What is the best advice you have ever been given?

As we evolve, grow and make different choices in our lives, memories of external influence can come rushing back to us.  No matter where you are and what you are doing, different people have helped you get to where you are right now. 

You may reflect on your parents, employers of the past or present, friends, strangers or people who have entered your life, stayed briefly and may no longer be there.  Each relationship offers lasting wisdom.  Some leave more lasting impressions.

Amidst all this, it is meaningful to ask yourself what is the best advice you have ever been given?  Who shared this wih you? What were the circumstances? How has your life evolved as the result?  Share your own personal story to inspire others and encourage yourself.

Comments

[Harmony]

Liara,
A stimulating post for thought. I realized I can't answer that off the cuff, because you suggested it be the best advice..which qualifies it a bit. I have had the privlege of working around the world in many cultures. So many people have influenced me. I think I will sit with this one, but I appreciate your prod to do just that.
Blessings always,

[Liara Covert]

Harmony, a person can also respond with "some of the best advice" he or she has been given. We each have specific tidbits of wisdom that have helped us along the way.

For example, one man told me his father instilled the idea to believe in himself, no matter what happened. Nurturing faith in himself enables him to deal with different obstacles. He feels that advice has had a very beneficial impact on him that continues to this day.

Another man said to me some of the best advice he recalls came from his mother. She taught him not to be discouraged by "the little things" that crop up. This wisdom has inspired him to periodically review and revise his priorities. His life view evolves with him.

A woman confided in me about the most far-reaching advice she had been given concerned fear. She was urged not to permit fear to control her thoughts and feelings. She didn't let it prevent her from getting involved in sport or taking other risks that felt right in her gut. As the result, she develops greater self-confidence which reverberrates.

[Brett]

Some of the best advice I have ever been given is to always find something positive in every situation. I learned this life view from books, CDs, inspirational speakers and from my partner who has helped me discover another way of seeing myself and my life. You see, I haven't always been positive. I used to be more likely to get depressed when things weren't going my way on my timeline. Now, I realize life doesn't revolve around me. Everything that happens can be interpreted as good for me in some way if I learn from it.

[Bruno]

First and last love is self love

[Tricia]

My first thought is, I don't know. But then, my mom told me to treat everyone like I would like to be treated. Mom also taught me never to steal and never to lend money to friends. They often avoid you and don't always take you seriously for when you ask for it back.

[Alexys Fairfield]

About 15 years ago, I was walking through a town in Santa Barbara, CA, I passed a homeless man who was talking to himself. As soon as was about to pass him, he stopped, looked at me and very lucidly said, "Whatever you do in life, always do it with love."

His street wisdom just confirmed my own motto, but it was nice to hear it from a "stranger."

Writer Paul Twitchell once said, "Man is God clothed in rags."

[Liara Covert]

Brett, life is all about getting-to know ourselves. Changing your outlook implies you discover things you do that aren't working and you have the courage and will to alter how you think. It all begins in your mind. As you choose to evolve, you experience differently.

[Liara Covert]

Bruno, love is a very powerful vision. As we open ourself to it, we discover remorse, forgiveness, elation, certainties as well as unlimited and unconditional support. Love applies to everything. Some people think it is everything and they are ultimately it.

[Liara Covert]

Tricia, moms are great teachers! It appears you gained a lot, including insight into sincerity, understanding and truth. We always choose the qualities that define us.

[Liara Covert]

Alexys, your story rings true. Underneath modern, everyday activities, we rebalance our energy vibration constantly and go on as if nothing is different. Does everything change? Our soul knows its meaningful to truly examine and digest what we think we "see."

[Harmony]

I gave this thought today Liara. This line leaped into my awareness yesterday when I first read your post, and stayed with me all day.

Be still...and know, that I am God.

[Liara Covert]

Harmony, that's quite a mouthful. Who advised you of this> How do you apply this view?

[Harmony]

Liara,
I believe I will write about this, and trackback to your post. Is that okay with you? Thank you for asking me, it is good to sit with.
Harmony

[Ned]

"This moment is perfect. I am here to understand how." My father said this to me. He has said a lot of bits of wisdom, but this one stands out. I could probably chew on it for a lifetime and never truly digest it's meaning.

He said it to me because I am a dreamer, an idealist. I can get very emotional and self-destructive when reality does not fit my ideal world. This little koan gives me a different approach. The imperfections I see or the expectations I project are not an inherent part of reality; they are my perceptions. When I see the moment as perfect and let go of what I think it should be, happiness arises. Go figure!

[Liara Covert]

Ned, the advice you received to savor the now is something many people would benefit from doing more. It is yet another opportunity for people to choose to open up to possibilities they hadn't thought of before. Your self-view and enthusiasm are valuable!