Life's Little Instruction Book

Remember this book? It came out in the early 90's and the author wrote it for his son when he was leaving for college. I came across it at a book fair a few weeks ago and even though this book is over 20 years old the advice still rings true. There are 511 suggestions on how to live a happy life and here are my top 10, well, that was too hard so here are 13.


1. Take family vacations whether you can afford them or not. The memories will be priceless.

2. Don't burn bridges. You'll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.

3. Regarding furniture and clothes: If you think you'll be using them five years or longer, buy the best you can afford.

4. Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.

5. Choose your life's mate carefully. From this one decision will come ninety percent of all your happiness or misery.

6. Give yourself an hour to cool off before responding to someone who has provoked you. If it involves something really important, give yourself overnight.

7. Never give up on what you really want to do. The person with big dreams is more powerful than one with all the facts.

8. Don't allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It's there for your convenience, not the caller's.

9. Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you.

10. Every day show your family how much you love them with your words, with your touch, and with your thoughtfulness.

11. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

12. At the movies, buy Junior Mints and sprinkle them on your popcorn.

13. Call your mother.