Always take the high road.

Wear sunscreen.

Take pictures with your friends. When a very dear friend died I was so upset that we didn't have a photo with him.

Great thread. I really like the reminder to be your own parent.

Anonymous wrote:One life lesson is that is am a lousy parent and should have not had children My ds is depressed and failing at school. he has no friends. Never had a girlfriend and is very lonely. He is on Zoloft which helps with the negative thoughts he cannot control Now it is the stress of being around me his parent that he can't handle he thinks we are always disappointed and he should just stay away

I have done everything I could for him. And it just has not mattered. He was ostracized in middle school and picked on in high school and the few friends he had abandoned him junior year. Would tell him to meet at movie at mall and never show up
Now social media is such a negative impact. He is a loser online and no on will take chance and make a friend

I am a failure at the most important thing in my life

I'm so sorry! Many people really do suck!

I am 66 and still learning

But here are a few things I have found:

Stay married unless you are in an abusive relationship; love is hard, it ebbs and flows, but after the first 25 year marriage gets easier

Don't try and solve all your children's problems; just be present and express your love and confidence in them

Don't accumulate so much stuff; life is easier with fewer things around, value experiences more than objects

Grandchildren are as great as everyone says, maybe better. If you are lucky enough to have them enjoy every minute.

Ask for help if you need it.

Save a little more each month if you can, you are going to need it later.

Try and have fun, you will be happier and so will those around you.

Be your own best friend and your own patent. Take care of yourself and be patient with yourself.

Anonymous wrote:
Take better care of your teeth.

This. To the nth degree (thanks anyway, mom)

Never take anything serious...

Love unconditionally...

Admit when wrong...

Don't be jealous, callous, gossipy...

Empathy...

Be there for Family and Friends as they are there for you....

Enjoy what you are doing today. Take time to sit with kids, talk and put your arm around them. See what happening in their lives and say things you wanted your parents to say to you. Time flies by...

Apologize to your teens when you are in the wrong.

This is one of the better threads on DCUM.

Lots of really good shares in this thread.



Here is an oldie but a goodie:

No one ever says on their death bed, "Gee, I wish I had spent more time at the office."

Eat better and exercise all the way through life.

- treat everyone with respect and compassion, there but for the grace of (insert deity etc here) go you

- pay yourself first (save)

- the secret to early retirement is low overhead

- don't lend money (expect to get it back)

- my father said "make everyone your friend but choose your companions"

Don't put off taking a family or group picture until every single person is present. Take a picture of the people who ARE there because some of them might not be around the next time there is a reunion.

You only have your kids with you a short time. What do you want them to remember about that time?

Do not accumulate too much stuff. No one wants your old junk for any price unless it was super valuable to begin with---then be prepared to sell it at a fraction.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No one is thinking about you as much as you think they are.

Amen 110%

+1

Unbelievable how many grown ups don't know this!