Every once in a while, I see an Internet posting that is entertaining and full of wisdom. A friend sent me one written by Regina Brett, a columnist in Cleveland, Ohio’s Plain Dealer, who had just turned 50. She listed 45 lessons of life, plus five to grow on, which I have reduced to the ones with business applications.

• “When in doubt, just take the next small step.” Small steps can save a lot of money in the long run.

• “Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.” On your deathbed, I doubt you will say, “I wish I had worked more.”

• “Pay off your credit cards every month.” It will save you a fortune in interest.

• “You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.” Winning all the time may mean you lose a lot, too.

• “Save for retirement, starting with your first paycheck.” It adds up pretty fast.

• “If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.” Secret relationships are often expensive in the long run.

• “Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful, or joyful.” Dead wood will kill us, too.

• “When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.” Worthwhile goals require a lot of failures.

• “Over-prepare, then go with the flow.” The harder you work, the luckier you will be.

• “No one is in charge of your happiness but you.” No comment required.

• “Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’” Usually it won’t.

• “What other people think of you is none of your business.” It usually is a waste of time, too.

• “However good or bad a situation is, it will change.” It usually is never as good or bad as it seems.

• “Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.” Showing up is the key.

• “If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.” They may not be easy, but they may be better than most.

• “The best is yet to come.” The old days are just that — old.

• “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.” Everything looks better when we are standing up and dressed up.

• “Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.” Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they don’t look like gifts when we get them.

If you would like the entire list, send me an e-mail.

If you are over 50, go see the Disney Pixar movie, Up. It’s not just a kids’ movie.

Call or write Tom at 1030 Seminary St. Suite D, Napa, CA 94559, 254-0155, fax 254-0158 or e-mail suntrm@aol.com.