Tuesday, August 20, 2013

True Rules

Gretchen Rubin is the author of one of my favorite books, The Happiness Project.  In it, she shares something she calles True Rules of Adulthood.  The list below was written by my family on a short road trip to Springfield, Illinois to visit Mr. Lincoln.  I recently rediscovered them in one of my old journals.  Thought you might like to see them, too.


True Rules

God is good all the time.  All the time, God is good.

Enjoy Sloane's childhood now.  It passes so quickly.

Be lavish with affection.

Be sincere and specific with praise.

Be enthusiastic.  We have only one life to enjoy.

Write thank you notes.

Write at least a little bit every day.

Pay attention to me. ~ Sloane

Remember the 80/20 Rule and toss it!

Try your best. ~ Sloane

Pursue excellence with passion and integrity.

Practice generosity.  ~ Bapak

If you can, use the right tool for the job.  If you can't, improvise. ~ Jeffrey

Read. ~ Sloane

Be kind. ~ Sloane

Make forgiveness a way of life. ~ Bapak

Give more grace than you think people deserve. ~ Jeffrey

If you home is orderly, your life will tend to be orderly. ~ Ibu

If you can, keep your plans flexible. ~ Jeffrey

Don't overcommit. ~ Bapak

A little cloud watching is good for what ails you. ~ Relyn & Sloane

Give assistance at every opportunity. ~ Jeffrey & Sloane

God will give more through you than He will give to you. ~ Ibu, via her boss

Never let someone hear you say anything but praise for your spouse. ~ Jeffrey

Don't let the sun go down on your anger. ~ Bible

If possible, affirm.  If not, be silent. ~ Bapak

Work harder than your boss expects you to. ~ Jeffrey

Think twice before saying yes to a new commitment.

It's really not all about me.  I need to stop thinking it is.  

There are only two things I can control: my action and my attitude.

Never be afraid of a bully. ~ Sloane


Art from a card by Curly Girl. 

14 comments:

Jeanie said...

This is DEFINITELY a list to live by. I think I like every single one of them!

And I love that graphic -- I didn't know that's who did those napkins and such, but I have napkins, magnets, and more of hers!

alexa said...

I like this list a lot - and the picture is wonderful too. I especially like the one about grace and the one about clouds. I'll be copying those down.

GraceGal said...

Lots of fun. I wondered about that book. I had it on my shelf for quite a while, then gave it to my daughter. Maybe time to look at it again:)

S. Etole said...

Excellent list to live by.

Sue said...

Great list. One of my favorites is not going to bed angry...a good rule to live by if you want a long marriage!

zooperson said...

Great list, you premier list maker you. Good things to think about and then, as Nike says, just do it.

Unknown said...

Perfect and wise thoughts. Loved the list and the book. Well worth reading! Thanks for sharing your family's thoughts.

Marilyn Miller said...

After having met you in person I do believe this is you and your family. What a good list.

Mac n' Janet said...

Wonderful list! I do believe that about our actions and attitude--I have to deal with a family member who is a trial, but I can't be responsible for that, only how I treat her.
And I like the one about having only praise for your spouse, never would I say something unkind about my husband to anyone, how disloyal.
And definitely enjoy every minute of your daughter, my grew up and left much too soon.

Jeanne said...

Beautiful list.
Love all you share.
Love Jeanne

cristie said...

lovely. xox

Tracy said...

GREAT guidelines for living! :o) ((HUGS))

Jaime said...

A little cloud watching.
I love that one.

Roban said...

These are wonderful truths, Relyn. I want to hang every one of them on my wall with the attributions and all!

Oldies, but Goodies