Fortune Cookie Wisdom

Happy new year.

In some fundamental ways, 2014 was a year of cleaning out for me literally and figuratively. In doing so, I found a collection of fortunes from fortune cookies I collected while in grad school. Yes, I wonder why I still had these fortunes collected in my state championship trophy from high school cross country.

I must have eaten a lot of Chinese takeout in grad school. Enclosed below is a curated subset of wisdom or insights from fortune cookies…or perhaps reflections from the past and thoughts for the future:

• You will be called upon to help a friend in trouble.
• The world is always ready to receive talent with open arms.
• You are generous to an extreme and always think of the other fellow.
• With integrity and consistency -- your credits are piling up.
• You are one of the people who "goes places in life."
• You have the rare ability to recognize ability in others.
• Great acts of kindness will befall you in the coming months.
• Great thoughts come from the heart.
• You'll accomplish more if you start now.
• You will discover the truth in time.
• You will pass a difficult test that will make you happier.
• You are never selfish with your advice or your help.
• You'll never know what you can do until you try.
• You will advance the careers of your friends in your climb to success.
• There is beauty in simplicity.
• You are capable, competent and creative. Prove it.
• Never find delight in another's misfortune.
• You have an ambitious nature.
• You believe in the goodness of mankind.
• There will be someone sharing your warmth. 
• You are able to analyze objectively and express yourself clearly.
• You will come to realizations in your life that will change you forever.
• You will spend old age in comfort and material wealth.
• Your heart is pure and your mind clear.
• Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.
• It is time to help a friend in need.
• You will be rewarded for being a good listener.
• Someone from your past has returned to steal your heart.
• It's time you asked that special someone out on a date.
• Do not use your soul as collateral.
• In silence man can most readily preserve his integrity.
• Your ability to recognize the silly in the serious will take you far!
• Time heals all wounds. Keep your chin up.
• Ignorance never settles a question.
• Your love of music will be an important part of your life.
• You will make a change for the better.
• Be prepared for the truth.
• Your ability to juggle many tasks will take you far.
• Moderation is the key.
• The only way to have a friend is to be one.
• The gift is not as precious as the thought.
• You will be a great philanthropist in your later years.
• Remember to share your good fortune as well as bad with your friends.
• It is during difficult times that true friends become apparent.
• Smile. It'll make the world brighter.
• Goods that are not shared are not goods.
• Stop procrastinating -- starting tomorrow.
• Be cautious while walking the darkness alone.
• You will step on the soil of many countries.
• You will be fortunate in the opportunities presented to you.
• You will travel to many places.
• A good laugh and a good cry both cleanse the mind.
• When you give something away, it makes room for something new.
• Be sensitive.
• You will make changes for the better.
• Reach out your hand to support others who need you.
• Wisdom is knowing what to do next. Virtue is doing it.
• Your virtues are your priceless treasures.
• The pleasure of what we enjoy is lost by wanting more.
• If winter comes, can spring be far behind?
• Your dreams are never silly! Depend on them to guide you.
• The love of your life will appear in front of you unexpectedly!