{"href":"http://player.captivate.fm/services/oembed?url=http%3A%2F%2Fplayer.captivate.fm%2Fepisode%2F52ff5715-bccf-49f3-9f4b-befd590d1625","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Captivate.FM","provider_url":"https://www.captivate.fm","width":600,"height":200,"type":"rich","html":"","title":"Top 25 Bits of Wisdom I've Gathered in My First 48 Years-The Birthday Special","description":"
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\nSo Sunday February 19th I turn 48. I don\u2019t like birthdays. They are simply a reminder I\u2019m not as young as I feel. However, they are a time to reflect on what has transpired thus far in one\u2019s life. Here\u2019s a little of what I\u2019ve learned.
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\n* You will survive almost every tragedy that befalls you
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\n* You DON\u2019T have to try to make people like you. Just be the type of person it\u2019s easy to like
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\n* It takes more energy to hate than to forgive
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\n* You will never have enough money to do all the things you want to do
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\n* True joy comes from experiences not things
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\n* Developing skills and pursuing activities that make you a better person but no money at all are indeed worthwhile
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\n* Loving with full abandon is the surest way to keep your spouse happy
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\n* When cooking a steak, trust the process. Don\u2019t check the meat every minute. Find the time and temperature that works and trust the process
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\n* People will always disappoint you. They\u2019re human. That\u2019s what humans do
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\n* It\u2019s okay to be a nobody in the world\u2019s eyes. What matter is being a somebody your wife and children can depend on
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\n* \u201cHe who conquers his mind conquers the world.\u201d
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\n* Contentment is the brass ring not the brass ring
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\n* Age is in fact just a number. How you feel is what matters most
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\n* Stay active. It\u2019s magical how amazing being healthy feels
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\n* Not drinking alcohol is awesome
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\n* If you smile at the world, more times than not it will smile back at you. Sounds cheesy, but it\u2019s true
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\n* Divine appointments are real. I\u2019ve had more than I can count
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\n* Managing the distance between action and reaction can change everything
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\n* Trying to control others is pointless. You can only control yourself
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\n* You don\u2019t need nor can explain the actions of others. Leave it to them. You are only accountable for your own actions
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\n* Apologize quickly
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\n* Being a good listener is far more important than being a good talker
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\n* It\u2019s ok to keep your opinion to yourself
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\n* It\u2019s ok to disagree with people just do it respectfully
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\n* Like C.S. Lewis said, \u201cHumility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.\u201d
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\nI\u2019m sure there\u2019s more. After all, it’s been nearly half a century. However these are 20 of the main lessons I\u2019ve taken from life so far. I can wait to see what the next 48 holds.
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