Someone once asked how to get far in life and accomplish things. Well, one of my friends back home couldn’t have said it any better. Its not a  pure “sobriety” or “faith” list but something worth sharing.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have family and friends who have taught me valuable lessons. Here they are:

1. Family first. Always remember the (ongoing) sacrifices your family has made for you.
2. Always bring home omiyage “gifts” when you go on trips (especially for those who took you to the airport, etc.).
3. Never return containers empty.
4. Never bend your hand backward to pour for other people and never pour for yourself.
5. Nothing is ever free. Do not take if you do not plan to give back.
6. Do not burden others with your own problems.
7. Do not ask a question without looking for the answer first.
8. Friendship should not be measured with time.
9. Always take last.
10. Be careful how many times you say “I” in a conversation.
11. If you invite people out to celebrate (especially to celebrate you), do not expect them to pay.
12. Be understanding because life is unfair.
13. Never talk badly about your mother. Ever.
14. Work hard, but never let anyone know how hard you really work.
15. Do not boast.
16. Never ask for favors/hook-ups. But if you have to ask, be discreet. And repay the favor two-fold.
17. It is ultimately your job to take care of your parents when they get older. This takes preparation and saving.
18. Do not get angry at adversity.
19. Your parents will let you fall from time to time. It does not mean they don’t love you. It means you needed to learn something.
20. Appreciate everything you have.

It’s a list that those from home could probably better understand. Hawaii really is a special place. When reading what she had wrote, it was a reminder of what’s kinda missing anywhere else. Not everything is applicable to those of us in recovery. Specifically number 6 and actually that’s it.