365 Lessons

On the first day of 2015, I began an ongoing document with the mission of writing down a new lesson every day.  Here is the result:

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In an effort toward persistent growth and development, I vow, this year, to learn something new every day.

1/1. Some traditions aren’t meant to last forever.
1/2. You find people where you least expect them.
1/3. Growing old doesn’t mean growing up.
1/4. Be there for people. Even when they may not always be there for you.
1/5. Don’t follow what others believe you should do.
1/6. Their choice does not equal your choice.
1/7. Friendships only die if you let them.
1/8. You’re not the only one going through problems.
1/9. Don’t take people or moments for granted.
1/10. When all else fails, you always have family.
1/11. Parents are the only ones who will always love you unconditionally.
1/12. Show appreciation to those who deserve it.
1/13. It’s never too late to get to know people.
1/14. Look out for those who look out for you.
1/15. You can’t expect greatness without risk.
1/16. There will always be more thoughts, ideas, adventures, and explorations.
1/17. You don’t have to be blood related to be family.
1/18. There is such thing as too much crazy.
1/19. If you’re not doing anything by 2am, it’s time to sleep.
1/20. Everyone has their own story to tell.
1/21. Some days, you only have yourself.
1/22. People won’t always follow what you do.  That isn’t a bad thing.  Do it anyways.
1/23. There’s a difference between good intentions and good actions.
1/24. Sometimes you need to put yourself before others.
1/25. Value your health.
1/26. What you think is not always what you know.
1/27. Timing will never be on our side.
1/28. Don’t let others hold you back from doing what you want to do.
1/29. Don’t procrastinate.
1/30. It is important and necessary to go outside your comfort zone.
1/31. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Or you’ll throw up or pass out.

2/1. &FAM OVER EVERYTHING.
2/2. Show appreciation to those who show you appreciation.
2/3. In most situations, someone will be better than you at something.  Don’t sweat it.
2/4. Growing up means fun takes less importance than class.
2/5. If you stick to the same things, you never grow or develop.
2/6. Life is good.  Appreciate it and be thankful for your everyday life.
2/7. If you depend too much on others to decide, you give up your own freedom.
2/8. There are some things you learn with experience, and some you never learn.
2/9. Even past the petty arguments and battles, this brotherhood is unmatched.
2/10. Life’s best lessons don’t come from professors.
2/11. Most times, being alone isn’t a negative thing.  Sometimes, being with company, is.
2/12. Belief and hope in someone is not always enough for them to succeed.
2/13. There’s a difference between meeting someone & getting to know them.
2/14. Family really does come first.  Regardless of time and location.
2/15. I’m really lucky to be surrounded by the people in my life.
2/16. Raves are not worth the days following it.
2/17. Sometimes you’re set up for failure.  Still try to succeed.
2/18. If it’s important to you, you’ll make time for it.  So what’s important to you?
2/19. A healthy past is a good foundation for a healthy future.
2/20. The only limits you have are the ones that you set for yourself.
2/21. Most people aren’t temporary.  Don’t treat them as if they are.
2/22. Don’t do things simply to do them.
2/23. When you’re with your friends, hard work is just work.
2/24. Respect must be learned before it is earned.
2/25. Be happy for others.  Their happiness should not lower your own.
2/26. If it’s not Saturday, it’s not the weekend yet.  Don’t act like it is.
2/27. Some people don’t know how to have fun.  So just throw something more fun after.
2/28. If you remember an event positively, it will be a good memory. It’s within your power.

3/1. Recognition is important. If you want others to know you, you must know them as well.
3/2. Don’t trust cookies.
3/3. Only have fun if you’re able to afford it (and maybe sometimes when you can’t).
3/4. Obligation means that you can’t not do it.
3/5. People will let you down.  Forgive them anyways.
3/6. New experiences are irreplaceable.  Don’t let repetition stop you from doing new things.
3/7. Everybody has demons.  Treat them well because of that.  Even if they don’t recognize yours.
3/8. When the fun is over, don’t push your limits. There will be plenty more opportunities.
3/9. Recognition is not necessary, but is both important and beneficial.
3/10. Failure to plan is planning to fail.
3/11. Don’t be angry at those who know not of their wrongdoing. Respectfully let them know.
3/12. Nurture supportive relationships & deny abusive ones.
3/13. There is nothing in the world that can beat a lifelong friendship.
3/14. Some people are destined for greatness, others are destined for failure.
3/15. Most moments are worth the sleep deprivation.
3/16. Procrastinate all you want, but you’re going to pay for it in one way or another.
3/17. St. Patrick’s Day is an excuse to have fun, and I don’t mind at all.
3/18. When others are proud of you, it means that you’re doing something right.
3/19. Working matures you, but maturity comes with drawbacks.
3/20. Respect goes both ways.  Real recognize real.
3/21. Girls are scary.
3/22. Your friends are a good representation of yourself.  Good people are good friends.
3/23. Even studying can be fun with the right people and atmosphere.
3/24. If you think you’re going to wake up to study, you’re wrong.
3/25. Sometimes all we need is a little break to relax.  Then it’s back to work again.
3/26. Moonshine tastes pretty good.
3/27. You only have a select number of classes left in your school career, so attend as many as you can.
3/28. Awkwardness is made up.  It doesn’t exist until you create it.
3/29. You won’t be there for every moment.  When you are, make it count.
3/30. Some days are meant to do absolutely nothing.  And there’s nothing wrong with that.
3/31. Cleanliness pushes for a greater quality of life.

4/1. We rarely take advantage of San Diego’s beauties.
4/2. Respect from your idols is a crazy thing.
4/3. Sometimes you just need to make a bad decision. It’ll be fun or you’ll learn from it.
4/4. Fun is a luxury, not a priority.
4/5. Brothers can be friends, and friends can be brothers.
4/6. There are so many beautiful & amazing parts of SDSU that we often don’t take advantage of.
4/7. As much as I like to think that I’m maturing quickly, I still have a lot of growing up to do.
4/8. Never lose your what makes you individual, especially in the face of groupthink.
4/9. Progress is progress.  Failure is still progress.
4/10. Water balloons make everything 10x more fun.
4/11. When you give, you receive much more.
4/12. Sacrifice some bit of your own needs to cater to others.  These moments are invaluable and eternal.
4/13. Dealing with negative situations maturely and professionally will do you some good in the long run.
4/14. You’ll often be “too lazy” to hang out with friends.  Don’t do that shit.
4/15. Bad things happen to good people.  I don’t know.  I don’t really have a lesson.  That’s life, I guess.
4/16. Study to learn & apply, not to remember.
4/17. A nap at 7:30pm is not a good idea.
4/18. Don’t always stick to what you know. New experiences help you become well-rounded.
4/19. Take things one step at a time.  Great accomplishments take more than one step.
4/20. When everyone contributes, everyone benefits.
4/21. The only limits you have are the ones you set for yourself.
4/22. Humor is the highest form of intelligence.
4/23. People change.  Memories don’t.  The future can.
4/24. Preparation is the difference between success and failure.
4/25. There is no old or new. There is only now.
4/26. Experience triumphs over convenience.
4/27. The bad times will pass.  The good ones will too.
4/28. People come and go, appreciate them while they are around.
4/29. Not having a phone teaches you the true treasure of living in the moment.
4/30. Kindness, compassion, and effort will lead you to destinations beyond belief.

5/1. Do what you want, because you want to.  Hit ‘em with the unexpected.
5/2. Your activities will catch up to you.
5/3. Sometimes you need time alone to recharge; sometimes you need time with others to recharge.
5/4. Everyone works differently, at different paces.  Don’t use others’ progress as a basis for your own.
5/5. Some days, no one understands.  Some days, you connect with people completely. Take each as it is.
5/6. Greek life is the stepping stone, not the destination.
5/7. If you’re going to take the fame for success, you must also take the downfall during failure.
5/8. Just because you finish first, doesn’t mean you’re the winner.
5/9. You’ll never be able to relive this present moment.  Don’t wait until it’s a memory to cherish it.
5/10. Respect is hard to earn the first time.  It’s even harder the second.
5/11. People will be shitty.  Even then, don’t be one of those shitty people.
5/12. Prepare for the worst, but expect the best.  
5/13. Success is attractive.
5/14. Time is fleeting.  Enjoy good moments while they happen, rather than mourning lost time.
5/15. Even strong people cry.  Tears are not a sign of weakness.
5/16. Successful parties aren’t always based on going hard or crazy.  The best ones aren’t.
5/17. You can’t help people that don’t want to be saved.
5/18. Laziness isn’t a good reason to miss out on unique experiences.
5/19. A day is only wasted if you believe it to be.
5/20. Home isn’t always a location.  It can be a group of people too.
5/21. New friends are great, but old homies always have your back without question.
5/22. You don’t have to follow the crowd.  Follow your instincts & forge your own paths, risky as that may be.
5/23. Providing for others is providing for yourself.
5/24. Enter situations with an open & positive mind.  You fulfill your own prophecies.
5/25. Some days are meant for doing nothing.
5/26. Hard work is tedious, but the satisfaction of a finished product is incomparable.
5/27. Genuinity is a priceless characteristic to find in a friend.
5/28. Cater to all your friends and friend groups; those that have earned attention & those who need it.
5/29. You can’t force people to like what you like.
5/30. Home is where the heart is.
5/31. Family triumphs over everything, every time.

6/1. Being in an old environment subjects you to old behaviors & lifestyles.
6/2. Sometimes, it’s a nice gift to just tell them what they want to hear.
6/3. If people are valuable to you, value what is valuable to them.
6/4. Don’t treat old friends as if they are the same.  Embrace your new selves & your new relationship.
6/5. Sacrifice means that you can’t always win 100%.  But focus on what you gain from each experience.
6/6. Doing nothing is easy.  Ease is for the underachieving.
6/7. Keep putting yourself into new & uncomfortable situations.  That’s the only way to grow.
6/8. Pay attention to those who help you during a crisis.
6/9. Plans are plans.  Actions are actions.
6/10. Don’t forget to show both your close and distant friends appreciation.
6/11. The only thing real is the present.
6/12. Finish what you start.
6/13. Open yourself to new people, experiences, and opportunities.
6/14. Having fun isn’t something you need to try to do.  It is either there or not, regardless of activity.
6/15. Sometimes strangers are friends, and sometimes friends are strangers.
6/16. People won’t always be there for you.  You can’t expect them to be.  You are the only person for you.
6/17. You can’t always make someone like you. (I’m actually talking about a dog.)
6/18. All an event needs is some planning and a little contact.
6/19. FaceTime the people who matter every once in a while.
6/20. You can’t wait your whole life for people to offer help.
6/21. You can’t waste imagination.  Creativity sparks exponential creativity.
6/22. Don’t let yourself be limited by the constraints of those akin to you.
6/23. Spontaneity never killed anyone.  (That’s probably not true.)
6/24. Don’t compare your relationship to someone with their relationship with another.  Each has value.
6/25. There’s nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of adventure & spontaneity.
6/26. You don’t need to be someone’s big/lil to take care of them.
6/27. Show guidance & attention to those that are unfamiliar with situations that you are familiar with.
6/28. No one quite understands like family, brothers to be specific.
6/29. Everyone is going through their own personal hell.  Try to understand them & don’t add fuel to the fire.
6/30. Reasons are different from excuses. Find reason in your actions & excuse yourself from inconvenience

7/1. Invest in your children.
7/2. Time is fleeting.  Feelings change.  Not all memories aren’t meant to be held on to.
7/3. Everyone has their own story & their own past.  Try to understand them for who they are.
7/4. Your relationship with one friend/group does not diminish your relationship with another.
7/5. No good deed goes unpunished.
7/6. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.  And just because you should, doesn’t mean you can.
7/7. Some people can’t be helped.  Try anyway.
7/8. Don’t blame people for the way they were raised.
7/9. Underdogs don’t always win.
7/10. Little things matter.
7/11. When you’re surrounded by past people & past locations, it’s easy to develop past habits.
7/12. You can’t make people’s choices for them.
7/13. People cat. Don’t take it personally.
7/14. Sometimes you need to decide whether you or your friends are the higher priority.
7/15. Your favorite characters leave, but that doesn’t mean they can’t make surprise guest appearances.
7/16. All you really need to be happy is to be together.
7/17. Money can’t buy happiness.  But it can buy new Nike’s at the outlet for cheap.
7/18. Family means everything.  Support your family & your family’s family.
7/19. Don’t speed.
7/20. Always be bold and strong.
7/21. Art needs no form.  It is everywhere and you can create it yourself.
7/22. You won’t always have the resources you need to succeed, but that doesn’t mean you give up.
7/23. Your friends have other friends. Be happy for them.  This does not diminish your relationship with them.
7/24. Celebrate the successes of others.
7/25. Take advantage of opportunities that do not reveal themselves often.
7/26. Realize that no one can read your mind.  You can’t always expect people to guess how you feel.
7/27. JUST DO IT.
7/28. Remember what it’s like to be lonely.  Use that to help others who feel alone.
7/29. People notice hard work.  Continue to work hard even if they don’t.
7/30. Realize that art is everywhere and in everything.

8/1. Don’t compare moments to those previous.  Each has its own significance.
8/2. Always be kind.  People struggle enough without outside criticism.
8/3. Show attention to those who do not come over often.  Give them a reason to come over more often.
8/4. Appreciate the people in your life while they’re still around.
8/5. Everything has an opportunity cost.  It is important that you know that before making any decision.
8/6. Memories aren’t really memories if you don’t remember them.
8/7. “Right” and “wrong” are subjective.
8/8. Balance is key.
8/9. Sadness doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
8/10. There is room for overlap.
8/11. A daunting task is more bearable with good company.
8/12. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as progress.
8/13. My parents have gone through so many hard times and continue to be good & nice people. Goals.
8/14. Be thankful for those that are around. They won’t always be.
8/15. Believe in others when they don’t believe in themselves.
8/16. There’s nothing quite as beautiful as the ocean.
8/17. Have friends that complement your personality, some that differ & some with the exact wavelength.
8/18. There is little harm in telling others that you miss or care for them.
8/19. Asking for help does not mean that one is weak.  There is always room to improve strength.
8/20. Actions speak louder than words, but the two are not mutually exclusive.
8/21. It only takes a little effort to make someone’s day.  It only takes a little effort to ruin one too.
8/22. Though some may be rude, most college students are inherently kind and respectful.
8/23. The best things in life can’t be measured.
8/24. Challenges may be difficult to overcome, but the end result is rewarding.
8/25. Humans are imperfect.  Don’t focus on people’s flaws.
8/26. The hardest tasks are the most rewarding.
8/27. If you have knowledge, you require less preparation.
8/28. You don’t have to feel guilty about any of your pleasures.
8/29. Sometimes you have to choose between two good alternatives.  Don’t regret the one you didn’t pick.
8/30. You can push and procrastinate all you want, but the problem will still persist.
8/31. Positive attitude in a negative situation makes a positive situation.

9/1. Mental state is more important than group obligations.
9/2. Group dynamic is important: both negative and positive have likewise effects.
9/3. Parents do so much for you, the least you can do is have a conversation with them every so often.
9/4. Stay true to your roots.
9/5. Just because people don’t tell you they appreciate you everyday, doesn’t mean they don’t.
9/6. Sometimes, rest is the only solution.
9/7. Unconcern yourself with what others think and you’ll have no reason to be concerned.
9/8. There are times when you will fail, no matter how much you prepare.
9/9. Alcohol is expensive.
9/10. Work at your own pace but understand deadlines.
9/11. Alcohol makes you fat.
9/12. People will make up any excuse to screw you over.  Don’t stoop to their level.
9/13. Communication is key and appreciation is crucial.
9/14. You know yourself best.  Cater your schedule to your specific needs and productivity.
9/15. The key to success is planning, effort, and intention.
9/16. Acknowledge your differences, but focus on your similarities.
9/17. Don’t open the door to laziness.  If you skip one class, what stops you from skipping another?
9/18. Sometimes you do things you don’t want to in order to please others.  It’s worth it.
9/19. When people need help, don’t make them feel like a burden.
9/20. If you start a process weakly, it’s going to be tough to finish strongly.
9/21. People deserve second chances.
9/22. Deal with problems as they happen.  There’s no need to worry about what is out of your control.
9/23. When you’re the minority, there’s only so much you can do.  Try anyways.
9/24. The best moments are the ones with family.  No questions asked.  Highest priority above all.
9/25. People make mistakes.  You can either learn from them or dwell on them.
9/26. If you know a bad decision has consequences, don’t be surprised when they occur.
9/27. You have a lot more to gain from hard work than to lose.
9/28. Everyone is going through their own personal struggles.  Don’t add to them.
9/29. Some days have no breaks.  Breathe.  Take things one day at a time.  You’ll get through it.
9/30. A bad leader takes credit.  A good leader gives credit.

10/1. Consider all your options.
10/2. If people aren’t down, just do it by yourself.  Other people don’t dictate your actions.
10/3. Don’t expect others to value your opinion if you don’t value theirs.
10/4. Accomplishing just one goal in a day is an accomplishment in itself.
10/5. Everyone has different skills.  Theirs should not diminish yours.  Yours should not diminish theirs.
10/6. You’re allowed to have fun while also sleeping at a reasonable time.
10/7. Some things never change.  Some things never stay the same.
10/8. To leave a legacy is to live on forever.
10/9. You can only get so drunk in public without judgment.
10/10. Lying might be easier, but it’ll get you into even more difficult situations
10/11. Chemical happiness is not genuine.
10/12. Sometimes you have to give up your own wants and needs for those of the collective.
10/13. It’s never too late to actually get to know someone.
10/14. You won’t always know the right answer, but you have to make your best guess.
10/15. If someone is down for you, you need to be down for them.
10/16. Some things are better done together.  Some things are better done alone.
10/17. You should be able to get everything you need to get done in six hours of free time.
10/18. All good things come to an end.
10/19. Food and sleep are so extremely important.
10/20. If you’re sick, just stay home.  Health is first priority.
10/21. Leave the house at least once per day.  It will change it entirely.
10/22. Different individuals need to receive different type of care and affection.
10/23. Don’t get angered at people who don’t owe you anything.  No one is entitled.
10/24. Be receptive to all types of personalities.
10/25. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  The worst they can say is no.
10/26. Not all good things happen twice.
10/27. If bad things happen to your friends, you do anything you can to make them feel better.
10/28. Know your limitations.  Some are meant to be surpassed, but certainly not all.
10/29. You know the risks of missing class, and you should not be surprised when they occur.
10/30. Make decisions when you’re conscious-minded.  And if you’re not, accept the consequences.
10/31. Even the bad isn’t that bad.

11/1. Renewal does not require a start date.
11/2. People won’t understand you if you don’t give them the opportunity to.
11/3. Life doesn’t always give you breaks.  Use your time wisely.
11/4. Don’t get lost in a preoccupied state of mind.
11/5. There isn’t one correct way to show people you care about them.
11/6. Find balance between sacrifice & selfishness.
11/7. No fam like Rho Fam.
11/8. There is such thing as too involved.
11/9. Sickness is serious.  Treat yourself.
11/10. People want to help.  Give them the opportunity.
11/11. Don’t get lost in your own delusion, nor others’.
11/12. Hennchata = dope.
11/13. They don’t mean it.
11/14. Pay what you owe right away, because you’re going to pay eventually.
11/15. Don’t trust bars.
11/16. Somebody always has it harder than you do.
11/17. Don’t feel sorry for yourself if you know the risk in the responsibilities you take on.
11/18. It’s not always about you.
11/19. There are infinitely more reasons to be happy than to be sad.
11/20. Don’t forget to take care of yourself as well as you take care of other people.
11/21. Everything stays.
11/22. You give and you get.
11/23. You forgive and forget.
11/24. You re-give and regret.
11/25. You get to choose who you interact with.
11/26. Not everything has a meaning.  Some things just are.
11/27. The sad truth is that not everyone is worth saving.
11/28. The drive from the bay to SD is 8 hours.  There’s no cheating time.
11/29. You’ll remember the nights that were worth skipping priorities for.
11/30. Not saying goodbye is a form of saying goodbye.

12/1. Invest in your friendships/relationships.
12/2. If you want people to think highly of you, you must conduct work that is highly sought or appreciated.
12/3. Don’t expect support unless you show support.
12/4. Emotions surpass time & space.
12/5. Make time for the people who have made the effort to make time for you.
12/6. You’ll remember your mistakes.  Might as well make them positive ones.
12/7. Every cloud has a silver lining.
12/8. In life, you encounter many ‘last’s.  Make an effort to experience some ‘first’s.
12/9. A good team is made up of well-prepared individuals.
12/10. Study or not, here they come!
12/11. The busiest days provide the biggest relief upon completion.
12/12. If you have a reason to celebrate, share that celebration with others.
12/13. Accomplishment and achievement are measured subjectively.  Their thoughts are not yours.
12/14. Procrastination is not unique to school.
12/15. Group projects are the work of the devil.
12/16. Assist others, even when it serves no personal benefit.
12/17. The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
12/18. Work isn’t work if you enjoy it.
12/19. I’m lucky to have come across H.O.V.
12/20. Everything stays.
12/21. Eight hour trips aren’t so long with good company… and food.
12/22. Age is not a measure of maturity.
12/23. Clubs/bars/lounges in the bay are crackin’.
12/24. I’m lucky to be surrounded by overwhelming positivity and laughter.
12/25. There is much more in giving than there is in receiving.
12/26. It’s unfair to show ill will to the oblivious.
12/27. A decision can be both good and bad.
12/28. Make sure what you want is truly what you want.
12/29. Time shows no kindness.
12/30. Respect your elders, because you will get there one day.
12/31. When it’s all said and done, leave a positive impression in other people’s lives.