Words of Wisdom

Gene Siskel asked Oprah Winfrey a question that forever changed her way of thinking. What do you know for sure? I decided to ask myself this very question. It happened when I was sitting on the city bus this morning, where I do my best 'accidental thinking'. What I mean by this is that every time I take the bus, I let my mind wander because I'm not concentrating on anything until I arrive at my stop. My accidental bus thinking has gotten so strong, that I now carry a little pad and pen with me in my purse. I thought it would be a good idea to share what I know for sure. In a world of complete uncertainty, its comforting to have some words of wisdom shelved inside your brain. I collected a list of some of my favourite quotes and things that I know for sure for when some of those uncertain times strike.

1. When people show you their true colours the first time, believe them.
2. You have to accept that some days you're the pigeon, and some days you're the statue.

3. If you let the fear of rejection keep you from doing something, you will never get what you want.

4. Having the right to be angry and having the right to be cruel are two totally different things.

5. Ordinary people can do extraordinary things (one of my favourite things on the list).

6. The best things in life really are free.

7. Maturity has nothing to do with the amount of birthday candles on your cake.

8. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you decide to react to it.

9. No matter what happens in your life, the world will not end because of it. The sun will still rise tomorrow.

10. Where you come from and how you were raised contributes to the person you are, but you are ultimately responsible for you.

11. Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

12. Laughter is by far the best medicine.

13. Your life can change in minutes based on a stranger.

14. The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything - they just make the most of everything they have.

15. The greatest riches in life have nothing to do with your bank statement.

16. Worrying is not time well spent - doing something about whatever worries you is more proactive.

17. When one door closes, another one opens (in my case, a big, Italian door).

18. The world will not end if someone disagrees with you - stand up for what's right, even if you stand alone.

19. Trust your gut. Intuition is important.

20. Let you profession also be your passion.

21. There is no storm that can't be weathered.

22. Be careful of who you step on the ladder - you may meet them again on your way down.

23. "The world is a book, and those who do not travel only read one page."

24. Sometimes, slow and steady really does win the race.

25. You must be patient with yourself when learning something new.

26. There is no greater friend in life than yourself.

27. Karma is real.

28. Love without friendship for its base is like a mansion built upon sinking sand.

29. You can tell a lot about a person by how they deal with lost luggage, a rainy day, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

30. Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.

31. You can't go through life wearing a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw some things back.

32. People may forget exactly what you did and what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

33. If you are unsure about what you want, think about what you don't want and the answer will come easily.

34. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning how to dance in the rain.

35. You're here for a good time, not a long time. So have a good time - the sun can't shine every day.

36. Sometimes, the people who you would expect to kick you when you're down are actually the first to help you up.

37. A house is not a home without a dog.

38. Embrace loneliness. It gives you the opportunity to learn about yourself.

39. There is no such thing as impossible if you work hard.

40. Leave loved ones with kind words. It may be the last time you speak to them.
41. When you move away from home, you'll be surprised at what you miss. You'll also be surprised at what you don't.
42. Some people aren't meant to be in your life forever. Sometimes they're there to teach you a lesson and move on so you can learn from other people.
43. Family doesn't have to mean blood relatives. 
44. Reading books can open your eyes to a world way beyond anything you could ever imagine.
45. No matter how physically, emotionally or mentally exhausted you are, when someone you love calls for help, you will find the strength to do it.