Sometimes I Have to Remind Myself...

• When I don't feel like a writer, I can just pretend to be a writer.
• There's an ebb and flow to everything, especially good times and bad.
• If I want to lose weight, I have to stop eating stuff.
• Taking my contacts out feels monumentally easier at 8:30 than at 10:30.
• Loving people doesn't require solving their problems.
• Making dinner is usually more fulfilling than going out. Except for when I'm really, really tired.
• Being a good person usually requires action.
• Cleaning the kitchen doesn't take nearly as long as I think it does.
• Everything is better with mushrooms.
• I'll thank myself for every time I record my kids on video.
• Trashy TV should only be enjoyed in small, delicious doses.
• Good ideas usually come after about 300 dumb ones.
• Putting myself out there almost always ends up paying off.
• Be thankful, appreciative, and gracious at every opportunity.
• Celebrate anything. Everything.
• I am not my job, my salary, my weight.
• Accept change. Welcome it, if possible.
• Dance in the kitchen.
• Sing in the car.
• Give funny greeting cards.
• Don't judge. Ever. Not even when you really, really want to.
• A root beer float is delicious when you haven't had one in a long time.
• Err on the side of compassion.
• Electricity is amazing. So is pasta. And guacamole.
• Never pass up the opportunity for a ridiculous self-portrait.

My Philosophies and Other Unsolicited Advice

• Aim for average--it will get you further than perfectionism ever will.
• Good moms work themselves out of a job.
• You might as well look on the bright side.
• Don't burn bridges.
• The house doesn't have to be spotless.
• Take good care of your skin.
• If you haven't learned to enjoy sitting by a pool, you need to practice until you do.
• Don't buy it just because it's on sale.
• The salon hair products are worth it.
• Laughing is the best.
• Avoid regret.
• Marry your best friend.
• Let people be who they are.
• A good education is worth the cost.
• Let the kids stay up a little later.
• Make cookies and give them to people.
• You're never too good for fast food.
• Go to new places.
• Say yes to things that scare you.
• Say no sometimes so that people know you have boundaries.
• Have boundaries.
• If you accidentally use someone else's toothbrush, just put it back and try to forget about it.
• Give people the benefit of the doubt.
• Everybody is a product of their own experience.
• Holding on to the past feels right, but it isn't.
• Never forget the beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Always look for online coupons before you order anything.
• Question everything, and don't be afraid of the answers.
• Be patient with yourself.
• Avoid being part of a majority.
• Tip 20% unless it's bad service.
• Don't judge.
• If you can't help but judge, keep it to yourself or your spouse. Don't blab.
• Ask people about themselves and then listen.
• Don't leave your underwear on the floor. The dog will eat it.
• Give funny greeting cards.
• Avoid pointing out the positives to someone who is sad or mad. Listen and let them be.
• Play music in your house.
• Tuck your kids in at night.
• If someone has hurt you, and you want a relationship with them, talk it out.
• If someone has hurt you, and you don't want a relationship with them, let it go.
• Letting it go is easier said than done.
• Be a friend to yourself.
• Say, "I love you."
• Make friends with smart, interesting people.
• Your kids should be a teensy bit afraid of you.
• Be true to yourself.
• Do what you think is right.
• Work hard, but have a lot of fun.
• Buy from small businesses.
• Fight fair. 
• Don't go to stuffy parties.
• Give stuff away.
• Be their parent, not their friend.
• Use Priceline to book your hotel rooms.
• There is always another solution. There is always another way.
• Don't waste your money on stupid movies.
• Don't waste your money on team sports pictures for your six-year-old.
• Give sincere compliments.
• Don't use boring paint colors.
• Sing in the shower, the kitchen, and the car.
• Swear sometimes; it makes you feel better.
• Speed up on the freeway on-ramp.
• Let people know the real you.
• Buy two gallons of milk. Running out of milk sucks.
• Write, write, write. Then write some more.
• Order dressing on the side.
• Avoid home-hosted selling parties if you're a pansy (like me) and feel obligated to buy stuff.
• Don't give unsolicited advice, unless it's on your blog.

That's my list. What's on yours?