You are Sixteen, Going on Seventeen .................

How I wish I could write a poem like “If”

But enough words of wisdom have been dispensed before

And the need to do a bit more 

In a verse

Is frankly a bore

So Son here I go.

Make mistakes. 

Please. 

Make as many as you can.

But make sure you do not make the same mistake two times.

And in this aspect make no mistakes J

Break all molds, but not a single heart.

Challenge everything; but be ready to accept anything if there is logic.

Remember the mantra : eat more and burn more – exercise is a MUST, there is no shortcut to health.

Cheat no one, there is nothing worse than a trust betrayed.

Cocksure ignorance is better than thoughtful uncertainty. There is no shame in saying “I don’t know” – say it often. Practice in front of the mirror if required. You will be surprised at how much more you will find out by saying these three words.

This world may not be the best place; but that is no excuse to make it shittier. 

To quote Dylan “Don’t stand in the door way, don’t block up the hall” (This is Bob Dylan not Haley’s boyfriend J)

Maintain decorum but don’t be stiff.

Never insult anyone, whatever the provocation. This is non-negotiable.

You can disagree without an argument. Believe it. Practice it.

Who is wrong is wrong! What is wrong is right!

Not righting a wrong is wrong.

There are lies. There is truth. Nothing in between.

Over confidence is not seen as arrogance.

Arrogance is seen as arrogance.

Arrogance is the worst vice.

Respect is not equivalent to being servile.

Define your values, make sure you define them, take time to define them and once defined them live your life by those values.
Here I take help from your mentor, friend, inspiration, whoever or whatever...

At times the world may look unkind; So be it. It owes you nothing. But that does not give you any right to

-          Be cruel

-          Be unreasonable

-          Be irrational

-          Deviate from your values.

It is precisely in those moments the world gets to see the real you!

Surprise the world with what you are made of.

Practice the pleasure of giving. There is no greater pleasure that I have found so far. (Scotch included! J)

Footnote : The blog title – I could not resist …………. J - I know how much you HATE that song.