Our son is listening to How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. So good! As we were walking tonight, he shared three foundational principles we tried to pass along to our kids that he heard again from Carnegie:
- Love your neighbor as yourself.
- Work Hard. Play Hard.
- Trust, but verify.
And then we came up with a couple more: Be Bold & Be Humble. (Don shared this with Gabe on his 13th bday) & Always bring a gift/always bring value.
It reminded me of the list I created around my 50th birthday this year. It’s hard to believe I’m 50 now, and I’m so grateful for all the wonderful experiences and relationships I have enjoyed so far. Here are 50 practical tips for life that are all things I have done/seek to do that have been a blessing. I hope that they can inspire you or encourage you in some way towards good things, too. Feel free to share your own tips in the comments area!
1. Smile, God loves you. Really and truly.
2. Meet a new person/make a new friend every day.
3. Visit all the National Parks.
4. “Just add water” (thank you, Melanie Domen) – find waterfalls, lakes, rivers, creeks, oceans.
5. Hike every day.
6. Marry your best friend.
7. Work through Soul Care by Dr. Rob Reimer.
8. Find friends who believe, “The more the merrier.”
9. Write thank you notes.
10. Walk after every meal (and right when you wake up).
11. Start a business.
12. Find out your Culture Index.
13. Share as many dinners as you can with your family.
14. Have an open door policy for your home.
15. Read books out loud to your kids.
16. Sit outside and talk with your spouse every day.
17. Make a book of photos and letters for your kids when they turn 13 or 18 or 21 or get married…
18. Memorize I Corinthians 13 and Psalm 91 and Phil 4:4-8 (and live them out).
19. Get your genetic test panel done (Dr. Kendal Stewart).
20. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
21. Love your kids’ friends (and your friends’ kids).
22. Put out healthy snacks for your kids and enjoy the conversations as they gather around.
23. Watch sunsets together.
24. Make slideshows for your family.
25. Live in a neighborhood that’s easy to walk around.
26. Learn to snowboard (or ski haha).
27. Stay away from inflammatory food and drinks.
28. Play tennis or pickle ball.
29. Pray always and trust in the Lord.
30. Text people when they come to mind.
31. Homeschool your kids for a while.
32. Read Living Fearless by Jamie Winship.
33. Understand the spiritual realm – good, evil – Jesus wins.
34. Mentor someone younger than you; find a mentor you admire.
35. Spend time regularly in the mountains.
36. Give people the benefit of the doubt – pray blessings for people who annoy you.
37. Strength train 3-4x/week.
38. You get to pick what you dwell/focus on – make sure it’s good.
39. You reap what you sow – sow good things.
40. Protect your sleep and rest – recharge often.
41. Travel abroad.
42. Shower your kids with love – let them know you really like who they are.
43. Create playlists that remind you of different seasons in your life
44. Celebrate friends’ birthdays together.
45. Make sure people know what you love about them.
46. Have a blog, newsletter, podcast, etc – a place where you can share insights and resources.
47. Find a great church and join a small group.
48. Say yes.
49. Get involved with YoungLife.
50. Take lots of pictures and videos. Remember all the good times and blessings from the Lord.
Sonya Dalrymple 
I concur! Sent from my iPhone
Number 6 makes life so rich and full! Thank you, my best friend.
Loved the tips and love love love you! 😘Sent from my iPhone