Greg Hartnett

I am lucky enough to have been blessed with a child of both gender. My eldest, a daughter, and the younger, my son. Though I am sure that throughout their lives I will have plenty of tidbits of information for each of them, the following pearls apply to each, and cross the gender line.

My intent is to continually add to this list - whenever I come across something that I think will help them in the future. Whether I stumble across it online, read it in a book, or think of it myself, I will post it here.

1. Question authority - never accept what a figure of authority tells you at face value.
2. Your life is determined by the choices that you make. Each day you are presented with choices that will influence your future. Always try to think of the consequences of the decisions you make.
3. If you can’t afford to pay for something in cash, you can’t afford it. Avoid credit cards at all costs.
4. A person’s value is not determined by their socioeconomic status, the color of their skin, their religious beliefs, their sexual preference, or their gender.
5. Always remember that each person you meet has fears, goals, dreams, and insecurities. Each of us has the same desire to avoid pain and embrace happiness.
6. Do not smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol to excess, or use drugs.
7. Remember that television is for entertainment purposes, and should not be relied upon for news or the telling of truth in any fashion.
8. An automobile is as dangerous as a loaded gun. Each time you drive your car, you take your life, and the lives of other motorists into your hands. The only thing in life you should be conservative about is your driving.
9. Don’t let your fear of striking out keep you from getting into the batter’s box - everybody fails. The only way to succeed is to fail and learn from your mistake.
10. Stay away from trendy clothing.
11. Do not marry the first person you fall in love with.
12. If you are accused of doing something that you shouldn’t have done, keep your mouth shut. Don’t say anything, even if the authorities have to get involved.
13. When you meet somebody for the first time, try to use their name a few times, helping to ensure that you remember the name. Everybody loves it when you remember their name, and feels pretty slighted when you forget it.
14. Learn to spend time alone. If you are content in solitude, you will never find yourself bored.
15. Life is a rollercoaster. You will experience highs and lows. Things are never as good as they seem, nor as bad as they seem.
16. The quick and easy way NEVER works out. Every great task is a long process, and requires little steps repeated diligently.
17. Try not to get too caught up in fitting in. Being different can be tough, but you should celebrate your uniqueness - it is what makes you special.
18. Wear your heart on your sleeve - let people know how you feel, don’t bottle your emotions up.
19. When presented with a problem, attack it head on, no matter how difficult it may seem. Putting it off will only increase the difficulty.
20. Never let your fear of confrontation stop you from speaking up.
21. Seek the truth - oftentimes it will be elusive. Dig, poke, and query to find different perspectives on any situation.
22. Never leave somebody you love on bad terms. Don’t go to bed mad, or leave the house fighting.

As stated above, this is an ongoing list, to be added to in the days and months to come.