life's little instruction book volume 1

so i will be writing about my lovely long weekend soon, but for now, i have been reading this book my parents got me for graduation. it is entitled 'the complete life's little instruction book'. i have typed out my favorites from volume one, either ones i really like, or ones i need to do:


1. compliment three people every day
6. have a firm handshake
8. look people in the eye
14.buy great books, even if you never read them.
38. make new friends but cherish the old ones
41. never refuse homemade brownies
42. don’t postpone joy
63. use your wit to amuse, not abuse.
68. always accept an outstretched hand
70. whistle
75. ride a bike
94. make a habit to do nice things for people who’ll never find it out.
122. stop and read historical roadside markers
127. wear audacious underwear under the most solemn business attire
133. when someone is relating an important event that’s happened to them, don’t try to top them with a story of your own. Let them have the stage.
158. be tough-minded but tender hearted
164. avoid negative people
178. be kinder than necessary
183. let people know what you stand for – and what you won’t stand for
184. don’t forget, a person’s need is to feel appreciated
194. eat less red meat
203. show respect for all living things
205. choose work that is in harmony with your values
206. loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it seems
227. when someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go
230. keep good company
253. take good care of those you love
261. don’t gossip
262 don’t nag
289. get and stay in shape
290. find some other way of proving your manhood than by shooting defenseless animals and birds
292. don’t spread yourself too thin. Learn to say no politely and quickly
330. every so often push your luck
323 rekindle old friendhips
340 reread your favorite book
353 be there when people need you
354 never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them
360. never eat the last cookie
367. remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who help you.
381. be loyal
382. understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.
383 street musicians are a treasure. Stop for a moment and listen; then leave a small donation.
398. if you’re going to be weird, be confident about it
400. begin each day with your favorite music.
413. be enthusiastic about the success of others
419. get your priorties straight. No one ever said on his death bed, “gee, if I’d only spent more time at the office”
430. have a friend who owns a truck
442, laugh a lot. A good sense of humor cures almost all of life’s ills.
443. never compromise your integrity
444. never underestimate the power of a kind word or deed.
455. show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
460. look for opportunities to make people feel important
461. don’t miss the magic of the moment by focusing on what’s to come.
462. don’t use time or words carefully. Neither can be retrieved
474. don’t expect others to listen to your advice and ignore the example
485. patronize local merchants even if it costs a bit more
503. be alert for opportunities to show praise and appreciation
504.commit yourself to quality.
509. marry only for love