Twenty-five Statements of Advice

Your Mz Paws Has Returned From Vacation

Renewed, restored, rejuvenated, and resplendent -- sometimes a bit of self-aggrandizement is good for the tail -- yours truly has returned from the seaside, where salt air gives fur a special shine.

In honor of my return, I would like to share with you something that a kind friend shared with yours truly (I may like a bit of self-promotion, but your Mz Paws would never plagiarize!). Here it is, some words of wisdom or folly, depending upon how one takes them. I'm taking them as wisdom, myself, although regarding #5, yours truly doesn't have one, and regarding #11, my one and only litter has long since left the nest.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

9. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

10. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

11. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

12. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

14. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

15. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

16. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

17. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

21. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

22. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

23. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

24. Forgive everyone everything.

25. What other people think of you is none of your business.

Always your

Mz Paws