Monday, May 28, 2007

Words of Farewell

There are so many things we can learn in this life, from textbook lessons to matters of the heart. We cannot experience the journey without picking something up along the way, nor can we walk away without leaving something behind.

May some of these lessons go with you as you begin this new chapter of your life, and may you learn new things that will enhance and enrich the lovely person that you are.

1. No work is beneath you. Whether you're the president of a company or behind a fast-food counter, do your job with grace, a smile and the conviction that no matter what it is, it's worth doing.

2. Watch your words. The old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me", is a great falsehood. Remember the Indian proverb: "Before you speak, think: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? Does it improve on the silence?" And ponder that before you speak. Never underestimate the power that words hold. They can be used for goodness or hurt, but either way, once said they are out there forever.

3. Forgive others, including yourself. Life is too short to harbor grudges, and resentment is like a poison. Forgiving someone doesn't necessarily let them 'off the hook' for a wrongdoing, but it allows each person to find peace and move on. Don't beat yourself up too much for making a mistake. We are human. When we falter it teaches us humility and allows us to seek guidance from above.

4. Don't judge others too harshly. We don't always know what's going on behind the scenes and often we are wrong in our assessments. Open up your hearts and leave the judging to God.

5. Be yourself and stay true to that. What you claim to be, be really. No matter where you go in life, you will always take "you" with you. Don't spend your time trying to be someone that others expect or want you to be. Simply be the best "you". You're not one in a million. You are the only 'you' there is at all.

6. Follow the Golden Rule...and beyond. Don't just treat people the way you want to be treated. Some people are more tolerant to bad behavior and expect no more for themselves. As I've always told my own kids: "You won't like everyone in this world and I don't expect you to befriend everyone. But I do expect you to be kind to them."

7. Be a true friend. Don't repeat hurtful gossip. Listen. Help. Laugh. Be trusting and trustworthy. Be kind, faithful and true. One of the best definitions I've heard for friendship is this: "A true friend is he who comes in when the rest of the world goes out."

8. Money isn't wealth. Family, friends, health, values, love and faith are. Keep material things in perspective and don't allow them to define who you are. The amount of money you have in your bank account has nothing to do with your riches.

9. Grow up, but don't grow old. At 80 years of age, my mother is the youngest person I know. Though she is responsible, level-headed and kind she is also light-hearted, fun-loving and adventurous. You can be child-like without being childish.

10. Learn how to say, "I'm sorry", for you will need those words often in life. You are never above an apology and it shows that you have both grace and wisdom. They are as important to say - and hear - as the words, "I Love You", and can be the bridge that rebuilds a broken heart.

Good Luck and God's Blessings to you! May the path we shared come together again one day.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

These are great words Lori, Thank You

Martie said...

What wise words to send our young people off to their own adventures with! In my book, you are one of the best examples of the words you speak!

Hugs across the miles!

srp said...

What a wonderful post. I told Nyssa those exact words about being kind to all, whether she liked them or not. These are good refresher points for we who have had some of life's knocks as well... always a good idea to pull back and revisit those wise words and reflect on our own attitudes.

My goodness... next year your daughter will join those graduates... and mine will walk through the Wren building at William and Mary, for the last time and out into the world.

Mike said...

strong and wise words oh sage one.

Mellissa said...

Lori,

I printed these out and put them up beside my desk as a reminder.

I have missed you very much and am glad you came by and said hello.

xoxo,
Mellissa

alan said...

That you give pieces of yourself away to so many each year to spread through the universe and down through generations is a most wonderful gift and blessing, my friend!

alan

Mike said...

:-) PT 2