Prasatt

Things I know, version 3.0

Here's me continuing my list of things I know about living a better life. I have made made a number of changes to make the list more meaningful to me.

  1. I know that 99% of the time my fears are worse in my mind than in reality. (And yet I always have to relearn this lesson)
  2. I know that when walking your dog, just walk your dog — no phones, AirPods or other distractions. As much as you can, don't outsource your walks to other people. Walks help you connect with your dog whose lifespan is far shorter than yours.
  3. I know that you get to choose to be free rather than be right. Even if it seems impossible, you can exercise this choice during conflicts (h/t Byron Katie)
  4. I know that I cannot change someone else, but when I change, I allow the possibility of positive shifts in the relationship (h/t Gretchen Rubin)
  5. I know that I can have 100 valid reasons to resent someone, but holding onto them till the day they repent, will only leave me waiting...old and bitter.
  6. Related: I know that teaching myself to forgive has removed a lot of the weight in my heart, leaving more space for the good stuff. Phil Stutz's tool Active Love is what I used.
  7. I know that keeping a gratitude journal has helped rewire me into a more optimistic person. Try writing down just 3 things a day (big or small), that you're thankful for. However bad your year may seem, the over 900 good things surely count for something.
  8. I know that there are no bad dogs; only owners who cannot or will not train their dogs.
  9. I know that when I choose to go first — in saying hello, writing a thoughtful note, or offering help — I often end up with a smile on my face. (h/t Gabby Reece)
  10. I know that if I want a calm start to my day, then a screen-free start is essential.
  11. I know that taking my sleep seriously — dim lighting, cool room, no phone in bed, 7-8h of sleep — makes a huge difference to my alertness and mood.
  12. I know that I should be patient with the (perceived) weaknesses/failings of others. If they truly knew better, they would act better. (h/t Marcus Aurelius & Leo Tolstoy)
  13. I know that the way to use GenAI is not to replace thinking but to augment it. Otherwise you slowly but surely diminish your ability to think.
  14. I know that spending time in Nature helps me feel connected, calm and alive.
  15. Related: I know that birding with a good pair of binoculars and a decent field guide can offer hours of joy (as long as you don't get list fever!).
  16. I know that picking up a hobby/sport that you aren't particularly good at is a good reminder that there's always room to grow.

I'll add to this list over time to reach my goal of sharing 50 things I know!