13. Be grateful for everything.

Photo mine, Irony in front of books.

12. Learn to dance well.

Image from here.

11. When you forgive, you put your relationships before your own hurt feelings.

10. Be athletic somehow (son: your father would prefer football; I do not care).

Photo from Altoids.com

9. Unless you are performing, never be the loudest in a room.

8. Don't speak ill of anything with which you are not personally acquainted, and then, only to very close friends.

7. Surround yourself with people you are proud to be around.

Photo from http://images.allmoviephoto.com

6. Literature is your biggest ally, right after your daddy.

5. Old movies are good for the soul.

4. Keep gossip to a minimal.

Photo from His Girl Friday found on MinnPost

3. You know less than you think you know. Forever. Act accordingly.

Image from Flickr.

2. Life is not fair.

Katherine Hepburn with Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, and John Howard.
Picture from Croosa Creek Cinema blog.

1. Sometimes it's good to pause in the pursuit of happiness and just be happy.