sex doesn't like you, there's little you can do to change that. Forget him/her and move on to someone who actively appreciates you.
• You’ll find love as soon as you stop looking for it.
• Being pretty is not enough. It helps to be charming, pleasant, open-minded and adventurous.

Miscellaneous

• Age brings wisdom. Making mistakes is one of the few ways to truly learn.
• 90% of computer problems can be solved by A) restarting the computer or B) jiggling cords.
• I am not a morning person, and there is no shame in that.
• If you want to learn more about a certain subject, read a book about it.
• Strive for excellence, not perfection.
• Embrace skepticism, but reject cynicism.
• Seeing what works for others is one thing. Finding out what works for YOU is quite another

What are your own "things learned"?