Life’s Little Instructions
As we complete another rotation around our sun, some of us like to make resolutions for things we’d like to accomplish in the coming year. There are lots of lists out there to guide us: new diets to try and exercise regimens to tackle. New books to read and buckets of travel options to consider. 
Or, perhaps we just want to work at developing a new and improved version of ourselves.
The list of 95-year-old William Snell that has been circulating across social media lately seems about right, although I wonder if he meant to number them in order of their importance. At times, his suggestions feel like sly digs at people who make such lists in the first place.
After all, while singing in the shower can truly be a mood enhancing exercise, should it really be first on the list—and followed closely by the caution to never turn down a homemade brownie?
I also ponder his #18 admonishment. Of course, at the Gang, we work to keep our stilettos (and our prose) well-polished. But maintaining shiny shoes in winter can be a challenge for those in northern climes. And in summertime, do we really need to shine our flip-flops?
Yet I heartily agree with #29. Dogs absolutely make make us better humans. And though I can’t remember the last time I waved at kids on a school bus (#33), I always wave at them when the zoo train comes around. Hopefully that counts.
I’m not exactly sure what Mr. Snell intended with #38. Life as an exclamation? Unfortunately, we can’t ask him about it. A Google search turned up no information beyond what’s on this weathered document, or exactly when the list was first written. But I hope he had a good life.
Still, if you’re looking for a few suggestions on how to live a pleasant life in 2025 and beyond, most of these tips might provide a good starting place. Especially #37.
Cheers!
Which “little instruction” would you take to heart for 2025?
Feel free to list your own tips in the Comments section below!
Gay Yellen is the author of the award-winning Samantha Newman Mysteries *
The Body Business***The Body Next Door***The Body in the News!***
Gay,
Reading your post brought several smiles to my face! Most enjoyable. Thank you! Kathryn Lane
Smiles are good!
I’d never come across this before, but I’m in favor of #17, avoid negative people. There’s far too much negativity in the world lately. We could all use a lot less. Maybe if we all avoided negative people, they’d take the hint. 😉
Agreed, Lois. I only wish the Negative Nellies I know would take the hint. Oh, well…
This post made me chuckle and think. Thanks for posting it.
Gosh, Gay, thank you. I agree with them all. Except polishing shoes. I live in the desert. I would be constantly bending and not for Yoga! Wonderful post. And… when my husband’s not home, I’ll have you know, I sing in the shower!
Singing in the shower: the best acoustics ever!
Thanks for sharing this cool list. And the photo of the bichon is stunning! Archie is panting over her!
It’s a picture of Mouton and her puppies. Tell Archie he has good taste!