My friends, I want to share with you a few of the many important life lessons I have learned over these very exciting and experimental two years of my life. But before I do, I must announce that this will be my last weekly column in the Northern Star .

However, you can catch me and my three colleagues on our great, new, multi-interest radio show from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday nights on NS*Radio. You don’t want to miss it!

Anyway, the following life lessons I’ve learned are not in any particular order of importance. And there are many more that are unmentioned here because of space constraints.

First of all, associate only with the best. I believe that what you are around will – like it or not – influence you. How can a flower stay intact in a field of thorns? How can pure water stay pure in a puddle of toxic waste? It can’t.

So be nice to everyone. But be “friends” with only the greatest. “Greatness” doesn’t mean they’re good at “academics.” It means they know how to make the most of their unique talents.

Secondly, use the problems you’ve been through as a model to help others who are going through similar problems. I believe we go through difficulties to discover solutions and help others avoid being hurt and going through hell like us.

Third, motivate yourself daily to accomplish the big goals and plans you have for your life. We all have unique talents no one else has. Experiment until you find your unique talent. Then, get up in the morning and remind yourself of your dream – many psychologists recommend writing it down and reading it aloud. Make your dream the goal of your life. Dress, talk and carry yourself throughout the day like what you want to be – and not what “society” tells you that you are right now.

Fourth, take care of yourself physically. The key to feeling great is eating and treating your body great. Eat whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, good fats, etc. Also engage in moderate exercise.

Every dream and goal we have is accomplished through the use of our physical body in some way. Keep it in great condition.

And lastly, as the Bible and other religious texts teach: Give and you shall receive. I heard one pastor make a great analogy: Rivers give water and thus continually receive a fresh flow. Ponds give nothing and stagnate. The same is true for us. Give your knowledge, kindness, love, resources and more and ultimately, you shall receive.

These are a few of the many important life lessons I have learned over the past two years, and I wanted to share them with you.

Let’s conclude here with the words of Shakespeare in “Hamlet:” “This above all: to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”

Columns reflect the opinion of the author and not necessarily that of the Northern Star staff.