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Messages in The Bottle From Those Who Went Before You

“Forewarned is forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory” ~Miguel de Cervantes

By Lynda CokerPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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Image by kalhh from Pixabay

Forewarned is forearmed is a proverb that is hundreds of years old. A proverb is a short, common saying or phrase. These common sayings are language tools that particularly give advice or share a universal truth, or impart wisdom. Source

How many times have I said or thought, “I wished I’d known that before…”

But then again, if I’d known, would I have taken it to heart, put it into action, and reap the benefits? I like to think I’m intelligent and humble enough to do such a thing. But sad to say, the beauty of wisdom most often comes with age, and those who have not reached such years, have not the wisdom to listen!

So when I needed the gems of wisdom most, in my formative years, was also the time when my hearing was selective and I saw no value in the words of those who had gone down the path of life before me.

I hope that whatever age you are now, you’ll read the following bits of hard-earned wisdom from those who are considered ‘Old Persons’. Not only to read them but also to mull them over, chew on them a while, and digest their true meaning and importance for your life.

Messages in the bottle

  • Guard your tongue, as it can destroy as easily as it can encourage.
  • The quickest way to cope with low self-esteem is to be of service to someone else.
  • Should of, could of, would of — say instead, “I DID IT!”
  • Guard your name, your health, and your credit.
  • What has lasting value is worth waiting for.
  • Always be cautious. Remember that graveyards are full of people who were innocent, had the right-of-way, and trusted the wrong people.
  • Be careful what you do today because it will be lurking in the shadows to bite you in the butt tomorrow.
  • Change is most effective when it starts with you — not others.
  • You only have one time to make a first impression!
  • Never allow yourself to get into debt.
  • Never lie, and you will never have to worry about telling the truth.
  • If you would have only listened.
  • Sometimes it’s better to agree to disagree and move on.
  • Life is tough and it gets even tougher when you choose to be stupid.
  • The majority of the time it’s better to be silent and listen.
  • Always look forward. There’s a reason the rearview mirror is small and the windshield is big.
  • You and ONLY you are responsible for the choices and decisions you make.
  • At any point in your life, you can change direction.
  • Live in the present the way you want to be remembered in the future.
  • Good intentions with no actions are like gifts ungiven.
  • In the scope of time, you are but a breath. Make it a sweet one.
  • Life isn’t fair. So plan your strategies and secure your options now!
  • Opinions held do not always need to be shared.
  • Learn the difference between love and lust.
  • Failure affirmation or results — which do you choose

    Some people ignore good advice. Those are the same people that whine and complain that they’ve tried all this and it didn’t work. I feel sorry for them as I shake my head.

    What they really mean is that they don’t think the ‘Old Persons’ giving this advice have been in their shoes are felt what they feel.

    I say, “Sure, it is hard.” But the reason these ‘Old Persons’ have gained the wisdom is that they didn’t want affirmation for failure but chose to press forward until they got results. In that process, they gained experience and bits of wisdom that they’re more than willing to share.

    How to learn from the messages in the bottle

    The first thing that has to be left behind is a self-seeking ego and an inflated sense of self-worth. If you already know everything and have nothing to learn, then evaluating good advice that has been tested over time is a waste of your precious time.

    However, if you’re open to considering your options, here’s a list of things that will make that process easier.

    1. Listen to the entire advice before speaking. Yes, all of it.
    2. Clarify anything you don’t understand.
    3. Think about the context in which the advice is given and from whom it is given.
    4. Evaluate the advice. Seek additional council if needed.
    5. Be open to new perspectives, opinions, processes, and viewpoints.
    6. Stay focused on the topic or issue at hand. Don’t dredge up unrelated matters.
    7. Identify specific areas you wish to approach and implement a plan or strategy to achieve your goal.

    Takeaway

    The burning question that will come up over and over again is this? Why should I listen to the advice of ‘Older Persons’?

    If the wisdom found in their advice is not proof enough of its value, you might consider this statement. The conventional, modern wisdom of any generation is shallow and untested.

    Consider this — It is in the challenge to the conventional worldview that the true value of their wisdom lies. The elders make us examine our assumptions and make more conscious decisions about our own scripts for happiness.

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    About the Creator

    Lynda Coker

    Grab a chair, turn a page, and read a while with me. I promise to tap lightly on my keyboard so we both can stay immersed in our world of words.

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