As the numbers in our “age” increase we tend to look back at events, wondering if we could of handled them differently or if we did it just right.  For some of us, this is a ongoing, constant review of our lives.  This is tedious and not the best for our mental and physical states.  So, let’s stop looking backwards and establish some new “life rules” to follow from now on.  If these new ways of looking at life work and you like them, let’s share them with our grown kids and our grand kids. If we do, in the future, our world will be a little “nicer” and a better place to live.

These rules were written by the Dalai Lama in January of 2011 as he was reflecting on the new year.  I hope you like them and choose some if not all to guide you and your family through life.

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three Rs:

1. Respect for self

2. Respect for others

3. Responsibility for all your actions

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

You can find this article and much more at the great blog Everyday Minimalist.

Enjoy your Boomer Life.

Thanks for stopping by, John