Life Lessons

I was reading a book the other day that this woman wrote for her son that she gave to him when he went off to college about life lessons.  It made me think about what I would write to Anna and want her to know and here are a few of mine:
-People will disappoint you but they will also suprise you
-Always invest in quality shoes and purses.
-You are always representing how your parents raised you so be careful of your choices and actions
-Always help others less fortunate when you can
-When asked at the check-out if you would like to donate $1 to whatever charity it is, say yes.
-Trust your gut feeling, it is usually right
-Good friends are harder to come by the older you get
-Friends should be in your cheering section and if they aren't then they aren't worth having
-The only person you should ever compete with is yourself.  Try to be the best "you" that you can be.
-Nothing good ever happens after midnight.
-It is ok to get drunk every now and then just don't: drive, start a fight, do something you will regret, or publicly humiliate yourself.
-Don't ever let anyone make you feel bad about yourself.
-Pray before you go to sleep every night.  Thank God for your blessings.
-Enjoy the small things in life: a nice breeze blowing on a hot day, finding a penny, getting a good parking spot.
-Always eat breakfast, it is the most important meal of the day!
-Hold your head up high even when you've made a mistake.
-Always apologize when you are in the wrong.
-Tell those that are dear what they mean to you and say "I love you".
-Even when it hurts, smile.
-Have a pity party when feeling sad but then move on.
-Know that no matter where you go, what you do that you are loved.
-Don't forget who you are and where you come from.
-Stay humble.
-Clean your closets at least once a year and give what you no longer need to charity.
-Read, read, read. 
-Wash your face at night before you go to bed and in the morning when you wake up.
-Always moisturize your face.
-Wear sunscreen.
-Don't ever wear socks with sandals.
-Always be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for anything.
-Respect your elders even if you don't like them.
-It is ok to not like some people.
-Go to the doctor at least once a year.
-Protect yourself.
-You will get your heart broken but you will survive.
-When you find "the one", it is true that you will just know.
-Get your education first and foremost.
-Know how to be by yourself and be independent.  Don't ever rely on someone else to support you.
-Love with all your heart or not at all.
-It is better to be with nobody than the wrong body.
-Always be willing to try something new.
-Don't buy something you really can not afford.
-Don't live beyond your means, it will catch up to you.
-Do what you love.