10 Things....

...that I'd either tell a daughter if I had one or lessons that I've learned being 40something. 

1.  Actions speak louder than words, so put your middle finger down and be a class act. 

2.  Don't pride yourself on being a bitch.  Of course, you're probably going to be called one at one time or another in your life, but don't label yourself as one.  Be strong.  Independent.  Headstrong.  Stand up for what you believe in.  Look out for your friends, family, and children, but don't make those qualities equate a derogatory term. 

3.  Kids are going to do stupid things.  It's what they do.  They're learning.  They don't know the things you know despite the time invested in trying to teach them to learn from your mistakes.  Try to set a good example.  Even the best parents in the world have kids that occasionally screw up.  It's all part of the process.  Remember how tough it was to be a kid at times?  It's not always a reflection on your parenting skills.  Well, not unless you handed the kid the scissors and told them to run with them.  In that case, then yes, your kid's stupidity is because of you.

4.  It's probably always going to bring you a small amount of pleasure when you see someone who used to be incredibly thin get fat.  As we get older, a whole lot of things impact our bodies beyond just having babies.  Your time just might come, too, so be careful feeling too much amusement over the high school cheerleader seriously needing a Weight Watchers membership. 

5.  Sometimes, people do get what they deserve, but if you're flinging around that word "Karma" and hoping that someone gets their just reward, you might get yours too putting out that kind of vindictiveness into the universe. 

6.  For the sake of humor and entertainment, being a vodka-swilling mother probably isn't as funny as you think it is.  Yeah, we all could use a drink every now and then after a kid has plugged the toilet, stuck a fork in an outlet, or announced in the grocery store check-out that the guy in front of you smells like poop.  But, if you carry a flask in your purse to make it through a day of parenting, well, it's probably more concerning than endearing as far as motherhood goes. Yes, kids will drive you to drink on occasion.  That's a fact. 

7.  Cuss like a drunken sailor on shore leave or string together expletives like a trucker, but when it's appropriate.  Like you're actually on shore leave or sitting at the wheel of a big rig or at a tractor pull. As with everything, there's a time and place.  Some of the funniest, most engaging people I know have a knack of adding a small amount of profanity that brings a little something to conversation.  Otherwise, you appear as though you have no manners, and believe it or not, that matters to some people. 

8.  "Don't say anything you wouldn't want written on the wall beside you for all of eternity for anyone to read."  I heard that a couple decades ago, and it's something I'll always struggle with.  Think before you speak badly of someone else and realize not many people are capable of keeping secrets. 

9.  There's a fine line between being opinionated and being an overbearing ass.  Don't tell people what they should think.  Don't try to change someone's mind even if it's something you're passionate about.  People don't like subjects forced down their throats, and most times, they've made up their minds and you're not going to sway an opinion on more sensitive subjects.  Appreciate diversity and listen to what someone else has to say.  You might learn something. 

10.  Be genuinely happy for the success of others.  If you want your own success, at whatever you're doing, get busy and work for it.