I don't usually pass this kind of thing along, but I liked it a lot and wanted to share it. Like Zach, if I find something like this, it feels more responsible to put it in my journal and then link to it, so that's what I am doing.

My oldest friend (I mean the friend I go back farthest with - not the eldest friend, not by a long shot!) sent this to me. She and I lost contact due to cruel circumstances a few years ago, but she found me again, using the power of the internet. I did the Miposian dance of joy!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIFE

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three R's:

Respect for self
Respect for others
Responsibility for all your actions

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you'll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It's a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before. (My personal favorite! - ed.)

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.