We have no trouble getting advice, whether from Ann Landers, Dear Abby or anyone else.
The key to using advice is to be open to hear it, evaluate it, and then choose the advice that is helpful to you.
This requires observing and knowing yourself. Knowledge can also come from feedback about ourselves from others.
A quick reference list of advice can be handy. I received one by e-mail that I am sharing.
Give people more than they expect and do this willfully.
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Learn by heart your favourite song.
Don’t believe everything you hear and do not sleep as much as you would like.
When you say, “I love you,” say it truthfully.
When you say “I’m sorry,” say it with eye contact.
Never mock other’s dreams.
Deal with discontentment, fight fairly, but do not offend.
Do not judge others because of their relatives.
Talk slow; think fast.
Remember that the greatest love and the greatest success also hold many risks.
When you lose, do not lose the lesson.
Remember: respect for yourself, respect for others, and responsibility for your actions.
Do not allow a small disagreement to hurt a great friendship.
When you notice that you have made a mistake, take the appropriate steps to correct it.
Smile when you answer the phone. Those who call, can “hear” your smile.
Marry (or be with) the person you love talking to the most. When you get old, conversation will be more important than anything else.
Spend some time alone.
Accept change with open arms, yet do not give up your values.
Remember that sometimes, silence is the best answer.
Read more books and watch television less.
Live a good, honourable life. Later, when you grow old and remember the past, you will enjoy it once more.
Share your knowledge. It is the way to live forever.
Pray. Prayer has incredible power.
Never interrupt someone who flatters you.
Once a year, visit a place you have never seen before.
Remember that sometimes, not getting what you want is lucky.
Learn all the rules, and then break some.
Remember that the greatest relationships are the ones in which the love between two people is greater than the need one has of the other.
Judge your success in light of what you had to give up in order to obtain it.
Peter Griffiths is a mental health counsellor based in Prince Albert, Sask. His columns are intended as general advice only. His website is www3.sk.sympatico.ca/petecope.
