Tips for a Better Life

With 2 million books sold, Rory has taught us how to eat better. We’ve asked her for tips on how to live better, based on her own life experiences. Here are Rory’s top twenty ways to make every day shine brighter…

Rory Freedman, photo by Tim VanOrden

1. Don’t say “yes” when you mean “no.” It’ll make you resentful. Say what you mean and mean what you say.

2. When driving, if someone wants to get in front of you, let him in front of you. And do it with a smile. It’ll make his day better, and it’ll make you feel good. You just changed the world.

3. Try to make a gratitude list each day. Include big things and little things. Invite your friends to make their own lists; you can all email one another each day, sharing your gratitude.

4. Don’t be a problem solver when a friend just wants you to be a listener.

5. Call your parents or grandparents. Sometimes, a five-minute phone call is all they need to feel loved.

6. Be a good neighbor: Be considerate inside and outside your home/apartment so your noise doesn’t bother those around you. That includes opening and closing your front door quietly.

7. Pee in the shower. If we each did this once a day, it would save an enormous amount of water and toilet paper (trees).

8. Write a “fan letter.” Tell someone you know, or someone you’ve never met, why you admire him or her. You’ll make someone’s day.

9. Curb your jealousy. Be happy for others.

10. Be willing to be wrong. If someone has a grievance with you, really try to see her point of view. If called for, apologize. It’s hard to do, but it feels really good and makes life so much easier.

11. If you are in a room with someone you don’t know, introduce yourself right away. It takes away the social discomfort immediately.

12. Pick a cause close to your heart, and get involved. You don’t have to quit your job and dive in headfirst. Just get involved on some level and do what you can when you can. Go slightly beyond your comfort zone but don’t overextend yourself.

13. Be a good friend to your friends. Tell them what’s good about them, that you appreciate them, and make the effort to spend time with them.

14. Go vegetarian. Animals raised and slaughtered for food suffer immeasurably. Visit GoVeg.com for a free vegetarian starter kit.

15. Do your best to think good thoughts. They affect your health, happiness, and the people around you.

16. Do something frivolous for someone you love. (It doesn’t have to be extravagant.) It feels so good to do nice things for other people, it’s almost selfish!

17. Practice accepting compliments. The person complimenting you is giving you a gift. Receive it graciously, even if it is difficult.

18. Be generous with your compliments. Don’t blow smoke up anyone’s ass. Just say nice things when they occur to you.

19. Forgive those who have wronged you. Holding onto anger and resentment poisons your body and your life. There are no benefits in staying mad. Let go. It’s okay.

20. Forgive yourself. It’s okay to be imperfect and to have made mistakes. Try to do better, that’s all.

Posted by Rory on October 23, 2009 at 4:30 am
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36 Comments

Amy, October 23, 2009:

Love your books, Love your list!!!! My husband has finally given up meat because of reading Skinny Bastard, I guess hearing it from the man’s perspective did the trick! Thanks!!!
OrganiKooK, October 23, 2009:

Excellent advice! Especially about forgiving people who did you wrong, it makes you almost giddy to let go. Love your books, hope to meet you someday.Thanks for all you do. (I did have to put a cover over the title to take it to school with me, as a teacher I couldn’t have kids see the title-hee, hee…it did make them very curious though!)
Joy, October 23, 2009:

You rock Rory!! Thanks for all you do
Lindsay, October 23, 2009:

I have always loved your writing, ever since I picked up a copy of Skinny Bitch. You’re an inspiration, and I am so thankful to have read this article today. After having lost a job this week, your words have helped me put everything into perspective. Thank you!
Lauren, October 23, 2009:

Great list! I just love Rory!!
Francisco, October 23, 2009:

Rory Freedman just started my day
Michelle, October 23, 2009:

I am sending this list to everyone I know and tacking a copy to the bulletin board in my office. As for number 8 – my “fan letter” is going to Rory! She rocks!
inder bedi, October 23, 2009:

thanks for making my day Rory, love ya
Marina James-Galvin, October 23, 2009:

I am so grateful for YOU and all that you share…. Thank you.. I hope to meet you one day… Healthy Blessings, Marina
kathleen, October 23, 2009:

Thanks for this wonderful list! I told dad I love him!
Chloé Jo, October 23, 2009:

What a wonderful list of advice.
Ari Solomon, October 23, 2009:

That just made my day!! Thank you!!
Jason, October 23, 2009:

Number 7 made my day. It brought a much-needed smile to my face. (And, it’s so true!)
callie, October 23, 2009:

Perfect.. I love it.. Thanks. Callie
Nora, October 23, 2009:

Rory, you’re great, thank you xxoo
Jason Siadek, October 23, 2009:

Thank you for reminding me!
janey, October 23, 2009:

great rules to live by every day
Katie Urbaniak unham, October 23, 2009:

Peaceful living…love them
Meg Wolff, October 23, 2009:

I really enjoyed this great yips for a better life.

Peeing in the shower was funny, I’ve never done that, but will. :-0 Rory, you have guts. That’s so great.

I especially liked this one:

“If you are in a room with someone you don’t know, introduce yourself right away.”

Recently, I did a weekend intensive. I knew no one, and I was on crutches with one leg. Everyone was quite friendly, but one women came up and introduced herself, “My name is Elizabeth …”, that made me feel welcomed and I really appreciated it. It actually made my day.

Thanks for the reminder, Rory. I’m going to remember (and practice) that one!
Bella Floria, October 23, 2009:

Thanks for such wonderful wisdom!
Amy, October 23, 2009:

So AWESOME! Good to have a list for the times we “forget”…
Kelly, October 24, 2009:

Great list! Now I can pee in the shower to save the world..that makes me feel better
Must remember the same does NOT apply to peeing the bath. I should put a note up by the taps for that one
Lillian, October 24, 2009:

Numbers 9 and 10 really rang true for me. They are both ideals that I struggle to abide by every day, and I see a lot of animosity and ugliness due to the stubborn protection of one’s ego, by never admitting one’s faults or another’s accomplishments. It truly is a sad, lonely way to live!
Fanny, October 24, 2009:

Peeing in the shower is a disgusting suggestion. Unfortunately I once got into a shower after someone had peed in it – the smell lingers forever unless way too much water is used to get rid of the odor, thereby eliminating the reason for peeing there in the first place. Please stick to the toilet for peeing.
Vicki, October 24, 2009:

Is it rude to tack tip #6 on the doors of all my neighbors?
jackie & casey, October 24, 2009:

Love this!
Rich, October 24, 2009:

you rock, i wish (fantasy) that you weren’t married and i wasn’t either.
Jen Grisanti, October 25, 2009:

I love anyone who spreads positivity. There is no better way to live than in an attitude of gratitude! Bravo!
debbbiedoesraw, October 25, 2009:

#21 post this list where you can read it at least ten times a day.
Thanks Rory. I needed that!
deb
Sleepy, October 25, 2009:

this is wonderful – and i appreciate the reminder!

i would love to see an article on how to forgive and let go (re: 19).
kym, October 26, 2009:

Thankyou so much for this
Hanlie, October 26, 2009:

I love this! Thanks Rory!
Blender Benefits, November 19, 2009:

Hey Rory,

Thanks for the list. My girlfriend and I love your book— its featured coffee table reading
Lauren, November 24, 2009:

This was awesome and exactly what I needed in my life.
Marcus Patman, April 13, 2010:

And I thought I was the only one that thought peeing in the shower was a great idea!
frith, July 16, 2010:

this is one great list.
thank you for it. xx