1. Stop reacting. This is something that you eventually learn as you get older.  Save your energy for the things that matter.
2. Negative thoughts: Our minds are like cheap AM radios.  There are no filters.  You are not your thoughts.  Look at your thoughts with a detachment.  
3. Habitual business. Where did you pick this up?  If you base your worth on how busy you are, you will miss chances to connect in meaningful ways with others.
4. There is emotional drama around us all the time, walk away from it. It drains your energy.
5. Comparing yourself, to others has no benefits. Start by being thankful for what you have.  Wanting what others have, means you find yourself incomplete.
6. Practice being in the moment. Look around you.  Let all your senses connect to the moment and breathe,
7. If you want to become lighter, give up everything that weighs you down.
8. To change, you must first give up the things in life which no longer serve you.
9. No one has the same reality. Stop thinking everyone should see things your way.  We’re all on our own  Ask questions.  Be humble.
10. Being yourself is very important. It’s the most beautiful and powerful form of rebellion.
11. It’s both a blessing and a curse to feel things so very strongly.
12. The only mistake is a missed opportunity to learn from it.
13. Stop worrying about what others think of you. You’re not that important.  People do things because of themselves.  Worrying serves no useful purpose.
14. Fear is a feeling, not a fact. Walk into your fears on a daily basis.  It’s the best way to gain strength and self-confidence.  Take more chances.
15. Keep yourself, and your mind open. Don’t hate what you don’t know.
16. When you truly don’t care what others think of you, you’ve reached a dangerous awesome level of freedom.
17. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else. Everyone no matter who, is struggling with something.
18. Spend more time with people that make you laugh. Keep them close.
19. Cultivate empathy, hope, joy, love, and peace.
20. There are no “shoulds,” only the present moment.
21. When you start seeing your worth, you’ll find it harder to be around others who don’t.
22. Your only challenge in this life is to silence the mind.
23. Practice saying or thinking “Thank you.” Gratitude attracts prosperity.
24. Don’t wait for things to happen, make them yourself.
25. Never confuse education with intelligence.
26. Silence is better than bullshit. Listen, let others talk.
27. Old behaviors won’t open new doors.
28. Stop apologizing for your emotions.
29. Kindness is not an act. It is a lifestyle.
30. Be yourself; the façade is so hard to carry.
31. You don’t have to be perfect, just good.
32. The trouble is you think you have time lots of time to change.
33. The words you speak become the house you live in.
34. A sense of humor goes a long way in clearing conflict, doubts, and depression.

John Shinavier, MA is a Life and Career Coach