These are the years you learn a lot -- college graduation to home-owning, pet parenting adult. Can only imagine what comes when you add kids. In random order, top lessons I've learned:
1.
The choice is yours: be positive and hope for the best, and you shall be happy. You don't escape the knocks, but you bounce back better, and with more gratitude for what you do have.
2.
Negative energy is contagious, avoid it. We all know those people who have nothing good to say. You can try to turn things towards the positive, they refuse to see it. So don't be around them. They suck all the energy and light out of you.
3.
Don't go looking for trouble. You'll always find it. Nuff said.
4.
Have friends of character. Who you surround yourself with is who you become. If you have friends who lie, cheat, and steal, it is at best just a negative influence on you. Find those people who help you become a happy and positive person, and back away slowly from those who don't.
5.
It's okay to fail big. I've done it in every way possible -- with love, with jobs, with sports. You live, you learn. Don't be so afraid to fail that you never try.
6.
If you can't control your temper by age 30, you never will. It should go without saying that these folks should be avoided at all costs. Nothing good comes from a short fuse and uncontrollable anger.
7.
Always put your health first. Sure, you partied in your 20's. But there comes a time in every person's life where he must think about how he'd like to spend his older days. And if it's walking around and being with family, exercise and healthy eating are a must.
8.
Learn to cook. The metaphor is here as well, but really -- learn to cook what you love to eat and you'll always be eating well.
9.
Work hard, but stop when you get where you're going. No job is worth exhausting yourself and preventing you from caring for yourself and spending time with family and friends. Don't let guilt or ambition make your job more important than all else in your life.
10.
Pets are like free happiness pills. I wouldn't know, but I bet they're better than Prozac.
11. It's never too late to make your life what you'd like it to be.
12. Reflect often on who you are and what you're prioritizing in life. Make sure it is the things that matter.
14.
What you think is what you become. Don't waste your time worrying and instead spend your time improving you.
15.
When it's right, you'll know. Houses, relationships, jobs...they almost all work like this. When all else fails, you can at least follow the "not no" rule that if the answer isn't "this isn't right," then you continue. I would argue, however, that you always know deep inside in a short time whether something is right. Listen to yourself.
16.
Be your own best friend. Don't be afraid to do the things only you want to do on your own. Be kind to yourself, don't beat yourself up.
17.
Always be kind. Pay attention to those who aren't kind, and avoid them.
18.
No one can truly stand in another's shoes. So don't go telling someone how to live his life, and don't let people try to tell you what's up.
19.
Endeavor to find the silver lining in your tragedies. If you can find meaning in your suffering, if you can make the best of an awful situation, you will go far in this life. RIP Ted Kennedy, who taught us all this important lesson.
20.
Don't take it personally. This is pretty much my life motto. It is almost never about you. And when it really and truly is about you, you have so much to learn. Listen and don't blow your stack.
21.
It's not about you. And if you make everything about you, no one is going to want to be around you. I know I won't.
22.
Find your passion. Mine is UCLA basketball. My life is infinitely better because of it, I obsess over it and let everyone know it is the number one thing that gives me pure joy.
23.
Let people be who they want to be. Don't try to control people or make them change. They have to want it. If you don't like it, don't be a part of their life.
24.
Be the light. Put out what you want to receive, and you'll get it in return.
25.
Don't waste your time with folks to whom you can't talk. Doesn't matter if it's your issue or theirs, point is if you can't talk to someone, there's nothing there worth not being able to communicate openly.
26.
Be grateful. Nothing contributes more to happiness. When I think of my dad or my nephew, gone forever, I make an effort to be thankful for the days I do have.
27.
Don't make emotional decisions. But bruinmccon, some decisions are by nature emotional. Yes, sure. But many people confuse rash, emotional decisions for their gut. And I'm telling you, it's not. You may have to make quick decisions, but you owe yourself time to think it over once you've noted your "gut" feeling. I had a significant other who made horrible life decisions this way. I couldn't get away from that person fast enough. Who wants to be around someone so unpredictable.
28.
Skip the drama. Really, life does not need to be that hard. If you don't get along with someone, stop spending time with that person. If you get upset about traffic, readjust your expectations and find something productive to do while you drive.
Surprise, surprise, my list is heavily tilted toward political uses of social media. 
File under best news of 2009, Comcast is now allowing local fans to view local games over the Internet (via Business Week):
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