Take it or leave it.
Compared to the people I care for on a daily basis (my 80 to 100 year old residents) I haven’t been around that long. But I’ve learned my lesson a time or two. Here are some things I’ve felt, experienced, lost, gained and learned from. Here’s some free advice…
1) Moments are fleeting. They come to pass so quickly. In a world where the only constant is change, learn to appreciate this moment. Whether it’s staring into the eyes of the person you love the most or just sitting in silence reminiscing, do not take it for granted.
2) Be your own sunshine on a cloudy day. Make your own happiness, don’t let it depend on people or material possessions. You have the power to destroy your mood or build yourself up. And NO ONE can make you feel inferior without your consent.
3) Love is more than a feeling. Love is a decision. It can’t be based off of physical chemistry or anything superficial. It is finding someone you care for more than yourself. Putting all of your wishes aside and giving without an agenda. But… It can’t be one sided. It can’t be exhausting or excruciating. People have it all wrong, love doesn’t hurt. Being cheated on, abused, lied to, humiliated and unappreciated hurts. Love uplifts and empowers. I hope everyone has the fortune of finding the kind of love and friendship I’ve found in my significant other. Everything else pales in comparison.
4) The world isn’t fair. It’s so full of hateful, selfish jealousy and greed. It’s full of ignorance and arrogance. If you can’t find a good person then be a good person. I garantee someone is looking for the good in you. Give them hope, give them kindness, give them compassion. Work on it everyday and karma will reciprocate.
5) What goes around comes around. Vengeful people get theirs. Do not seek to get even with anyone because it’ll come back to you.and someone is waiting for it to.
6) Instead of wishing for more or different appreciate what you have or it’ll become what you HAD. Often times that grass is greener because it’s fertilized with shit.
7) Appreciate the little things. Sure, Grand romantic gestures are sweet. But they’ll tell you they love you in little ways every day. Notice them, acknowledge them, and adore them. So often we are blind to subtleties because of hectic schedules or racing thoughts but happiness and true love is found in the slightest of gestures.
8) Work. Work hard. Fight for what you believe in and who you believe in. A little elbow grease goes the distance. Chase your dreams, never quit, and success is yours.
9) Loyalty is a lot more than keeping your genetalia to yourself. It is defending that person when they aren’t around, it is fighting for their dignity and honor. Loyalty isn’t stupidity, it’s knowing the value of another and defending it. It’s believing in another so much that you’ll say so to anyone without fear of being humiliated.
10) Life is too short. Do anything you want and want everything you have. Do not hesitate because “the timing isn’t right.” Make mistakes, mess up a little, take chances, love with all you’ve got, and risk it all. Fall again and again and get back up every time. It flies by in the blink of an eye. Stifle your fears and fight for your dreams.
Take it as you may. Or leave it where you may. That’s my free advice.
The Mad Mind of Coraline 