Next to the least used commode in my house sits a little wicker basket overflowing with 3” by 5” little books – most of them touting verbiage like Life’s Little Instruction Book or Life Lessons for Mothers. Not only do I hardly ever use that particular commode, but when I do, I fail to even causally glance at the pile of bound papers placed right by my side in clear view.
This morning – kinda confined to the aforementioned commode – I actually picked-up the mini volumes – immediately beguiled at the valuable life lessons set forth.
Here’s a few:
- When you feel terrific, notify your face.
- Never be the first to break a family tradition.
- Drive as you wish your kids would.
- Don’t let a little dispute disrupt a great friendship.
- Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something.
- Don’t expect your love alone to make a neat person out of a messy one.
- Talk slow, but think quick.
- When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer, smile, and ask, “Why do you want to know?”
- Meet regularly with someone who has vastly different views than your own.
- Don’t be called out on strikes. Go down swinging.
- Be quick to take an advantage of an advantage.
- Everybody deserves a birthday cake.
- When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
- Don’t overlook life’s small joys while searching for the big ones.
- Remember no time is ever wasted that makes two people better friends.
- Pay as much attention to the things that are working positively in your life as you do to those giving you trouble.
- Keep in mind that winners do what losers don’t want to do.
- Some things need doing better than they have ever been done before. Some just need doing. Others don’t need doing at all. Know which is which.
- Don’t confuse mere inconveniences with real problems.
- Use a favorite picture of a loved one as a bookmark.
- When you are uncertain about what you should pay someone, ask, “What do you think is fair?” You will almost always get a reasonable answer.
- Never interrupt when you are being flattered.
- Don’t miss the magic of the moment by focusing on what’s to come.
- Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them from “Someone who thinks you are terrific.”
- Remember that almost everything looks better after a good night’s sleep.
- Keep this lesson close: Life isn’t fair.
- Learn to make something beautiful with your hands.
- Remember people’s names.
- Take time out every day to have fun.
- Don’t believe people when they ask you to be honest with them.
- Be the first to say hello.
- Keep both your promises and your perspective.
- When friends offer to help, let them.
- Listen to your critics. They will keep you focused and innovated.
- Root for your home team.
- Go home for the holidays.
- Call your mother.
Every once in a while, life hands you a moment of repose – to re-charge, rejuvenate, and revive. This was one of those times.
Keep Preserving Your Bloom,
Dear Readers,
Over the holidays my upcycling business, Funky Creations, really took off. Starting this week, at the end of each column, I will be featuring one of our unique denim garments – and if you are interested in purchasing one of our gems, e mail me at funkycreations47@gmail.com
I knew my friend Pam was impressed with the artist Frida Kahlo but when she returned from Mexico having seen the museum showcasing her paintings, she was OVER THE MOON.
And immediately purchased this one:
“I was so thrilled that Iris had a Frida Kahlo jacket. I was literally at her museum/ home in Mexico City the day before,”relates Pam. “Frida was an incredibly strong brilliant artist who overcame severe medical issues and channeled it into much of her art. She is an inspiration.”
PS: One left similar, but not exactly like, Pam’s.