I love making lists, the rush of dopamine I feel when I cross a task off is great. I will even put items on the list that I have already completed just to scratch it off. A nice pen or pencil to use on paper makes me more than positive that the day will turn out okay. But I also love quotes. My first bullet journal was filled to the brim with quotes that I found on the internet with the hope that just writing it done and reading it randomly sometime during the day will keep everything right side up. Naïve if you ask me but it was my thing for the longest and though I don’t hold tight to this ritual anymore, there is comfort in it when I am able to get up early on a Sunday morning, make a mass list of things I need to do for the week with ice coffee in my hand, a view of the outdoors, and lofi jazz playing in the background. It is grounding in a way that hobbies have never been able to do for me. Some people run, others play an instrument, some clean, I make list and think of quotes that I encourage me to strive for better. The action of placing every errand thought I have on paper, outside of my head gives me peace and I’m most happy when my environment reflects how I want my insides to be. Hand me a set of tools and I shall build myself …a life. Below is a combination of the two, since I wouldn’t call them rules to follow or tasks that have to be completed every day. The way you want to use it is up to you, all decisions or information that you may soak in as you interact with the world around is relative to how you feel and where your path is taking you.
1. make your bed every day, even if it's right before you get in it.
2. travel light through life. keep only what you need. (think necessity not minimalist)
3. it’s okay when you're hurt. it’s also okay to take out your rage; but when you’re done, wash your face, eat, sit down, and get back to work
4. Contrary to belief, curse words can be used intellectually and used properly are the most effective tool in your tool belt. That being said, know who you’re talking to and be aware of who is within ear shot
5. depending on your beliefs, your soul is the only thing you are born with that is truly yours in the world and it stays with you until you die so surround yourself with people and go to places that touch your soul. Feed it like you would a pet
6. just because you can, doesn't mean you always should.
7. The 5-second rule works. Dirt is more natural and organic than any processed food you put in your mouth.
8. Men need woman to exist not the other way around
9. happiness is not a permanent state. wholeness is. do not confuse these.
10. if you're staying more than one night, unpack your bag.
11. never walk through an alley alone. (especially in the dark).
12. be less sugar, more spice, and only as nice as you're able to without compromising yourself.
13. can't is a cop-out. won’t is a choice. Use them accordingly
14. hold your heroes to a high standard until one day you are equals
15. if you can't smile with your eyes, don't smile. insincerity is nothing to aspire to.
16. never lie to yourself.
17. your body, your rules.
18. if you have an opinion, you better know why.
19. develop your passions.
20. ask for what you want, but don’t give power to people who don’t have it in the first place. Sometimes no one can give you what you need but you
21. wish on stars and dandelions, then get to work to make them happen.
22. stay as sweet as you are. If that is sweet as honey, molasses, sugar, or agave that is your choice.
23. fall in love often. particularly with ideas, art, music, literature, food and far-off places. It takes time for boys to grow into men so there will be time for that later
24. fall hard and forever in love with nothing but yourself.
25. say please, thank you, and pardon me, whenever the situation warrants it.
26. reserve "im sorry" for when you truly meant. Jon snow once said if every one started saying things, they don’t mean than words stop meaning anything. One day your word may be the only currency you have and its value will need to be high
27. naps are for grown-ups too but the government doesn’t want you to stop working because we secretly are just hamsters stuck on a wheel. If we don’t work, everything falls apart
28. question everything, except your own intuition.
29. you have enough. you are enough.
30. your silence is stronger than you realize and your back is more dangerous than you know. when the world wants your voice and your attention the best thing is to give neither
31. be happy and remember your roots, history informs you of the past while it guides you through the future
32. say what you mean and mean what you say. When you can’t find the words then don’t say anything at all
33. be kind; see yourself in every person you come across and you’ll never have to live with regret.
