35 Years of Life Lessons

I've had 35 free trips around the sun and upon the completion of the most recent cycle I felt a need to share something with you this morning.  Perhaps I'm a bit nostalgic, perhaps I'm a bit outside my comfort zone, but I felt a need to share with you some of what I have learned along the journey.

1. Life is too short to be a grown up all the time. 
2. Use your powers for good instead of evil. 
3. "Eew!!  This is disgusting!!  Here - try it!" is not a good pick up line.
4. When God opens a door, walk through it. 
5. You're worth enough as you are - don't try to be 2, 3, 4 or 5 different people. 
6. Pajamas are the most soul-healing clothing you'll ever own. 
7. The past exists for learning experience, not a dwelling place. 
8. Sometimes being "voluntold" can be the best thing that ever happens to you. 
9. If you're ashamed of your faith, it's time to re-evaluate your commitment to it. 
10. Some things are part of a universal language: hugs, bubbles, balloons, smiles - use them often. 
11. There is always more to learn.
12. The most important thing you can do with your time is serve God.
13. People's perceptions of you are rarely what you believe them to be. 
14. Sometimes being "the weird one" has it's advantages.
15. If you're doing it right, leadership rarely means you get your way. 
16. Coercion will almost always come back to bite you in the rear. 
17. Spend as much time outdoors as you possibly can.
18. Imaginary friends never really die...they make stellar comebacks in the oddest places. 
19. Sometimes embracing the unknown is the best gift you can give yourself.
20. Finding people who embrace you for who you are is a rare gift - enjoy them. 
21. Your greatest strengths are often unearthed by the most unlikely people. 
22. No matter how hard you try to hide your light, someone will find it.
23. There is no better sound on earth than the joyous laughter of children. 
24. It's okay to say no - especially when you don't want to do something.
25. Be honest about your weaknesses - only then will you learn who you can truly trust.
26. Your greatest adventures are only a "yes" away.
27. Be the person who brings out the best in others. 
28. The only thing stopping you is yourself. 
29. When the big things are in place, the rest will usually follow. 
30. Deodorant is priceless when worn by others....especially if you are under 5'2". 
31. Children are the best investment you will ever make.
32. Laugh at yourself...everyone else is already doing it. 
33. Find the humor now....there's no point being miserable while you're waiting for later.
34. Don't marry someone who knows if you ate the paste in Kindergarten.
35. Be yourself - everyone else is already taken.