A Baker’s Dozen Things A Mentally Stable Person Should Never Have to Tell Themselves.

Conversely, “A Baker’s Dozen Things A Mentally Ill person so desperately needs to hear from themselves.”

A few reminders to myself and any other lost and troubled minds who’ve just about given up all their assets(ok just the most coveted ones like some things listed below) for a fat reality check.

1. Be yourself.

Never doubt yourself. Do not try to be who you think you should for anyone else. You won’t please them. You’ll just lose yourself. You’ll forget who you are, what you love, how to love and you’ll have to write a ridiculous, lengthy list, explaining to yourself who you are and how to continue being. So just.. keep that in mind.

2. Do the things that make you happy, every day.

Create. Read. Write. Cook. Learn. Accomplish. Spread happiness. Occasionally, smoke happiness. Soak up the sun. Absorb knowledge. Hang out with friends. Play video games. Wake up to cartoons. Fall asleep to TED Talks. Talk to that girl you like. Listen to that girl you like. Ain’t no sunshine when she gone.

3. Take care of yourself like you are your own ideal model parents.

How’s school? What are you eating? Are you eating? How are you dressing? Grooming? Are you on drugs? All the time? In other words, grow the fuck up.

4. Do the things you do for you, and only you, without hesitation.

Does that sound selfish? Does it make you happy to make others happy? Then do it. Don’t tell a soul.

5. Live by your morals.

Never cheat. Be honest with yourself and everyone else. Keep your goddamn word. Do not gloat. Don’t do it for glory. Don’t buy low-fat. Don’t ever dye your hair. Floss often. All life is precious, treat it as such. Do not shit where you eat. Don’t be a snitch. (Listed in no particular order.)

6. Keep your values.

Family and friends are #1. Know where you came from. Commit to your values. Make a difference in yourself, for yourself. Make a difference in your culture. Make a difference in your environment. Make a difference in this generation, for yours and the next.

7. Think about how your actions effect your thoughts and emotions.

How do they effect those of others? Contrary to your distorted perception, the majority of this world understands “actions speak louder than words.”

8. Be grateful.

Honestly, you have nothing but first world problems. All solvable. You’ve been spoiled and surrounded by people who love you — or tried very hard to — your entire life. You still standin up. What’s there to be down about?

9. Be open and sincere.

You are fresh out of lies; Reasons to hide; People to front for. Wassup?

10. Be present.

Don’t live in the past. You can’t rewind. Pause makes no progress. Get over it. All of it. Let it go. Live in the moment, at all times, every waking moment. Be awake.

My God, is that where that phrase comes from? *Goo. Gul.* Nope.

11. Love yourself.

Weird quirks, flaws and all. Can’t stay out of the mirror but attempting to claw your way out of your head with various unproductive — rather destructive — distractions. Have you tried any of the many doors in front of you? Who gave you that book of matches?

12. Treat those precious to you with love, appreciation and devotion.

Always be there for them. Let your feelings be known. Listen to theirs.

13. Write or Die.

For the love of your God, write for yourself. Breathe for yourself. Live for yourself. See for yourself. Listen to yourself. Reflect on yourself. Give feedback to yourself. Have an opinion about yourself. Be your fucking self.

Next time you find it hard to do or confusing, refer back to this.