Life's Little Instructions

On our honeymoon, my husband and I bought a framed poster entitled ‘Life’s Little Instructions’. We were in the fabulous city of New Orleans - a city known more for good times than homey how-to’s on living a good and decent life.

Despite this, or maybe because of it, the sweet, wise, timeless advice has been hanging on the bathroom wall of our cottage ever since. The author was never named, but it’s full of little zingers that make you go ‘hmmmm’.

Here it is, for your enjoyment, in its entirety.

LIFE’S LITTLE INSTRUCTIONS

• Sing in the shower.

• Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

• Watch a sunrise at least once a year.

• Never refuse homemade brownies.

• Strive for excellence, not perfection.

• Plant a tree on your birthday.

• Learn three clean jokes.

• Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full.

• Compliment three people every day.

• Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.

• Keep it simple.

• Think big thoughts but relish small pleasures.

• Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

• Floss your teeth.

• Ask for a raise when you feel you’ve earned it.

• Be forgiving of yourself and others.

• Overtip breakfast waitresses.

• Say “thank you” a lot.

• Say “please” a lot.

• Avoid negative people.

• Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.

• Wear polished shoes.

• Remember other people’s birthdays.

• Commit yourself to constant improvement.

• Carry jumper cables in your trunk.

• Have a firm handshake.

• Send lots of Valentine cards.

• Look people in the eye.

• Be the first to say “Hello”.

• Use the good silver.

• Return all things you borrow.

• Make new friends but cherish the old ones.

• Keep secrets.

• Sing in a choir.

• Plant flowers every spring.

• Have a dog.

• Always accept an outstretched hand.

• Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

• Wave at kids on school buses.

• Be there when people need you.

• Feed a stranger’s expired parking meter.

• Don’t expect life to be fair.

• Never underestimate the power of love.

• Drink champagne for no reason at all.

• Live your life as an exclamation, not an explanation.

• Don’t be afraid to say “I made a mistake”.

• Don't be afraid to say “I don’t know”.

• Compliment even small improvements.

• Keep your promises (no matter what).

• Marry only for love.

• Rekindle old friendships.

• Count your blessings.

• Call your mother.