Day 10: Secrets

So here we are at the last day of the challenge. I have to say, I've been dreading this one a little. I know I could throw out some funny, jokey little secrets, but I don't think I have ten of them. I certainly don't want to reveal any serious secrets to the Internets... my secrets are usually completely secret. Either no one at all knows them, or just one or two people. And I don't think there's anyone in this world who knows all of them. So yeah, not blog material. So I decided I'd share with you 10 secrets I've learned to make my days happy. I used to be so angry and tense, and in the last few years I've definitely mellowed out. I'm sure some of this has to do with age, but I also learned some lessons.

10. Store avocado/guacamole with the pit to prevent browning. Because nothing can ruin your day like icky brown avocado.

9. It's only money/stuff. Even now, being a relatively poor student, I don't let money hassles get me down. I understand there are people out there in way more dire circumstances than I, but I suspect most people fall into my category: have enough for what I need, not enough for what I want. Despite that, I am so thankful to have family and friends who love me and support me. That trumps money and things every time.

8. It takes nothing away from you to be nice. Let someone else go before you. Say please and thank you. Smile. Doing these things take nothing from your day except perhaps a moment of your time, but being polite adds something to other people's days, as well as yours. And who knows, maybe if enough people do it, manners will make a comeback!

7. You're never too old. I learned this from the folks I used to work with at the assisted living home. The most vibrant, vital ones were the ones always craving new information, the curious ones. The ones who wouldn't accept age as a limitation. I'm sure they had some influence over my decision to start a Master's program at 35.

6. Don't take too many medicines. Another lesson from the home. The healthiest, happiest residents were the ones who took the least medication, and who had never taken medication in their lives. I've been lucky enough to not need much in my life, but it's definitely a goal of mine to be able to avoid meds in the future.

5. Get out into the sunshine. Even if all you can get is a ten minute break from work sitting outside. It makes the rainy days more bearable to know you've enjoyed the sunny ones as much as you can.

4. Always choose kindness. Making another person happy makes you happy. Period.

3. Give. Money, time, compassion, whatever you have. What good is it if you hoard it all to yourself.

2. Be passionate. About something, anything. I mean something that affects the entire world. I'm passionate about animals and their care and welfare. My BFF is passionate about children's rights to medical care. Other people are passionate about the environment. We don't all have to agree or care about the same things to the same level, but everyone should care about something. It'll make the world a better place.

1. Forgive. It's not easy, but carrying around hate and discontent really is worse for you than the person you're harboring those feelings against. Forgiveness is something I constantly struggle with. I'll think I've done it, and then I find myself having to start all over again. But I really do feel better in those moments when I hold no ill will in my heart at all.

So that's that! I know I said I'd take a knitting picture, but that didn't pan out obviously. I've made progress though! Hopefully I'll get this vest done in the next week!