Things I've Learned

Learn the dance that you've been shown, until the dance becomes your very own. And somewhere between the time you arrive and the time you go, may lie a reason you were alive but you'll never know." --Jackson Browne, 1974

In this rough and tumble, 

ever-changing world in which we live it can be difficult to keep track of things. Like where did I leave my keys? So we develop systems. For example I keep my car keys, or fob, in the right-front pocket of the last pair of pants I was wearing. Probably not the best place but it has worked for me. As long as I can remember which pants I wore last.

Everyone has their own system.

In addition to systems, over the years we accumulate insights through experience that help us deal with our day-to-day lives. You probably know more than you realize.

Herewith I share tidbits from my journey which began in the mid-twentieth century. It could well be shorter than your list due to the fact that I'm a slow learner -- still sopping up every trace of knowledge I can in order to call myself well-informed, or at least not a space ranger, which I have been justly accused of.

MasterCard credit cards always begin with the number "5." Visa cards with the number "4." American Express cards with "3."

If the car in front of you is wandering in its lane, the driver is most likely texting. This includes large Semi, cargo-bearing trucks that are going faster than you are. Steer clear.

If someone says to you, "let's keep in touch," it means that you'll probably never hear from them again. This rule of life applies to what I call the opposite factor. Following are a few more that fall under the opposite column.

When a public figure, especially one who holds political or religious office, uses words like "pedophile,"   "un-American," or "God-less," they are telling you about themselves.

Rushing to go some place will only make you more nervous and not get you there any faster. In fact you're ten-times more likely to get into an accident or forget that you left your wallet or purse or precious cell phone at home.

Rude people are out there. Be nice to them. They could be seriously ill, ill-informed or from Illinois. It's not their fault.

Not everyone from California is a flake. Some Californians were actually born here and never left, although they are an unaccounted for minority. They deserve a voice.

As technology continues to swallow up our lives with algorithms and QR-codes, we can take solace by remembering simpler and more satisfying ways of doing things. Memories, while we still have them, are beautiful things.

Music is mana for life. A familiar or favorite tune or artist can transport you, add metaphorical color to the moment, make you laugh or cry. 

Always get a second opinion, or third or fourth. Listen to experts and kindly nod your head to those you know don't know what they'e talking about.

Never give up, unless it's time to give up, and you will know when that time comes. I gave up during my adolescent years and later regretted it. My inexperience cost me, but I recovered. It's never too late. Never say never. I just said it four times. Don't say my bad. Say my good.

Keep active. In body, mind and spirit. Your health is your most important asset. 

Enter water whenever you can. It's transformative.

Keep rituals, they are actually prayers. You know this if you care for a pet.

Love is more than an emotion, it is a work in progress.

Although we've learned that time is relative -- everything's actually happening at once -- you can make up stories about your past and no one will know the difference, especially if you're a mid-century modern model. You can now be quarterback of your high school football team or queen of the homecoming court. Few are going to remember otherwise, nobody cares anyway and it's your life, enjoy yourself but realize that you're kidding yourself.

If we are to accept what a majority of the Republican Party believes, that Trump won the 2020 election and is still president, there is no limit to our reimagined reality. And it's actually nothing new, cults and their leaders have been around forever. Form your own.

The medium is the message. Communications guru Marshall McLuhen's famous phrase from 1964 was prescient. Today we carry the global village around in our pockets. Beware of staring at the little screen while your life -- your most profound message -- is unfolding all around you.