A bunch of words

I'm on my death bed, my life slipping away little by little, and I wonder...what do I want to say and to whom?

I've thought about this now and then and the answer depends on who is there at the time. Thinking about it now, and with my nephew's visit coming up very soon, if it were him standing beside me, or my niece for that matter, here's some of what I'd want to say.

Be honest even when it's hard. Be humble but don't get stepped on. Take responsibility for yourself, thoughts and actions. Spend your time wisely, it's won't come back around. Hard work prevails over talent when talent is lazy. Take risks, back yourself and release fear. Show respect regardless of a person's status or station. Health is your most valuable asset. Don't allow your emotions to control you. Stand up for what is right even though you might stand alone. Learn to say no, it's a strength. Do uncomfortable things, outside the lines is where great things can happen. Have a small but strong circle of people around you. Always be true to your word. Learn how money and financial matters work early. Don't fear failure, it's a lesson, and never allow it to stop you from trying one more time. Reject negativity and choose friends who lift you. Have manners and courtesy, they're more important than money. Stand up for yourself with confidence. Be the person people know they can trust. Listen more than you talk. Be prepared, it brings confidence. Say sorry when you're wrong, it's a strength not a weakness. Be helpful and be kind. Don't ever stop learning and developing, be a sponge. Waste no time trying to impress the wrong people. Your personal sense of honour and integrity is everything. Stay true to yourself no matter what. Treat women with respect and kindness. Stand up for the weak, elderly, children and those who cannot stand up for themselves. True strength comes from humility and kindness, not power. Learn how to fight well, but know when not to. Read a lot. Write your thoughts down to refer back to. Don't play video games or have social media. Beauty comes from the inside. Apply effort in all things. Apply a need over want strategy. Take ownership and be disciplined. Learn how to cook steak. Don't bow to peer pressure, be your own man. Plan for the future, but live today. Understand that you'll die but never fear it, live life better right now instead. Travel as much as possible. Learn how to survive in the wilderness. Learn how to read body language and control your own. Love your partner with everything you have. Know your worth and value it. Don't rely on others to do what you can do yourself. Have a reward-for-effort ethos. Take a moment each day to be still, physically and mentally. Don't treat animals cruelly. Be passionate.

Thankfully I'm not on my death bed just yet and have the chance to pass on some of what I've learned in life and, hopefully, the time to see some of it in action.