All those who came for free advice, this way please.

There are some things irrespective of how often you hear them from how many ever people, they always strike your core with a blazing spear. This is one of those things. It resonates with me deeply and has everything I want to tell the world. It was written by my favorite Instagram account @velvetta.

"Life lessons:
- Self-pity is the absolute worst. Do everyone a massive & eliminate it. A friend once said, "Self-pity is found between shit and syphilis." I agree.
- Long distance relationships never work for long periods of time. It takes great honesty and loyalty. Check if you guys are in possession of these qualities before jumping in.
- 'Some of the worst mistakes in my life have been haircuts.' OK, Jim Morrison said that, but the man just got me!
- Identify when someone is stringing you along and be brave enough to cut off. This is important for your self-worth. Don't be anyone's doormat. Anyone. It could be your partner, boss or even friends.
- Listen, having an opinion is cool. It shows courage and individuality. But know when and where to present it. Just because social media is an open playing field and everyone comes out to bat doesn't mean you have to be tactless too. Give it a listen between your own ears, then decide if you want to post publicly. Filters are amazing. Use one.
- Spending time with friends from the same sex is as important as hanging with your beau or people of the opposite sex.
- If the shoe is killing you, make adjustments. If it continues to hurt, it's not for you. Abandon mission.
- Travel. But not because people on Facebook are doing it. I know, travel is everybody's new "hobby" and if you haven't done a euro trip with a million friends then you're practically pariah. Ugh. Screw that. Pick a destination you think you'll like, do your research and go. Do it because you want to, because you can. Not for a FB airport check-in.
- Stop being an asshole when you know you're hurting someone. I love how people pretend like they don't know someone was hurt by their words or actions. Don't be that person. Face them, apologise, set things straight. It's never too late to be kind.
- A gentle reminder that high school was a long time ago, and by continuing to behave like a teenager you're losing respect and good people. Your credibility will drop to minus. Seriously, grow up. Now."

A Seafarer' Prayer.

I print this one out and put it up on every ship I go. I cannot begin to explain how close to my heart this one is. It is my all-time favorite.


O God, I ask you to take me into your care and protection along with all those who sail in ships.

Make me alert and wise in my duties. Make me faithful in the time of routine, and prompt to decide and courageous to act in any time of crisis.

Protect me in the dangers and the perils of the sea; and even in the storm grant that there may be peace and calm within my heart.

When I am far from home and far from loved ones and far from the country which I know, help me to be quite sure that, wherever I am, I can never drift beyond your love and care.

Take care of my loved ones in the days and weeks and months when I am separated from them, sometimes with half the world between them and me.

Keep me true to them and keep them true to me, and every time that we have to part, bring us together in safety and in loyalty again.

This I ask for your love's sake. Amen.

- Anon