“What are your top five life lessons you can share with me?” Imagine someone asking you that question. How would you respond?
Like many others, from time to time some pearls of wisdom cross my desk. The two lists I share in this post can be shared with anyone, no matter their age, and can also result in many possible discussions about life, attitudes and relationships, most importantly: how to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
After an extensive search, I have been unable to find the authors of these two articles, though must acknowledge them whoever they are and express my appreciation for sharing these words of wisdom.
Create positive and meaningful relationships
The greatest Joy……………………………………….Giving.
The greatest loss…………………………………….. Self-respect.
The greatest hurt…………………………………….. Losing a loved one.
The most satisfying work……………………….. Helping Others.
The ugliest personality traits…………………… Selfishness, Greed.
The most endangered species………………… Dedicated Leaders.
Our greatest natural resource…………………… Our Youth.
The greatest “shot in the arm”………………. Encouragement.
The greatest thing to overcome………………… Fear.
The most destructive habit………………………. Worry.
The most effective sleeping pill…………….. Peace of Mind.
The most crippling failure disease…………. Excuses.
The most powerful force in life………………… Love.
The most dangerous pariah…………………….. Gossip.
The worst thing to be without…………………… Hope.
The deadliest weapon…………………………….. The tongue.
The most confident statement………………….. I Can.
The greatest asset………………………………….. Faith.
The most worthless emotion…………………….. Self-pity.
The most beautiful attire………………………….. Smile.
The most prized possessions……………………. Integrity, Honor.
The most contagious spirit………………………. Enthusiasm.
Something you can’t live without……………… Life.
The greatest virtue………………………….. Honesty.
The most endearing need………………………… To be wanted.
The greatest demand……………………….. Respect.
The most powerful possession………………….. Knowledge.
The greatest expression of thanks…………….. Gratitude.
Reflections on Life — be the change you want to see
I asked a friend who has crossed 70 and is heading towards 80 what sort of changes he is feeling in himself? He sent me the following:
1. After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, my children and my friends, I have now started loving myself.
2. I have realized that I am not “Atlas”. The world does not rest on my shoulders.
3. I have stopped bargaining with vegetable and fruit vendors. A few pennies more is not going to break me, but it might help the poor fellow save for his daughter’s school fees.
4. I leave my waitress a big tip. The extra money might bring a smile to her face. She is toiling much harder for a living than I am.
5. I stopped telling the elderly that they’ve already narrated that story many times. The story makes them walk down memory lane and relive their past.
6. I have learned not to correct people even when I know they are wrong. The onus of making everyone perfect is not on me. Peace is more precious than perfection.
7. I give compliments freely and generously. Compliments are a mood enhancer not only for the recipient, but also for me. And a small tip for the recipient of a compliment, never, NEVER turn it down, just say “Thank You.”
8. I have learned not to bother about a crease or a spot on my shirt. Personality speaks louder than appearances.
9. I walk away from people who don’t value me. They might not know my worth, but I do.
10. I remain cool when someone plays dirty to outrun me in the rat race. I am not a rat and neither am I in any race.
11. I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It’s my emotions that make me human.
12. I have learned that it’s better to drop the ego than to break a relationship. My ego will keep me aloof, whereas with relationships, I will never be alone.
13. I have learned to live each day as if it’s the last. After all, it might be the last.
14. I am doing what makes me happy. I am responsible for my happiness, and I owe it to myself. Happiness is a choice. You can be happy at any time, just choose to be!
I decided to share this for all my friends. Why do we have to wait to be 60 or 70 or 80, why can’t we practice this at any stage and age?
So, what five life lessons would you share with someone who asks you the question above? I have only got as far as number 3:
- I have learnt that, with self-discipline and an unshakeable faith, anything is possible.
- I am lovable and capable.
- I have a gift of encouragement, so I try and reach out and encourage at least one person every day — this gives my life a greater purpose.
Cover Photo by Jason Gardner on Unsplash