The wisdom that people learn in life through both difficult and positive experiences, can serve as a great way for other people to apply to their lives. Having the gift of using wisdom in things throughout a life, can lead a person to enjoying a much more happy and fulfilling life.

A while ago, I came across the following list that I found to be very interesting. The words of wisdom were gleaned from an individual who was in their 70’s and heading toward 80 years old. The person was asked, “What sort of changes they were feeling about themself”? The following statements were both fascinating and intriguing…I hope that they are the same for you 🙂

  1. After loving my parents, my siblings, my spouse, and my friends, I have started to love myself.
  2. I have realized that I am not “Atlas” and 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 big 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 that 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 to 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 do not value me. They may not know 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 a race.
  11. I am learning not to be embarrassed by my emotions. It is my emotions that make me human.
  12. I have learned that it is better to drop the ego than to break up 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!

Why do we have to wait to be 60, 70, or 80? Why can’t we practice some of these pearls of wisdom at any age or stage of our lives? Food for thought…

*************

Photo by Jean van der Meulen: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-owl-1543417/