26 Rules to Live By

I don’t know about you, but I’m a big NCIS fan. I like most of the “spin-offs,” but the original is my absolute favorite. If you’re a fan too you know that Gibbs has a mental list of “Gibbs’ Rules” that he passes on to the team; things like “never go anywhere without a knife,” and “if someone thinks they have the upper hand, break it.” He got the idea from his late wife, and I got the idea from the show.

I’ve kept this list in my Notes app for years, adding to it when I want and changing things if I feel like it’s necessary. I’ve shared tidbits here and there but never the whole list; so you guys are the only ones to have laid eyes on it! ❤

Without further ado, here is my list of rules to live by:

Wear comfortable shoes.
Get a professional bra fitting- preferably with UK sizes.
Find a hairdresser you can trust with your life.
Buy quality underwear.
Take care of your skin:
- find a good sunscreen and reapply it regularly,
- use products that work for you,
- get the facial…
- …but don’t spend more than $50 on a moisturizer.
Love hard, and accept love in return. Tell + show your people that you love them.
Take risks, have adventures, and try new things!
Laugh often, and do it loudly.
Eat what makes you happy…and what makes your body happy.
Learn to love yourself as you are. If you can’t yet, start small by appreciating what your body does for you…then nurture it right back.
Don’t save anything for “special occasions” that may never come. Treat every day like one!
Surround yourself with your favorite people + things and enjoy them while you can.
Get outside at least once a day, more if it’s sunny!
Dopamine decorate. It’s your space, you should love it!
Do what makes you happy, just don’t break any laws.
- Eat, drink, read, and wear what makes you happy.
Wear the lipstick. Wear the jewelry. Wear the dress, the shirt, the shorts, the bathing suit…and rock them!
Read physical books now and then.
- I love my Kindle, but sometimes there is nothing better than a physical book!
Let yourself rest- your body needs it. Let yourself stim. Give yourself grace. Believe in yourself.
Surround yourself with people you love and who love you back. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, stand up for you, and can make you laugh.
Listen. To. Your. Gut.
Love on your babies. Love on your big kids. Make sure they know you love them unconditionally, can call you 24/7 no matter what, and that they know they can trust you.
- When they do call, because they will, go get them. Be there. Listen to them. Be grateful they called you instead of being too afraid of what you would say or do.
When you can, invest in quality: clothes, shoes, accessories, jewelry, underwear, etc.
- Make sure they fit you, and have them tailored if needed.
- Make sure they’re in your color season and your style profile!
Invest in quality photos, time, and experiences with the people who matter most to you, because one day that’s all they’ll have.
My home is also my children’s home, and there is nothing here that can’t be cleaned or replaced. If marker gets on my kitchen table, I wipe it off. If little fingers touch the windows, it’s fine. Much to my older family members’ dismay, my children are allowed to be children. Especially in their own home.
Speak up for yourself and your loved ones. If you can, speak up for those who can’t speak up for themselves.
You only get one life. Enjoy it and make it count.