I know, I know. The younger generations have never been good at taking advice from older people. I refused to take my mother’s advice, my mother refused to take her mother’s advice, and the list goes on. The older generations always know a thing or two, even if the younger folk won’t admit it!

Much of this list is based on my own experiences and some are things I wish I would have learned long before I did. I guess that’s life, though. We don’t get instructions on how to live it. We are taught some things by our parents but much is a game of trial and error. We learn as we go.

Here’s my advice to the younger generations.

1. Ask questions. Question everything. Learn everything you can. Don’t reject new ideas because they are different than you believe. Be curious about everything and think for yourself.
2. Be respectful of others and their opinions. How can you expect others to respect you and your opinions if you don’t show them the same?
3. Stay away from drugs. They will NOT make anything better. They will make things worse, guaranteed.
4. Don’t plaster your face with tons of makeup. Makeup should enhance your natural beauty, not cover it up. Besides, it really looks bad.
5. Don’t be a bully! Everyone deserves to be accepted for who they are. Everyone wants (and needs) to be cared for. Everyone is worthy!
6. Choose your own spiritual/religious path. Don’t worry if no one else gets it. It’s not their path. It’s yours.
7. Nurture your creativity. Pursue hobbies. Try new things.
8. You can’t fix stupid; unless it’s you. Refer to #1. Keep learning, always!
9. Adapt. Changes can be awesome!
10. Take advantage of opportunities. They may not come around again.
11. Learn how to resolve conflict without anger and violence.
12. Always try to see things from another person’s perspective. Keep your mind open.
13. Don’t be lazy. Talent is not enough if you aren’t willing to work hard.
14. Learn to cook! It’s much healthier than buying processed meals or eating out.
15. Be responsible. Pay your bills on time. Go to work. Clean your house. Wash your car. Feed the dog. Take care of your responsibilities!
16. It’s ok to admit when you’re wrong. It happens. Admit it and move on.
17. Skip the credit cards. It will be too easy to use them and too easy for it to get out of hand. Next thing you know, you’re in debt and can’t pay your bills.
18. Be generous. Give your time. Donate. Help others. It feels good to be helpful.
19. Don’t be stupid and land yourself in jail. It will suck for you! Obey the law!
20. Save money. Learn to manage money effectively. It’s ok to splurge now and then, but it’s never too early to start saving for the future.
21. Do your homework – and not just school homework. Learn everything you can about a topic before you start an argument with someone and find out how wrong you really are!
22. Don’t flaunt yourself/your body. A little modesty goes a long way.
23. Guard your health. You will get older someday. Use sunscreen. Don’t smoke. Drink alcohol in moderation. Exercise. Brush your teeth. Eat healthy foods. Don’t do drugs. Wear your seatbelt!
24. Take time each day just for you. Take a bath, a walk, or read a book. Do something that makes you happy. Make yourself a priority as you do with others.
25. If you have pets, take care of them. Have them spayed or neutered. Take them to the vet when they are sick. Don’t leave them behind when you move. Don’t dump them when you can’t afford to feed them anymore. They depend on you to care for them. Do it.
26. Never give up – Not on love, friendships, education, health.
27. Listen to music! Experience different genres of music. You might find you like more than you think.
28. It’s ok to cry. Don’t let anyone make you feel weak because you need to cry. It’s healthy and normal.
29. Teach your children to look with their eyes, not their hands. You will have less conflict while shopping and in other people’s homes!
30. Be honest and trustworthy.
31. Don’t blame others. Don’t make excuses.
32. Laugh at yourself. It’s easier and feels better than beating yourself up.
33. Meet new people, try new things!
34. Listen more, talk less. Know when to keep your mouth shut.
35. Return everything you borrow.
36. Don’t live to impress others.
37. Pay attention to the little things; sunsets, sunrises, children’s giggles, freshly cleaned clothes, petting a cat, the smell of popcorn, a good movie, birds chirping, etc.
38. Be grateful for everything. Don’t worry about what you don’t have.
39. Be on time!
40. Have good manners.
41. Learn from your mistakes.
42. Don’t become financially dependent on anyone!
43. Live a simple life and let go of the bullshit.

Do you have any advice for the younger generation? Leave your advice in the comments!