In my running update this week, I referenced the column of advice that was remixed into the most excellent Everybody’s Free (to Wear Sunscreen) by Baz Luhrman. Once it was in my head, I remembered what fabulous advice the song has, and I re-listened a couple of times.

Here are the bits that I have taken to heart and try to live by:

1. Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.
2. Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind. The race is long, and in the end, it’s only with yourself.
3. Don’t expect anyone else to support you.
4. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don’t.
5. Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you should hold on.

And as a bonus, I adore the line: “Do not read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.” But I took advice on that elsewhere rather than the song, and gave up Cosmo a long while ago.

Brilliant column/song, and almost all good advice.