50 Things That Really Do Matter (Short Shots On Living An Exceptional Life)

The Foundation of a Meaningful Life

Listening and Understanding

1. Empathetic Listening: Truly listen to others with the intent to understand, not just to respond.
2. Dreaming vs. Reality: Dream big but stay grounded in reality.

Emotional Intelligence

1. Letting Go: Master the art of saying "It doesn't matter" and genuinely meaning it.
2. Positive Influence: Strive to positively impact others' lives in any small way, every day.

Balance and Fairness

1. Justice and Mercy: Find the right balance between justice and mercy, fairness, and common sense.
2. Patience: Cultivate patience and endurance in all aspects of life.

Trust and Integrity

1. Earning Credibility: Build credibility through actions rather than demanding it.
2. Discernment and Integrity: Value discernment, understand the dangers of unrestrained pleasure, and cherish victories achieved with integrity.

Trustworthiness

1. Being Trustworthy: Be someone others can rely on and choose to trust only what is deserving.
2. Appreciation of Beauty: Take time to appreciate the small and beautiful things in life.

The Power of Words

1. Healing Words: Use words that heal, help, and encourage.

Forgiveness and Desire

1. Forgiveness: Forgive yourself and others to move forward.
2. Balanced Desires: Pursue your desires while gaining what truly enriches your life.

Decision Making

1. Purpose and Caution: Maintain a passionate purpose and avoid hasty, undiscerning decisions.

Simple Pleasures

1. Cherished Memories: Sometimes, rewatching a favorite movie like "You've Got Mail" can be a simple joy.
2. Living in the Moment: Enjoy life's current offerings while being hopeful about the future.

Unconditional Support

1. Praise and Encouragement: Offer praise and encouragement without expecting anything in return.

Emotional Support

1. The Power of Touch: Never underestimate the comfort of a hug.
2. Healing and Helping: Focus on healing wounds and helping others achieve their dreams.

Self-Awareness

1. Understanding Limits: Know when you can act, when you can't, and when you shouldn't.

Joy and Leadership

1. Laughter: Laugh freely and often.
2. Leadership and Followership: Lead effectively while also valuing the role of a follower.

Honor and Commitment

1. Honoring Values: Honor those who are honorable and steer clear of disgraceful behaviors.
2. Commitment and Discipline: Recognize the power of commitment, the rewards of discipline, and the importance of faith.

Expressions of Joy

1. Smiling: Share smiles generously.
2. Lifelong Learning: Commit to continuous learning.

Integrity and Accountability

1. Standing Firm: Stand up for what is right and admit when you are wrong.

Music and Help

1. Musical Solace: Let music heal and inspire you.
2. Seeking Help: Know when to ask for help.

Relaxation

1. The Art of Doing Nothing: Sometimes, the best action is inaction.

Mental Nourishment

1. Positive Mental Diet: Fill your mind with hopeful and excellent thoughts.

Affection

1. Meaningful Affection: Share kisses that communicate love rather than need.

Innovation and Care

1. Valuing Ideas: Treasure ideas for their potential to change the world.

Generosity and Fun

1. Caring and Giving: Live a life marked by caring and generous giving.
2. Having Fun: Make time for fun and laughter.

Truth and Trust

1. Rejecting Lies: Refuse to believe falsehoods about yourself or others.

Wise Trust

1. Balanced Trust: Trust wisely, recognizing the good in people without being naive.

Humility and Learning

1. Success with Humility: Achieve success without becoming self-absorbed.
2. Empathy and Rules: Know when to adhere to rules and when to prioritize empathy.

Dignity and Grace

1. Winning and Losing: Win with dignity, lose with grace, and learn from both experiences.

Belief in Potential

1. Believing in Possibilities: Believe in your potential and that of others.

Appreciation of Life Stages

1. Valuing Wisdom and Innocence: Appreciate the wisdom of the old and the innocence of the young.

Avoiding Negativity

1. Avoiding Bitterness: Steer clear of bitterness, deceit, and vanity.

Love and Worth

1. Loving Wholeheartedly: Love deeply, as it is ultimately worth all efforts.

Living a life filled with these values not only enriches your own existence but also positively influences those around you. Embrace these principles, and watch as they transform everyday moments into extraordinary ones.