The last few weeks as I was nearing my birthday I have been contemplating my accomplishments. Well, I was actually more or less wondering what the 25 Year-Old Clinton would say about the 40 Year-Old Clinton. I came to the realization that he probably would not like me at all. The Clinton of 15 years ago had such hopes and dreams. He was going to start at a job that would help him get his foot in a door and stay in the Finance Field only long enough to start my political career. By this time I would be a rising star in the Utah State Senate and well on my way to taking over Orin Hatches place in the U.S. Senate. I was going to be married with the perfect children. Alas, that is not me. Such hopes, such dreams.
Instead, what we have is a 40 year-old single guy, who loves to spend time with his family, enjoys the outdoors, tolerates his job, loves to listen to music, drinks too much Diet Coke, and enjoys traveling. I have a nice life. I really do, I won't complain about it. Far from what was the picture perfect life of 15 years ago. But I have no complaints. I have been to places and seen the good in people, I have talked to people that have nothing much more than a shirt on their back and they are happy. If they are happy, then by all means I most definitely can be happy as well.
Coincidentally enough, when I turned 25 one of my dearest friends Stacee gave me a list of "25 Things I Like About Clinton Painter". In that same vein I have put together a list of my own. This list is kind of sage wisdom from the old guy. I am naming my list:
The 40 Things I Have learned in 40 years
1. Tuna Fish and Tomato Soup = Comfort Food
2. Sometimes in life we do the things we don't want to do. For instance, I do not like attending funerals or weddings. But I still go, why? Because it is one of the opportunities we have to show that we love someone else more than we love ourselves.
3. Stop complaining about things. If something is broken fix it. No matter what it might be; a sink, dinner, a friend. Complaining about something does not make it better.
4. A Diet Coke, Loud Music and a nice drive is great stress therapy. (Anyone up for a ride on the CT bonding Road? Mumma? Kennedy?)
5. Go to the gym regularly.
6. Go outside and get some sun, but by all means, wear sunscreen.
7. Always be you--let everyone know who you really are.
8. Don't be afraid of what others might think; do what YOU want to do.
9. Let others grow-up. You are not the same person you were at 12, 16, 18, 25, or even last year. Neither are they, give them the chance to show you the real them.
10. Always be a true friend and value your true friends. You know, be the kind of friend you want to have.
11. The Golden Rule still applies. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
12. Gossip and back-biting never solved world hunger and it won't solve your problems either.
13. God is always willing to help you, if you let Him.
14. Learn how to cook.
15. Figure out how to sew on your own buttons, darn your socks or even stitch a rip. It comes in handy on camping trips.
16. Every day find a reason to laugh or at least smile.
17. You are never too old to ask your parents for advice.
18. Don't be afraid to sing with the radio, even if it is just in the shower or alone in your car.
19. Read one "Classic" novel per year.
20. Don't over-use trite phrases. "Don't go there", "That's what she said" Don't touch my fat roll". Sometimes they just need to die a horrible painful death.
21. Live without regrets.
22. No list of an employee of the FranklinCovey would be complete without a a reference to the 7 Habits. So #22 is my favorite of the 7 Habits, "Seek First to understand, then to be understood". This does not mean merely biding your time until you can say what you have been wanting to say, but really, really try to understand the other point of view.
23. Don't be afraid to share your opinion, but be tactful I could almost make #24 "Bring Back Tact" but I won't. Suffice it to say, our world has become too overbearing and people don't understand or even know what tact is anymore.
24. Say "Please" and "Thank You" often.
25. Frequently tell your family and friends you love them.
26. Even if someone is younger than you, you can still learn from them.
27. Keep a notebook & pen in your car and by your bed. You never know when a brilliant idea will strike.
28. Talk to God often.
29. Regularly give to a charity. It doesn't have to be money, most often your time is enough.
30. Don't be afraid to say no, if it is something you really don't want to do.
31. On the flip side, always be willing to try something new.
32. Never Speed in school or work zones. What if that is where your children or family attends school or works. Wouldn't you want other people to be safe around them?
33. When sitting in a traffic jam, let people change lanes in front of you. If someone lets you in line, give them the Courtesy/Thank You wave.
34. Don't judge others. Despite outward appearances, you don't know what turmoil someone has going on inside.
35. Be honest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
36. Follow through on your commitments, if you tell someone you are going to do it, then do it.
37. Enjoy the world around you. Find the beauty where you live.
38. Find the good in people and things, not the bad.
39. Spend 15 minutes planning your day. You will be amazed at the calmness and peace-of-mind this can cause.
40. Always finish what you started.
I am not perfect and this list is far from complete. Trust me, there are things here that I am not good at, but I am trying to do better. I hope no one thinks I am on my soap box either, I am not trying to espouse the ideals I think everyone should have, just some things I have found that have helped me.
Hope you enjoyed the list and maybe found a nugget or two that can help you.
4 comments:
I like you. And I like your list.
I read somewhere recently that we can't complain about the path God put us on just because it doesn't fit where we thought we would be.
At the same time, I have to think there is a place to put your political passions even at your senior age of 40.
(p.s. I'm 44)
You are awesome, Clinton. Thank you for sharing. I DID find a few nuggets that I needed. I think I will probably always be 25 in my mind...and I think that's a good thing! We're really only as old as we think we are!
I hope you had a wonderful birthday trip!
As someone who knew you at 25 and now at 40, I can only say you've only gotten better (which is pretty hard to do when you were awesome at 25.) I wish I'd gained as much wisdom as you have in the past 15 years.
40. Holy crap you are old. Good thing I'm still 23. Life in Cedar seemed so much simpler. I am certainly not where I would have imagined back at SUU, but I wouldn't change my life for anything. I know you feel the same way. We are trying to go on a cruise in July 2011. You will have to come with us.
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