Sunday, November 06, 2005

Words To Live By...

Everyone has a saying or motto by which they live. Some mottos are more philosophical then others. Whatever the motto or words may be, they define us and let people know a little more about who we are. Having said that, my mottos are the perfect example of who I am and what I believe in. I have two that I am constantly saying:

Don't judge a book by its cover and You never know aka benefit of the doubt

The don't judge a book by its cover is the newest motto for me. After we had Peanut I came to strongly believe that people are too busy judging based on what they see. They don't seem to try to see what lies beneath the surface. It bothers me and so I try very hard to look beyond what I see. You'd be very surprised what you'll see if you can get past the apperance and see someone for who they really are.

The benefit of the doubt is my all time favorite sayings. It kinda runs along the lines of you never know until you've lived a day in anothers shoes. You just don't know why people do things, or say things. Perhaps they had a bad day or misunderstood you or they just are being misunderstood. All too often peoples words or actions are taken out of context and read into in a way that can ruin friendships, and change relationships. If you start to get insulted or mad, just give the person the benefit of the doubt, you'll be amazed.

So what words or mottos do you live by? Words that make a differance in your life daily, weekly? Why are they so important to you?

11 comments:

Jan Steck Huffman said...

I guess these are more words of advice, but I still live by each of them. They both came from my dad, who sadly passed away 4 days after Nash's 1st birthday. One was "always take your foot off the accelerator when traveling on an icy bridge", and the other, "don't eat yellow snow". Both still bode well today.

I finally linked you!

Anonymous said...

No words of wisdom here. Just looked in for an update. Very glad to read that Peanut has become such an accomplished pooper. And sounds like she's doing great in other areas as well. -- Bob, Charlie's dad

Unknown said...

I have this hanging in my dressing area of my room and read it everyday. If I had to pick one piece this would be it.


Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

BStrong said...

"Look Beyond What You See", isn't that a line spoken by Rafikee in The Lion King?

Sorry had to add a little humor.

Love ya dear
B

Kim Ayres said...

The one that has come to dominate our lives over the past couple of years is:

"Life's too short"

In other words, don't be putting off your life until some indefinite time in the future. That future may well never arrive.

This feeling that we keep putting off what we really want to do until the business is profitable, until the mortgage is paid off, until the kids leave home etc, it stops us from living. Suddenly we wake up one day and realise that it's too late. It is this feeling that precipitated the major changes we have made in our lives, to shape the way we live into something we truly want.

Belovedlife said...

Mauzy- excellent practical peices of advice....Never knew about yellow snow ;)

Bob- Glad to hear from you, How's Charlie?

Tara Marie - What can I say? THat is so amazing, I'll print it off and hang it up too.

BStrong - Yes I know I've been watch ing too much Lion king, buthow true it is! (Quoting children's movies is a professional hazard)

Kim - Very true! Life is too short, Perhaps we should think of ways to extend it.... Butin all seriousness, very true about not waiting. I'm not waiting anymore....what was I waiting for in the first place? I can't remember...perhaps I waited too long :)

Lisa said...

Actually, have you ever seen the picture Mother-in-law/Wife? It's that has actually two pictures in it. One is a beautiful woman, the other is an ugly old woman. Some people see one, some people see the other. I open my lectures with this pix. "Things may not always be exactly as you see or perceive them". The speech is actually given to teachers, therapists in school districts--it's called "WElcome To My World" A Perspective Of a Parent with A Child that has a disability". Ironically, at least once a day I remind myself or someone around me how important it is not to pass judgment on people unless you've walked in their shoes. Love your blog!

Naomi said...

I don't think I have a motto or saying. But if I had to sum up how I live my life then it would be "do unto others as you would want them to do to you" or however it's phrased. Basically if you treat people like crap then don't get pissed off when people treat you like crap as well.

BStrong said...

Naomi - LOL, that was so eloquently put:)
B

Pilgrim said...

I'm sorry to say that a lot of what goes on in my mind also comes out of children's videos. :-)

My dad was always quoting my grandmothers's wall mottoes:
When you have given thanks for every blessing sent,
What time doth there remain for murmur or lament?

Only one life, t'will soon be past;
Only what's done for Christ will last.

My husband often says, "There's no rest for the wicked." (and the righteous don't need none) (The ending is from Jan Karon's Mitford books.)

I sometimes say "what goes around comes around," but am realizing that does not fit my theology, which leaves room for grace, the possiblity of forgiveness, getting better than we deserve. So I may quit saying it.

Belovedlife said...

These are all such great saying and mottos. Thanks to everyone for sharing!