Life’s little instructions book by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. holds a very special place in my heart. It all started with i was 15 years old. My classmate at school received this book as a gift from one of her aunts. We all loved to show off our gifts at school and that’s what she did. I loved the book and wrote down the instructions i liked best, and till date have a copy of them. Ten years later, i found the book in a second hand book store and grabbed it. Every few days, i pick it up and read a few instructions and it brings a different kind of joy to my life.

 

Jackson Brown, Jr. Wanted to gift something special to his son who was starting his new life as a college freshman. He jotted down his observations and words of counsel he thought were useful. He gathered his hand written notes, typed them up, put them in a binder and presented it to his son. A few days later, his son called him to say that it was the best gift he ever received and would pass it on to his son as well. These typewritten pages became the “Life’s little instruction book”.

 

We may not agree with all the entries in this book, but they are certainly worth giving a thought. And what more, you can start adding your own observations from your life and present it to your children as pearls of wisdom.  

Here are a few instructions from the little book that i think are the best:

1.       Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures. 

2.       Look people in the eye.

3.       Say “thank you” a lot.

4.       Be forgiving of yourself and others.

5.       Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

6.       Dont postpone joy.

7.       Be brave. Even if you are not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.

8.       In business and in family relationships, remember the most important thing is trust.

9. Never underestimate your power to change yourself.

10. Count your blessings.