So you want to be John Roedel? 

Here are the rules.



The John Roedel Rules:


#1  Don't try and impress people. 
#2  Don't be the greatest person you have ever met.
#3  Don't think about things that you could have done differently.
#4  Don't make plans that are unable to be broken.
#5  Expect the person next to you at the store to be amazing.
#6  Find some new music every week.
#7  Wake up grateful.
#8  Never buy shoes with shoelaces.
#9  Warn people before you dance.
#10  Order and then consume popcorn at every movie you attend.  Even if you have just eaten a very large meal.
#11  Avoid the words "should", "wished", "and "small monthly fee".
#12  Walk around the same lake every day.
#13  Just when you think people have had enough of your blog entries for a while, blog again.
#14  Don't feel obliged to use the smallest urinal in the bathroom.
#15  Start celebrating your birthday two full weeks before the actual date.
#16  Whenever there is a dirty diaper pretend that you have no sense of smell.
#17  When asked why you did not change a dirty diaper pretend that you have lost hearing.
#18  Be present in every moment.  Even if it is as boring as typing.
#19  When singing, speaking, or meditating remember to take deep and full breaths.
#20  You are developing a very strong allergy to negative and eternally grumpy people.  Be advised.
#21  Tell stories about things that happen to you.  Stretch the truth a bit if needed...
#22  Avoid wild animals.  They hate you and they want to eat you.  Yes, even if they don't normally eat meat.  They will eat you.
#23  Marry up.
#24  Don't let your inclination to be introverted keep you from adventures.
#25  Realize that having and then raising your children will be the best thing you will leave the planet.
#26  Never ever volunteer to coach under eight soccer.  You suck at it.  Big time suckage.  Sprain ankle if neccesary.
#27  You love to travel.  Embrace that urge. 
#28  Stay away from soda pop. 
#29  Open your mind to other points of view.
#30   Pray.
#31   Even though one day you will want to watch a semi pro golfer on the driving range...don't get too close.  Stiches hurt.
#32  Write daily.
#33  Don't focus on numbers.  Whether it be little digital numbers on an online bank statement, the number of people in an audience, or the number of names you can drop. 
#34  Focus on relationships instead.
#35  Keep all refried beans at a 5 yard distance from you.  They are Kyrptonite for you.  Beets will kill you.
#36  Try not to say "yes" to everybody.  Unless that person is asking if you want a job.
#37  Take chances with things.  Be ok with failure.
#38  Remain a riddle.
#39  Lose your walet, keys, cell phone, and other "important" stuff every day.
#40  Let your children become what they want to be.  Unless that is an Oakland Raider.
#41  Be mindful of what you are saying and how it affects the people around you.
#42   Do not under any circumstance watch "Old Yeller"  or "Marley and Me" in mixed company.  Sobbing does not become you.
#43   Surprise people.
#44   Surprise yourself.
#45   Go to movies on opening night. 
#46   Don't kid youself about someday being super brave.  It won't happen.  The good news is...you are just brave enough.
#47   When you hit your 30's you might want to invest in a personal trainer.
#48   Don't be afraid to stare when you see a miracle.  You will see one often if you are looking.
#49   Expect setbacks.
#50  Expect life to go off course for a bit.
#51   Expect things you hold sacred to change.
#52  Expect to doubt.
#53  Expect sadness.
#54  Expect to find joy in the suffering.
#55  Expect to find hope in the dark times.
#56  Expect to become addicted to Fondue.
#57  Be patient.  With everything.  People, situations, life, God, yourself, and most especially your children.
#58  Find a wife who will let you be you.
#59  Honor her.
#60  Sometimes it is hard to be kind.  Suck it up and just do it.
#61  Forgive.
#62  Shower.
#63  Live in an awesome townhouse with a great dude in your sophmore year of college.  Plan on having fun.
#64  Plan on going to college an extra year because of #63.
#65  Stargaze.
#66   When playing craps always buy the 6 and 8.
#67  Day dream.  It is ok to do it.  Really.
#68  Don't surrender to the sweatpants lifestyle.
#69  The Jonas Brothers music will cause you to have seizures.
#70   You won't like hunting.  So don't bother going.  It will freak you out.
#71   Be simple.
#72   Ski often.  Even if life won't seem to let you.
#73   If all else fails (and it will) try and make a joke of it.

Good luck!