<p>If you could offer to your child(ren) or other young people heading off into the world, one piece of advice, insight or inspiration, what would it be? The most important thing you could tell them.</p>
<p>Don’t be a lemming and follow the trends, think forward and be a trend setter. Also don’t think with emotions (women) or think with your other head (men) Follow these two pieces of advice and you will be successful. Not to say I follow my own advice all the time, but that’s life. Also enjoy yourself while you are young and don’t work yourself to death. No point in dying with money.</p>
<p>I would tell my kids to find something to be grateful for every day because in the day-to-day business of living, it’s very easy to lose sight of what’s good in your life.</p>
<p>Listen to your intuition.</p>
<p>Have Fun. Learn Stuff. Grow.</p>
<p>(In fact, I had it inscribed on mugs that I gave to my d. as an off-to-college gift…then named my next book that.)</p>
<p>Find something to do that lights a fire under you, that fills your heart with joy.</p>
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<p>We are to assume that they will listen?</p>
<p>Don’t reproduce until you’ve completed your education.</p>
<p>(Yes, I know that this is less philosophical than the other suggestions in this thread. But it’s still my number one piece of advice. I know far too many people who have had a brutally difficult time trying to complete their college degrees or obtain other educational credentials after becoming parents.)</p>
<p>Be true to yourself and your values (and hopefully this will cover Marian’s wise post!)</p>
<p>Don’t forget to have some fun.</p>
<p>Treat others like you would want to be treated.</p>
<p>Find a way to travel to the places in the world that fascinate you. Also, use all that youthful energy to work hard, put in extra hours, get a higher degree, etc., while you’re young and single because it’s a lot harder after marriage and family.</p>
<p>"Always… no… wait… Never forget to check your references.</p>
<p>“I think the young people like it when I get down with them verbally.”</p>
<p>[Twenty-five cents for anyone who can correctly identify the movie reference.]</p>
<p>Here is the best thing I’ve EVER told my children:</p>
<p><em>You</em> are responsible for the choices/actions/decisions which will influence your future! :)</p>
<p>You are not at the mercy of your friends/your peer group/the “college culture” at select small colleges/society/your bf-or-gf/or whomever.</p>
<p>Whether you choose to flunk a class/drink-and-drive/binge drink/use drugs/cheat/treat others poorly/not use birth control or whatever is WITHIN YOUR POWER TO CONTROL.</p>
<p>Choose wisely. This will minimize the chances of negative occurences in your life. Do <strong><em>NOT</em></strong> look for others to blame. Take responsibility. These things are YOURS and YOURS ALONE to choose, and I trust you to make the right decisions. 'Cause I <em>KNOW</em> you’re an awesome kid!</p>
<p>~berurah</p>
<p>Not exactly advice, but my two rules for them as adults (like I have any say at this point, but anyway):</p>
<p>Figure out how to support yourself.
Don’t hurt other people.</p>
<p>Everything else is up to them.</p>
<p>don’t forget to help those less fortunate…learn something new everyday, even if it’s just a new word…smile, it really does make you feel better.</p>
<p>If you get a feeling in your gut, pay attention to it. </p>
<p>(This applies to all situations - business situations, people, ethical dilemas. It sure has worked for me a bunch of times.)</p>
<p>Treat others so to bring out the best in them.</p>
<p>Be kind to others…and to yourself. Most of us forget that last part :)</p>
<p>Live with intention - make every hour count for something. </p>
<p>Never, ever confuse intent with effort, or effort with results. </p>
<p>Read a new newspaper, periodical or writer every day; on the internet, click something new every day. </p>
<p>Work overtime and play hard - you can rest when you’re dead. </p>
<p>Take risks: leap, and the net will appear.</p>
<p>Oops, that was too much advice!</p>