advice for an any-year-old

someone asked, i answered

dear friends,

i’m glad you are here.
thank you for being here and you and you being here.
and now, for something a little different than usual, but a little same than unusual.

A QUESTION I RECEIVED (on this day a few years ago):

what advice would you give a 23 year old new graduate? It can be funny, serious, or anything in between. One word, or one sentence, or a whole list/paragraph. Thanks

AN ANSWER I OFFERED, AND OFFER NOW, AND WILL OFFER AS FOREVER AS THE INTERNET ALLOWS:

Here is my advice for a 23 year old new graduate. Or probably anyone. Anyone who wants.

1) be kind to others and yourself.

2) know that most people don't have everything figured out.

3) ask questions. (ask questions?)

4) what do you enjoy doing?

5) what are you good at?

6) can you get better at the things you enjoy doing?

7) can you enjoy what you're good at?

8) how can you help?

9) help.

10) know/remember mr. rogers's "look for the helpers" quote.

11) know/remember theodore roosevelt's "the man in the arena" quote.

12) read. for pleasure and growth.

13) create. for pleasure and growth.

14) listen to my podcasts. (if you want.)

15) listen to people who are living in ways that you admire and respect.

16) volunteer.

17) if you have more than you need, give to someone who has less.

18) start meditating. or keep meditating.

19) keep meditating. or stop meditating. (i'm not your meditation boss.)

20) i do recommend meditation a lot though.

21) love. love yourself. love others. tell and show people you love them.

22) don't give anyone advice. or maybe do if they ask for it.

23) be kind to yourself and others.

that’s one advice unit for every year a 23-year-old is alive. what’s some advice that you’ve received that you would pass along to an any-year-old?

love and thanks, all!

PS i’m performing in champaign, IL tonight. are you there? then my bonus piece of advice is to be there!