Life Lessons: What that brain of mine has accumulated.
My very smart friend and Social Median Margie Clayman, recently wrote an amazing blog post called, “What I want you to learn from me”. In it, she shares a bit of herself by telling us what she’s come to realize either through her experiences or those of others. If you ask me, she’s been very generous in giving us some wise advice when it comes to succeeding and life in general.
This grand blogosphere of ours is in large part about learning and helping each other in any way we can. And while we attempt to provide our audience with value – each in our own way and style – we ultimately open the door to a part of our lives by revealing (whether consciously or not) bits and pieces of our true self and personality.
After all, it’s what allows us to connect and determine whether we’re interested in one another – opinions, beliefs and all.
If you recall, I did a little piece on my birthday back in November where I shared 17 things about me and then again a few weeks ago where I asked you to Bring IT! and share 17 things about yourself that we’re not likely to find online. I even made it easy for you and provided the questions – which of course, I answered as well.
Well I decided to take Margie up on her offer [see the end of her post] and write a similar piece that lists 14 things I’d love for you to learn from me. Granted, I’m far from being a life connoisseur or “know it all”. But much like you – I’ve learned a few things here and there throughout my years of experience and my time breathing on this earth. Things that have generally worked for me and that I hope will work for you too.
So without further ado and blah blah, here are my 14 commandments or little rules of life, if you will.
- If you don’t like and respect yourself, no one else will. I have more faults than I care to imagine. But I know that I have a ton of qualities as well. Regardless of everything, I like who I am and I have a tremendous amount of respect for myself and everything I stand for. I carry myself in a manner that exudes confidence and pride in my upbringing and character. If you appear to others like someone who doesn’t respect themselves, you make it much easier for them to disrespect you. People can often perceive you as you perceive yourself. For a woman, this rule is one that best be remembered.
- Don’t be envious of others. Appreciate your uniqueness and your self-worth because you have something to offer that no one else does. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Count your blessings and realize that you possess a personality and specific qualities or traits that are YOU and only you!
- Live the life you want, not the one that others expect you to. People – specifically your family and friends – generally expect great things from you when they believe in your potential. And they should. But make sure to expect the same from yourself. Don’t simply be great because others want you to. Be great because YOU want to! Because you can’t see yourself living any other life than your own.
- Don’t do unto others what you don’t want them to do to you. This way of life doesn’t have to be in the Bible or any religious testament for us to realize its importance . If you don’t like something being done to you, probability is that neither will others.
- Focus on the 98% that’s right in your life instead of the 2% that’s wrong. We so often worry and lose sleep over the little petty things in life and forget to be thankful for the great things that we have.
- Overnight success is a myth not worthy of a fable. I think anyone and everyone who lives and breathes social media knows what I mean by this. Overnight success comes from months, years and decades of perseverance, diligence, patience and hard work.
- Don’t expect anything in return for your good deeds. Don’t do something for someone simply because you expect them to return the favor or gesture. Do it because you genuinely want to. You’d be surprised by how much more often than not your thoughts or actions will be appreciated and maybe even reciprocated. If it’s within your means and power to help someone – then help!
- When you’re faced with a tough decision, writing down the pros and cons on a piece of paper will enlighten you more than you think. You might think this is silly, but trust me – it works! Even for the simplest of things such as relationships for example. It’s like the difference between imagining a picture in your head and looking at it directly. If you’ve ever written a SWOT analysis for a project, then you know what I mean.
- To every crisis is an opportunity. As unfortunate as that statement may sound, it’s often very true. It’s similar to the saying, “for every door that closes, there’s a window that opens”. Take the recent demonstrations in the Middle East for example. It’s been sad to see what’s been happening but at the same time, the merchant who sells flags and banners has made quite the killing. What about the company that sold Tamiflu during the “swine flu” outbreak? What about non-material things – such as learning, growing, reflecting or becoming better than before from whatever may have occurred? Like I said, there is a seed of opportunity that lies in every crisis.
- Life sometimes throws you a curve ball. Have your glove ready to catch the son of a bitch! And if you must – throw it right back.
- Diplomacy, courtesy, honesty and respect go a long way and will get you everywhere.
- Don’t live to work. Work to live. I don’t care how much you love your job. Even if you’re a Lifestyle Entrepreneur like me, who aims to profit from passion. Your work shouldn’t be your life. Your family and friends should!
As for numbers 13 and 14…Well, those are special to me because I’ve been hearing them from my father since as early as I can recall. I might have been hearing him back then, but today…I’m listening – loud and clear!
13. Close one eye and open the other, and the years will have flown by. I was an 8 year old kid living in Cairo, Egypt when I first heard that old age Arabic expression. And my dad’s probably said it to me 100 times since. But I vividly remember when he said it to me before I left for college. He said they would be the fastest 4 years of my life. No truer words were ever spoken.
I accorded my twin half-brothers the same wise words of advice before they went off to college 3 years ago. I also included “have a blast” and the end of golden nuggets – contrary to my father’s version for me lol. They recently reminded me of it when they couldn’t believe they only had one year left to graduate.
All I mean to tell you here, is make every moment count for time is beyond precious and there’s no getting it back!
14. It is possible to one day lose everything or everyone you love…your house, spouse, money and all your belongings. But the one thing that you can never lose and that no one can take away from you, is your education; the one you get at home and at school. How right he is!
I’m pretty sure that my father isn’t reading this (or this blog in general for that matter) – so I’ll have to remind him one day that I do pay attention after all ;).
Okay, I think I’ve mused enough – although I’m sure you know I could easily drop another 20 lol!
Now it’s YOUR TURN to share and teach me something. Don’t be shy and don’t think for a minute that there’s nothing more to add here.
What have you learned by experience or through others?
What wise words of advice do you have for me and this community?
You can either write them here in the comments section or in a post on your blog. Just remember to link back to this piece if you do. The choice is yours and the floor…well, that’s all yours too ;)!
[image credit: (Education) via Gameover’s Blog; (Life 101) via Pioneer Drama Service]
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