wooden Brio train set | rickandkathy.com

This is not, of course, an exhaustive list, but it’s a heartfelt one based on recent events that we wanted to share with y’all.

1. Take a few moments every day to sit in a favorite spot and quietly contemplate your blessings.

Alternately, use your favorite perch to keep an eye out for horses and riders, people walking their dog, or, Lord help us, that vexing yard squirrel. Immediately upon sighting any of the above, explode your 75-pound self out of the chair and let your inner hound out for romp at max volume.

Even if you’re denied effective access to the actual offender(s), the startling effect on your housemates is good for a chuckle, and laughter is always good medicine.

2. If you have a good joke–or at least something that makes people laugh–tell it early and often. (See #1 above.)

3. Take LOTS of pictures.

Life passes quickly, pixels are almost free, soon everyone who has a phone will have a camera, and photos are a fabulous vehicle for crafting and preserving memories that will otherwise fade sooner than we realize.

4. Stay warm.

If you’re not into wearing boots, gloves, a coat, hat, scarf, or even hair, at least put on a hug.

5. Play with engineers as often as you can. They will teach you things about spatial relationships, physics, and humility that might otherwise elude you.

(Note: 25 years later, the [easyazon-link asin=”B0007RXJLS” locale=”us”]wooden Brio train set[/easyazon-link] STILL rocks the toy box.)

6. Welcome willing hands into your kitchen. You can’t make an omelet without cracking a few eggs, and who cares if there’s a teeny bit of shell or two to contend with? The calcium is good for you.

(I’m not 100% certain that there’s calcium in egg shells, but who cares anyway?)

7. It’s never too late to embrace your inner super hero.

Or…

7. Your eyesight is precious, so whether you’re playing squash, getting ready to go snowmobiling, or something in between, wear goggles and protect those irreplaceable windows to your soul.