Rules to Live By

We all know we are going to die. Shakespeare said, that we are dying from the moment we take are first breath, and yet it is the one topic that few people feel comfortable talking about.
When someone you know is diagnosed with cancer, the first thing that enters the mind is "Am I going to die?"
Death is not meant to be a frighting thing, it's just moving from one realm into another. But it is the thought of leaving our loved ones behind that bothers us the most. Guilt is another thing that seems to weigh heavily on our minds when one considers death, "have I been a good parent, a good person? etc;" When I was diagnosed with cancer I made a list of rules to live my life by so that I would never have any regrets. Here are the following rules, maybe, just maybe they will inspire and help someone you know going through difficult times.

Rules to Live By

1) If you're afraid to fight, then you'll never win.
2) In times of tragedy and turmoil you'll learn who your true friends are. Treasure them for they are         few and far between.
3) Know your enemies and never become your own worst one.
4) Be grateful for those enemies. They will keep you honest and ever striving to better yourself.
5) Listen to all good advice, but never substitute someone else's judgement for your own.
6) All men and all women lie. But never lie to yourself.
7) Many will flatter you. Befriend the ones who don't, for they will remind you that you are human and infallible.
8) Never fear the truth, It's the lies that will destroy you.
9) Your worst decisions will always be those made out of fear. Think all matters through with a clear      head.
10) Your mistakes won't define you, but your memories good and bad, will.
11) Be grateful for your mistakes as they will tell you who you and what you're not.  
12) Don't be afraid to examine the past, it's how you learn what you don't want to do again.
13) There's a lot to be said for not knowing better.
14) All men die. Not everyone dies.
15) On your death bed, your greatest regrets will be what you didn't do.
16) Don't be afraid to love. Yes, it's a weakness that can be used against you, but it is also a source of       the greatest strength you will ever know.
17) The past is history written in stone that can't be altered. the future is transitory and never                     guaranteed. Today is the only day you can change for certain. Have the courage to do so and               make the most of it because it could be all you'll ever have.
18) You could be in a crowd, surrounded by people and still be lonely.
19) Love all, regardless of what they do. Trust only those you have to. Harm none until they harm you.
20) Never be afraid to kill or destroy your enemies. They won't hesitate to kill or destroy you.