* Stop trying to convince anyone of anything.
* The Universe whispers to you first. Then it taps you on the shoulder. If you’re still not listening, it will punch you in the gut and drop you to your knees. (I've been brought to my knees a few times, and looking back it was completely necessary!)
* The worst lie you can tell yourself is “I will be happier when……….” (God! I am only just starting to "get" this!)
* If you don’t give with a true sense of joy, don’t bother giving.
I'm still doing my 29 Day Giving Challenge-(see post below) but actually finding it a real challenge. Some days I'm really stumped
* Logic has it’s limits. People who worship logic all the time tend to suffer in their happiness and relationships. (Having studied the Sciences, logic was always my first port of call. Hubby has gradually taught me how "illogical" my "logic" could be).
* You’re never as wrong as when you are sure you are right. (I LOVE this).
* It’s great to have an edge, but if you are too sharp you will cut the people around you. (One of the reasons I left my previous profession as a Criminal Psychologist. I was just cutting too many people close to me).
* It’s not easy being grateful all the time. But it’s when you feel least thankful that you are most in need of what gratitude can give you.
* I’ve learned not to worry about what comes next. (A really difficult one for me, but with the help of some great books and coaches I'm getting there).
* For me the word “doubt” means don’t. Don’t move. Don’t answer. Don’t rush forward (This one works for me EVERY time).
What have you learnt so far as you journey through the University of Life? I would love to hear some of your lessons, and how you came by them.
I've learnt to take things slow and steady; and that no matter how much i worry, it doesn't change anything.
ReplyDeleteI really need to stop thinking/ saying "I'll be happier when..."
xoxo Hermine
I loved your post my Father often refered to the University of Life and that it teachs you things you will never learn in school... thanks for bringing back a fond memory of my Father with simple words (he is probably sitting over me shaking his head and saying "see I told you there is something to the University of Life".
ReplyDeleteSo far I'm learning no matter what plans or dreams you may have , the universe holds the master plan and the two may not always align. I think often our dreams and plans are "Want" based while the master plan of the universe is "need" based and helping others.
It's not falling that keeps us down its how we react to falling whether we get up.
Wishing you a wonderfully blessed week..xo HHL
Thank you Hermine and HHL
ReplyDelete@HHL- I too am just learning that the Universe really does have the master plan. I saw a quote once that really stuck with me, which said "Make God laugh-make a plan!" It says it all for me really. And yes, your father was so right. The University of Life has taught me more than my 25+ years in academic institutions.
@Hermine-so true about worrying. Worrying is the interest you pay on a debt that may NOT be YOURS! A good reminder when the worry gremlins start ;-)
inspiring! ive learned to ask when in doubt and i learned to ask when i needed help. i also learn that you are as beautiful as you make up your mind to be.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post. Must put it up on my 'Inspiration Board'...
ReplyDeleteLike you, I particularly love, * You’re never as wrong as when you are sure you are right.
I received this quote from a friend some time ago and it's stuck with me:
There are only three things you need to let go of: judging, controlling, and being right. Release these three and you will have the whole mind and twinkly heart of a child.
~ Hugh Prather
Funny how being like a child in some things can be most positive!
What a perfect post Vanessa! We are so similar in many ways, I have to say that these are all pretty much the same lessons I've learned too.
ReplyDeleteSome lessons have to be learned harder than others. Last year was year of gut punches for me. I remember on my birthday that something hit me so hard it was as if the wind had been knocked out of me. I was grateful for the reminder not to procrastinate in a particular area anymore all while bawling my eyes out.
My mother always says, when in doubt do nothing. I've lived by that rule. I can make better decisions when I pray about something and sleep o it.
The biggest lesson I've had to learn is that no matter what challenge I face or where I feel I'm lacking, God is my source and His abilities begin where mine end.
I've also learned that while you can inspire others and help them along you cannot change them. If they don't want it for themselves, don't want to do the work, it isn't going to happen.
Thank you so much fashionassist,tabulyogang and Karla. I loved reading your comments.
ReplyDelete@tabulyogang- so true about asking for help.So nay of us would rather struggle along blindly than ask for help (me included!)
@fashionassist-I LOVE your Hugh Prather quote.
@Karla-I'm pleased this resonated with you. I LOVE what you said about God takes over where your abilities stop. I have seen this SO MANY times in my own life that without sounding cheesy it is verging on the "miraculous".
Vanessa ..
ReplyDeleteSO loved this post. Each one of the items in your list made me smile, as it struck a familiar chord. I think we all deal with very similar things in life. Of course, beyond the things that we all deal with, there are more specific things, but in general, we all seem to deal with worry, with self-confidence and finding happiness. Your bullets were right on. Worry is one that I've slowly tried to let go of, as it really does no good. I always smile when I hear the saying "worry is like a rocking chair, it keeps you busy but takes you nowhere." It's so TRUE! And most of the things you worry about never happen anyway. It takes living through some of this to see that it's true! xoxo
Vanessa - This was just beautiful! I am always inspired by your wisdom and your insights. My dad always said to me, "Life is short - You might as well have a good time." It's one of the things I always think about when making a decision. Will I have a good time? Can I help others have a good time? After all, there is no sense in going around being miserable or unhappy. Appreciate you!
ReplyDeleteVanessa - I am printing this to put on my desk. Such pearls of wisdom ~ I can relate to every single one of them. And while I endeavor to give up the worrying, it always seems to find a way to creep back in.
ReplyDelete@Sandy, Andrea and Beth-thank you so much for your lovely comments, and for stopping by.
ReplyDelete@Sandy-love that phrase of worry being like a rocking chair. Never heard that analogy before and it's right on the money-brilliant!
@Andrea-so wise was your Dad. It's true, life is so short why not just kick your shoes off and have fun.
@Beth-Like you Beth, the worry gremlins always seem to find a way of "seeping into my soul", but I am getting much better. I suppose the trick is to catch yourself quickly before the worry and imagination snowballs out of control.
I so appreciate ALL the comments as I know how time-starved we all are; so thank you everyone.
LOVE this! - all so true - love a post that makes u sit back and think!
ReplyDeletePS ... LAST DAY TO Join Custom Sign Give-Away HOPE YOU ALL WILL!
*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~
I love this so much, Vanessa! I've been going through such painful times the last month or so and many of these lessons ring very true to me. :-) Thank you for your honesty and openness. You cheered this girls heart today. :-)
ReplyDeleteAmen to it all! You are so wise, my friend :) xoxo
ReplyDelete@Erika, TAW and Rambling Tart, thank you all for popping by, and glad I was able to give you some food for thought ;-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a Great Post!!! Vanessa , I was really Impressed with your 29 Day Giving Challenge~ that takes a lot of patios and Huge heart~ Very inspiring! Thank you!
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