The Best Advice…A Compilation!
I’m always drawn to people who seem content in the ordinary and have a deep appreciation for life’s basic experiences; they find sincere pleasure in enjoying their day to day routines; they find satisfaction in simple friendships, creating something, helping those in need, reading a good book, a job well done, chuckling at the absurdities of life…..the list is endless. One of the things I find exceptional about these wonderful people is their willingness to be open to advice that will help them know what they are capable of accomplishing so they can be successful in life. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses, that’s just the nature of our lives, but I believe it is inherent in all of us to seek the best advice that will help us live our best lives!
“The good life is one inspired by love and guided by knowledge!” Bertrand Russell
The Best Advice From Some Of The Best People I Know!
I guess it’s only fitting that I start with some advice that my cute hubby, who is a financial consultant by profession, finds particularly enlightening–I think he likes the play on words!
My husband is also an avid reader and “old school” to the extent that he has absolutely no Social Media inclinations whatsoever, thus this sage advice seems to be his life’s mantra!
I have a dear nurse friend, Carol, who I worked with for many years until her retirement last year…she is always so wise and kind–she makes you want to be a better person when you’re around her! We recently planned a lunch date and I asked her what her secret was for living with such positive energy, without hesitation she replied,
“If you want to be happy…you have to be happy on purpose!”
“When you wake up each morning–you can’t wait and see what kind of day you will have. You have to be the one to decide what kind of day you will have. THRIVE…in spite of your circumstances!”
Another fun friend, Kellee, who along with her neat husband, has raised four boys. They often used these wise words to help their sons establish a good foundation for a strong work ethic!
Along with busy school schedules and other jobs, Kellee’s boys run a lawn care business with their dad. Many yards in our neighborhood and surrounding areas have benefitted from their expert skills.
Kellee also tells her boys to be nice to everyone–you never know, she warns, who you may end up working for or who your neighbor will be when you move out and are on your own! Good advice, Kellee!
When I married my husband, I also got a wonderful extended family in his parents and eight siblings. Two of his sisters recently shared some advice with me that has helped them keep a happy perspective about life.
My sister-in-law, Colette, shared with me that the best advice she got was from her parents, who never really expressed it in words, per se, but rather by their example of never turning down the privilege to serve. “My parents always accepted the opportunity to serve with valiant hearts. They were kind, selfless ministers to others their whole lives and wonderful examples of Christ-like love!”
Wendy is the youngest of my husband’s siblings, and she told me that when she was deep in the trenches of raising her young family and feeling torn between trying to keep her house clean and taking time to play with her kids and enjoy their “kid-ness” (aka–messes) a friend shared some great advice on how to do both and keep her sanity! “My friend suggested cleaning one room a day. When it’s done, let it go. Cleaning house this way was so liberating! I knew that each week every room was clean under the clutter my kids made.”
“May my children look back on this day and see a mom who had time to play. There will be years for cleaning and cooking, but children can grow up quickly while we’re not looking!” A Mother’s Prayer
Even though their kids are grown-up and on their own now, these cute ladies still have a lot of fun and are always young at heart!
I think we all know someone who has an insatiable appetite for discovering all the fun nuances about the world around them. For me that person is my friend, Marilyn. So of course, I just had to ask her what her best advice would be…and her answer was delightful!
“Live Curious!”
“Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it has added spice to my life.”
Marilyn goes on to explain that she was extremely shy as a child and teenager, but her avid sense of curiosity pushed her and led her into situations and places that have brought her a lot of joy and knowledge. “Not holding back when I was curious about things or people I wanted to understand better has given me so many choice life experiences, new friends and wonderful talents. Hopefully, unlike the cat, I’ll know when not to be too curious.”
Marilyn took these pictures as she was peeking through the gate of the Millard House in Pasadena, California. It’s one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous four-patterned block houses built in the 1920’s.
No advice post would be complete without the wisdom my father shared often…and with everyone!
“What is almost as important as breathing?”
“Getting a good education!”
My dad was a brilliant educator who loved his profession; he truly believed that the key to being able to go out into the world and make a difference was getting a good education!
Following this same train of thought, a wonderful friend and teacher, Catherine, who wants kids to love learning, shared this beautiful insight…
“Kids are candles waiting to be lit, not buckets waiting to be filled.”
My mother’s wise advice was always the perfect mix between trying to inspire our family to do better and yet somehow find contentment along the way!
“The secret of being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most of every day” Merle M. Jorgensen, my cute mom
And lastly, I’m offering this advice since as a nurse I’m often asked by friends and acquaintances who I’d recommend as a good doctor for their medical care. Just like you’d expect, there are as many physician personalities as there are patients!
(via “Patch Adams” with Robin Williams)
Some people want their doctor to have the funny, soft-hearted approach of a Patch Adams…
(via “The Doctor” with William Hurt)
…while others, my husband included, like a doctor with a straight forward, no fluff approach.
…so my advice is always to find a doctor who you feel is invested in your health and that you are comfortable in communicating your concerns! Nothing should be compromised when it comes to your health and wellbeing!
(I’ve worked as a Maternity and NICU nurse for many years. You can read some advice I offer on occasion to new parents and grandparents here.)
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this advice segment. I’ve been so touched and humbled by the many responses I received on this topic that I’m going to make it a regular series on the journal. We all benefit when others are willing to share with the universe the advice and wisdom that motivates them to live better–so be prepared to be inspired!
What tidbits of wisdom have helped you on your life’s journey, I know you have some, so please share it with us here!
–Here’s to living our best lives! Mary