Today, I woke up with the reality that I turn 63 today. The magic of today is that I woke up to great health, a wonderful family, work that I love, and an optimistic outlook on life. The past 2  years were  filled with significant medical issues, a sepsis diagnosis, and 3 different surgeries. Today is nothing but joy and gratitude.

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This year I have intentionally focused more on friends and family; the gift of time; and choosing to enjoy this incredible planet with more travel. I have let go of certain work endeavors I once thought defined me. I try to tell those special people in my life how much I love them - daily. And I’m more focused on doing the things that matter. I’m looking to leave this earth better for my having been here.

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Now I begin another orbit - and I’m facing it with gratitude and a clear focus on what matters most. I’m planning to knock a few more things off my bucket list, to experience more of the world through travel, and to make a meaningful impact in the lives of family, friends and colleagues.

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So here they are, Michael Burcham’s 63 life lessons... and more to come I hope.

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This year’s Addition:

• Life isn’t about finding yourself - life is about creating yourself.

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My previous 62:

• Go for it - be bold and daring. None of us are getting out of here alive anyway.
• If you want something permanent, get a tattoo.
• If want to feel pretty, a quick trip to Walmart does the trick.
• Some of the most beautiful things have dents, scratches and scars - including people.
• The little things in life turn out to be the big things.
• Your kids aren’t you - they need to make their own path.
• Religion that requires belonging and believing what you are told isn’t transforming. It’s a cult.
• God has a great sense of humor - just look around.
• Gratitude multiplies happiness.
• Don’t be ashamed of yourself, that’s your parent’s job.
• Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.
• Speak even if your voice shakes.
• Showing vulnerability is not weakness - it takes massive courage.
• There is no common ground in fiction - don’t even try.
• We are more defined by what comes out of our mouth than what goes in it.
• Before you climb the ladder of success, make sure it’s leaning against the right building.
• Infatuation is not love. Know the difference.
• You are in control of your own heaven or hell. They form in your mind.
• It’s better to master one thing than to be just average at many.
• Narcissists make really bad friends.
• Money and success doesn’t change people - it merely amplifies what is already there.
• You are stronger and more resilient than you think.
• Those who condemn you in the name of God wouldn’t recognize him if they met him.
• When you marry someone, you’re marrying the whole family.
• Live life looking forward, learn its lessons by looking backward.
• A meal is nicer with red wine.
• I’ve outgrown some friends. That’s totally ok.
• A person cannot drive you crazy if you don’t give them the keys.
• Revenge is best served cold.
• Life shrinks or expands in proportion to your courage.
• When a man tells you he got rich through hard work, ask him: “Whose?”
• We all need a few guilty pleasures.
• Being a grandparent is way better than being the parent.
• Turn your wounds into wisdom.
• A “food court” is not food.
• A mind is like a parachute - it doesn’t work if it’s not open.
• You never really learn much from hearing yourself speak.
• To become old and wise, you must first be young and stupid.
• “Move on” is great advice.
• A genuine smile can also be seen in the eyes.
• Buying stuff doesn’t make the emptiness go away.
• Saying thank you matters.
• What works for me might not be right for you. That’s OK.
• “What’s your story?” is more interesting than “What do you do?”
• Fulfillment is the measure of success. It’s never about the money.
• Box wine is a sacrilege - in fact it’s the 8th deadly sin.
• There’s no dress rehearsal in life - you get one shot. Make it count.
• After 30 - few people change their behavior.
• You will fail if you are brave enough.
• Trying to out run criticism is a full time job.
• People are rarely who we want them to be. That’s not their fault.
• Confidence is inspiring. Arrogance is offensive.
• Grief is love with nowhere to go.
• The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.
• An argumentative person is simply showing their lack of self confidence.
• Love heals - time doesn’t.
• Control is an illusion.
• What looks like luck is usually a lot of hard work.
• Make memories of moments. They sustain you after loss.
• The secret to success: Wake  up, Clean up, Dress up and Show up.
• If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.
• I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life in three words - it goes on.

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Time to buckle up and make another trip around the sun. Sending love…

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Michael

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