Selectively Juggling

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

During my wedding day celebrations my father stood amongst a seriously quiet room, each person’s gaze affixed on each and every emotionally heartfelt word. He said through tears of love, pride, joy and concern “marriage is about communication, make sure you really talk, really stop and listen to each other” . Indeed these words of advice continue to ring true.

One other poignant moment occurred when I was aged 10, and my father was telling one of my uncles that I was going to be a Sports Captain and School Prefect. Through love, pride and happiness my dad turned to me and said I could be “anything I set my mind, heart and soul to, including being the first female prime minister of Australia if I wanted to” That was powerful advice to a 10-year old Australian girl.

Another pearl of wisdom from my dad was “never ask a lazy person to do something that needs to be done, ask a person who is always busy doing things”. He surmised that a lazy person was too busy being lazy. Okay perhaps there are more complex nuances of meaning with this advice. Yes, it’s quite simplistic advice, but it’s proven right, time and time again.

Another significant piece of advice that has fared me well is “you do not need to attend every argument you’re invited to” This has proven time and time again to be significant advice. It’s attached to the life philosophy of play smart, not hard.

Also, never judge a person unless you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. Yep, helped me to understand empathy and compassion, definitely helped me personally and professionally.

Another one from my mum, “you can’t pour from a broken cup, so it’s essential to take care of yourself as well as others” Again, this advice has proven invaluable, time and time again.

One of my favourite words of advice from my dad was “empty vessels make most sound”, referring to making sure I listen and pay attention to the quieter person. This advice of the ‘loud’ and ‘obnoxious attention seeker’ also portends to narcissistic personality types.

And finally a monumental, life changing piece of advice from my daughter’s neurologist when she was just about to turn three. We attended the Sydney Children’s Hospital to finally hear what our daughter’s diagnosis was. In the specialist office, in front of the genetics counsellor and neurosurgeon I asked “so what do we do now?”, through tear-swollen eyes and a broken heart. The specialist simply looked at me, with gentleness etched deeply within his face “you treat your beautiful little girl just like any beautiful normal little girl, you love her!” They were powerful words, or more like seeds which I desperately needed to hear, feel and embrace. They’ve grown into strength, resilience and sensitivity.