Wisdom Of The Ages
Words of wisdom are simple, but effective; they ring true for us because we agree with them.
Artwork©DmytroBeridze:123rf
I scatter a few small books around the house. They are little books of quotes like George Washington’s Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior, Ben Franklin’s Wit and Wisdom, and Zig Ziglar’s Little Book of Big Quotes. Every so often I will pick one up and read a couple of these famous quotes, marveling how so much logical thinking and common sense can be packed into such few words.
Words of wisdom are just that. They are simple, but effective. They ring true for us because we agree with them. Many times, we navigate through decision making by calling them to mind — you know, like honesty is the best policy or you can’t judge a book by its cover. We all know our favorites because they feel so familiar.
In all that I have experienced in my seven decades in life thus far, I have distilled my very own mental library of words of wisdom to live by. Here are some of my favorites.
Several can be credited directly to my parents, who were my greatest teachers, and a few gems are lessons from Cameron, my beautiful grandson, who fills my heart with joy.
Use up. Fix up. Make do. This one is credited to my father, who surely heard this on a daily basis when he was growing up in the post Great Depression era. It became our family creed. Look to this great advice if you truly want to simplify your life. It rides on the backs of “waste not, want not,” and “you can’t take it with you.”
Keep your eyes on your own plate. My brothers and I agree that my mother spoke these words often when all seven of us sat around our dinner table (back when family dinner really happened!) These words need no further explanation. Apply as needed to remind you that the only business you need to attend to is your own.
Getting old is not for sissies. I heard my mother utter these words as she moved through the aging process and had to deal with a variety of unanticipated body malfunctions. The human body, which temporarily houses our soul, is an amazing creation. But it has a start date and an end date. It’s up to us to take care of it, but it is not built to last forever. Although my mother went through a lot, she did it with grace and dignity. She never got depressed or bitter, and she exited the way we would all like to go. I like to remember Mother’s Day weekend in 2008 as the date the angels came and peacefully escorted her home.
Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you, so be kind whenever you can. Do you realize that a kind word or gesture from you could make someone’s day? People can be instructed as to how to follow protocols and be civil and pleasant, but being kind carries a different energy. It is generated by your heart energy.
Don’t let anyone interfere with your niceness level. I try be nice to everyone. Some people are nice back. Some are not. My words of wisdom to myself are, “Be nice anyway.” And don’t stop. Maybe the not-so-nice person is just shy or not social or has esteem issues. You have nothing to lose by being nice, and may serve to draw the niceness out of others.
Smile often. No matter what a person looks like, one who is smiling is far more beautiful than one who is not. Do you know that your frontal cortex has mirror neurons? This causes you to instinctively mirror back what you see. Your face is like your front door — it’s what someone first sees. A smile is like a beautiful welcoming wreath, and invites people to return the favor. And remember, a smile is best accompanied by eye contact.
You were born with two ears and one tongue for a reason. When speaking with someone, practice becoming an active listener. I am a talker; it runs in our family. I can run my mouth with the best of them. Sometimes I have to remind myself that people talk because they want to be heard. So, instead of spending time and energy arranging your reply, just listen.
The Law of Attraction is real. Everything is energy, and energy is powerful and precious. So, plug your leaky holes and don’t waste your energy on worry, stress or negative thoughts. What you send out will come back to you.
Death is not something to fear. If you were born into a human body, you already did the hardest part.
Appreciate everything. The food on your plate started with a seed. The clothes on your back started with a thread. Pretty much everything started with someone’s imagination. And those people that irritate you the most? Appreciate that they are your best teachers. Life is unpredictable, so anything we value can be lost in an instant. Better to live with higher vibrations in a state of appreciation.
When stepping out into your day, do it with a smile and great enthusiasm. Expect the best. Be determined when trying something new. And, make sure that your own mental library is full of positive quotes to live by.
Tina Marian is an RN, certified holistic health coach, and a proficient EFT practitioner. She established her private coaching practice in 2008 with a passion for teaching EFT tapping to the world. Visit www.medicinemyway.us. Catch Tina’s talk “Tap Down Stress with EFT” at 1:30 on Saturday, November 11 at the Natural Living Expo in Marlboro, MA. The talk is free with expo admission!
