75 Things I Believe In

We all believe in certain things, and the sum of those beliefs really defines us. As a father and grandfather, I hope to pass on some of my beliefs to those loved ones that follow me, while letting them decide the beliefs they choose to follow. Being less than perfect, I do not always do, or have not done, everything I suggest below. But I do, or have done, most and believe in the rest. Your list would be different and maybe much better, but after you write down such a list, you will know yourself better. But to really know yourself, let friends and family grade you on how well it describes you. I expect it could very much be an eye-opener. Here goes.

I believe in the following thoughts/ideas:

1. Be able to pass a citizenship test
2. Moderation in all things
3. Use technology, but don’t let it use you
4. Let your good deeds be discovered, not announced
5. Serve in the military or some civic service
6. Occasionally give each of your children your undivided attention
7. Pick up random bits of litter
8. Make fresh air a priority
9. Desire perfection but accept a best effort
10. Visit other countries and other parts of your country
11. Visit people in a nursing home
12. Take care of babies and toddlers for a week before having your own
13. Work with those of different ethnicity
14. Eat less, move more
15. Reward yourself occasionally
16. Earn what you take
17. Be generous with what you earn
18. Study history
19. Notice things
20. Rethink having earphones on in public
21. Occasionally take deep breaths
22. Be a mentor to someone
23. Smile honestly
24. Make every attempt  to be on time
25. Take long walks
26. Be responsible for something
27. Do what you say you will do
28. Never smoke that first cigarette
29. Understand risk and consequences 
30. Take a parenting class/test prior to having a child
31. Stop at lemonade stands
32. Respond to all reasonable requests, even if it’s no.
33. Have a workable plan
34. Have an informed opinion
35. Watch the movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life”
36. Remember the good, forget the bad, but learn from both
37. Trust your instincts 
38. Go to farmer’s markets
39. Don’t accept the rude behavior of others (unless they can beat you up)
40. Never tailgate, except at sporting events
41. Save at least 5% of whatever you earn, 10% or more is better
42. Wave to folks in sparely populated areas
43. Have some knowledge of etiquette
44. Look up at billowy white clouds
45. Dress properly for the occasion 
46. Argue respectfully
47. Never be patronizing
48. Make eye contact
49. Governments should make laws, enforce laws, and interpret laws—as seldom as possible
50. Never use the f-word (except, maybe, when you stub your toe, etc.)
51. Buy locally when possible
52. Give family the benefit of doubt, while being the toughest to convince.
53. Think outwardly, not inwardly
54. If you move away, always root for your home team
55. Let cashiers know if you were undercharged (or overcharged)
56. Never forget the big picture 
57. Violence is a display of fear and ignorance
58. Whistle while you’re alone, but rarely in public.
59. Know the friends of your kids
60. Wear seatbelts/helmets because your smart, not because it’s the law
61. Never text while driving, even if you think you’re good at it.
62. Give in sometimes, but not at the wrong times.
63. Swing your arms when you walk, slightly.
64. Be patriotic! But not ‘idiotic’ patriotic.
65. Never stop learning
66. Keep busy
67. Never be drunk and/or naked in front of your kids
68. Respect the customs of others, especially in their homes and/or country 
69. Ask a lot of questions, especially at your doctor’s and insurance agent’s
70. Call your mom
71. If you have a good relationship with your dad, you won’t have to call him, but do.
72. Go out of your way to be kind to those who need kindness the most
73. Think, but not always
74. The best things in life are free, you just have to notice them.
75. The core family is the most important social unit on earth--it needs help

If you disagree with anything, that means you are not me. And that is a good thing for you.
Thanks for taking time to read!

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