13 Things I Learned in 2013

13 things I learned in 2013 (mostly from people, but also from running a business):
1. Friends aren't random. Life is a series of choices, one after the other. You and your friends have all made decisions to get to where you are, and there is something incredibly significant about that. Be unconditional to your friends because we are kind of in it together.
2. Making decisions is easy if you ask yourself, "Is this awesome?" If yes, keep doing it. If no, then change it.
3. There is a difference between purpose and pursuit. I'm finding purpose in the pursuit.
4. Products are souvenirs of a story. I'd rather sell stories than products, and that's my approach to branding and design.
5. Money is circulated. Time is spent.
6. Stick with the attentive ones.
7. The concept of "play" is underrated, but "play" is the pinnacle of focus and interest. It's important, and should always be made time for. It's the art of being present, content, and engaged. I value my time to play.
8. I'm grateful and lucky that most days, my work feels like play. I think I have it good over here on 2nd Street.
9. Never check your work email on holidays and weekends.
10. Anyone who helps you clean up a horrific pile of dog shit in your kitchen on New Year's Eve ten minutes before midnight is probably worth keeping around.
11. If you teach at a community college, it helps to have a good sense of humor.
12. Creativity breeds creativity.
13. Always try to say "yes." Turns out it's pretty fun.