In the morning, always hydrate before caffeinating, always do both before eating anything.

Later in the day, always hydrate and eat something before drinking alcohol.

Eat protein before carbs. Make those carbs as complex as palatable.

Write before the day becomes insane. Even when you feel you’ll have time later, life doesn’t play by the same rules.

Same goes for exercise.

Breath through your nose far more than your mouth.

Learn CPR.

Focus on one task at a time. Multi-tasking is nothing but partial focus on too many things.

Listen. When two people are talking at the same time, nothing is heard. If two people are attempting to talk to you at the same time, make eye contact with the one who initiated the conversation until they’ve stated what they wanted to say, then make eye contact with the other. They’ll both feel heard, and maybe learn to respect boundaries.

Chaos knows no boundaries. Back away from chaos.

Know where the exits are. Not just the door you walked in through, but the other exits. If you don’t see another viable exit, you are in the wrong place.

There is energy in a crowd, but never be caught in the middle should things go terribly wrong. Don’t live in fear, simply be aware.

Always read a book before turning on the television or doom-scrolling. Ten pages a day will change your life. More as time allows.

Read classic books. They’re classics for a reason.

Stretch more frequently than you believe you need to.

Schedule physicals, dental appointments and physical therapy first thing in the morning, before life beats you and them down.

Pack light. Layers. Socks stuffed in the shoes. Leave half of what you want to take behind so you have room in your bag to bring something home with you.

Don’t buy souvenirs that won’t make you miss the place you bought it at. This automatically eliminates airport gift shops and Soft as a Grape stores.

Call your mother. She’ll appreciate it more than she’ll let on.

Call your father too. Don’t just ask Mom to pass the phone. He’d call you more often himself, but he wants you to stop clinging to the nest and fly (He loves to watch you soar).

Visit a cemetery and remember those who are no longer with us. Memento mori.

Live as if you were dying. You don’t have to listen to the song to embrace the philosophy.

Instead of sleeping in, go to bed earlier.

Take all advice given freely for what it’s worth.