Differences

We should love those whose beliefs are different than ours. Though your personal beliefs may differ from people around you, choose to embrace the person whose ideas are different. Even in Christianity where there are many who choose denominations different from your own, know that tens, twenties, and fifties are equally acceptable.

Selflessness

We should always seek out virtue, and there is no better virtue than love. To know love is to know selflessness. For true love is kind and forgiving and focuses not on yourself, but on those around you. And selfless love has no strings. Or kettle drums.

Setting Expectations

If you set your expectations low, you will never know disappointment. But do you really want that type of standard? Disappointment is a part of the growing process. For if you don’t know what disappointment is, you’ll never know what a true accomplishment is. So set the bar higher, but not so high that you can’t reach the good liquor on the top shelf.

I Will

Life is a series of overcoming difficulties. Though each person faces different challenges than their neighbor, the challenges are similar in structure and intensity. Without difficulties we cannot know what our limitations are. So before you say “I can’t,” say “I’ll try.” Before you say “I won’t,” say “I will.” And before you say “Hey, Bubba, watch this,” be sure you’re adequately insured.

Weather

Trying to predict a person’s behavior is like predicting the weather. It’s an exercise in futility. That’s why, as when we deal with unpredictable weather, being prepared is essential in adapting to changing conditions. Have your mind open to the possibility of surprise and nuance. Don’t go into a conversation and try to predict its flow. If you do, there’s a strong possibility your wind gusts from the north will bring a 90% chance of disappointment.

Fallible

Life will throw many things your way, and many times you will win. But there will be many times you will fail. It’s impossible to do the right thing, every moment, every day. And being human is just another word for fallible. It’s also an acronym for Hesitating Uncles Make Aunts Nervous, but no one ever uses that.

Attentive

Be attentive to those around you. Provide eye contact during conversations. Ask them how they are. Seek counsel, if it’s appropriate. And if you know them well, demand large sums of money.