Six Things

Wng at A Whole New G has tagged me to list six actions or achievements one should accomplish before age 18. This is a tough one.

I asked my husband for suggestions.

"Getting laid?"

It looks like I'm on my own here.


1. Begin to learn a musical instrument. It will provide endless years of pleasure, even if you are not Segovia or Jimi Hendrix.

2. Make plans to continue your education by attending college, community college, or vocational training. It is very important to be able to support yourself and any children you may have later. Explore every subject that interests you because the more you know, the more options you will have. You will also never be bored.

3. Develop pride in yourself and a strong center. Know that you have the ability to accomplish whatever you really want to if you are willing to work hard for it. Don't believe anyone who says you can't.

4. Begin a spiritual practice, whether that means going to a traditional house of worship or walking in the woods, pondering life's mysteries. Yoga. Meditation. Jewelry making. Knitting. Running. Anything that focuses your attention so that you lose track of time and your own ego qualifies as a spiritual practice.

5. Realize that you are a unique individual. There has never been anyone quite like you before, nor will there ever be again. This is true of everyone, so although life requires you to compete sometimes for what you need, always understand that you were born the best you possible, and your worth is not wrapped up in winning admission to that particular school, or getting that plummy job. While those things can be wonderful gifts, they will never define who you really are.

6. Practice compassion. This is difficult to learn in a vacuum, so I very much hope that you are taught kindness by example, not by command. This should start well before the age of 18 as children do live what they learn.



My Best Bud, Claudia, at On a Limb with Claudia gave me the Best Blogging Buddies Award some time ago, and this has been sitting here waiting to be tagged onto another post. Well, guess what? This is the post.

She says, "I give this award to Heart in San Francisco for her constant support, loving guidance, and willingness to engage the world. In moments of need, she has really helped me - that’s what best buddies are for!"

From your lips to God's ear, Claudia. May I somehow become all that you say I am. Thank you!

Claudia is a person I deeply admire for her total commitment to being the best she can be while also helping others on their own paths to personal greatness. Her other blog, Everyday Kindness encourages everyone to commit to performing one act of kindness a day.

Franki at Frankily Yours is quirky, saucy, ballsy and funny, also kind and smart, the consummate artist in various media.

Wng at A Whole New G is transparent, honest at any cost, has a lovely soul, delightfully wry humor, and a fine way with words.

Sienna (Pam) at Audio Video Disco is one of the most generous and supportive people on the Internet who shows her sensitivity both in her marvelous photos of her beloved Australia and in her comments to other bloggers.

Red Mojo at Half a Bubble Off is pithy, deep, honest and also has a wicked sense of humor. I get the feeling that there is nothing Mojo can't do well, and her travels (and travails) through life are always a treat.

Ian at Or So I Thought addresses issues both international and personal, but always with a great deal of compassion. He is a professional writer so his excellence is a given, he shares his inner thoughts easily and exemplifies right thinking.

Chani at Thailand Gal is my due North for conscious compassion and enduring values. She has adopted Thai culture because she has found her true home there, but her ideals for right living apply to any community.

Odat at Odat's Mumbling epitomizes a classy lady. She always gives 300% to others with warmth and a wacky sense of humor and asks nothing in return, which is one of the reasons so many of us love her dearly.