Here it is cleaned up and formatted so it reads well when spoken or posted.
I got a message from a friend the other day, saying, “My daughter is coming of age. I’m asking a few people if they would send her some wisdom, some words of encouragement. Would you be willing to send her a handwritten note?”
I’ve never actually met this daughter. We’ve never had a conversation. But today I picked up my notebook and pen and started writing.
At the top of the page I wrote:
Tips for a Happy Life
When I read it back, it brought a smile to my face… and a little tear to my eye as well.
So I thought I’d read it to you.
It may be exactly what someone needs to hear today.
Here it is — off the top of my head.
Tips for a Happy Life
There is no such thing as “growing up.”
It’s just a story adults tell children to make them behave and easier to control.
Trust your intuition.
If your heart or your gut says no, trust it. Your higher self knows the difference between good people and people who won’t be good for you.
Trust yourself.
You’ve got this.
It’s okay to screw up.
Even a lot.
And by the way — your mum is one of the really good people.
Look for what really lights you up and do it.
You don’t need anyone’s permission.
There is no right way to do life.
Anyone who tells you they have the answer is selling something.
You have the answer.
You are the answer.
If in doubt, follow what love says.
You’re allowed to change your mind.
You’re allowed to change your religion, your politics, your tastes, your dreams.
You’re allowed to dream big — to imagine the best, biggest, most beautiful version of yourself and your life, and go for it.
And you’re allowed not to.
That’s what life’s all about.
Yes is a very important word.
So is no.
You decide the rules in your life. Nobody else.
Listen to your inner truth and you won’t go far wrong.
Be slow to anger and fast to forgive — especially yourself.
Enjoy the ride.
You’re amazing.
